Methodology for Aviation English Teachers - TAE-30

Our Teaching Methodology Course for Aviation English Teachers provides vital training for English language teachers with the latest methodology for teaching Aviation English in the context of ICAO standards, along with personal aviation language development which results from working with experienced aviation English trainers.

The objective of the training is to develop the course participants’ knowledge of Aviation English and English Language teaching skills within an aviation context, including a practical review of current methodology and classroom practice. Although an aviation background is an advantage, the course is designed to enable English language teachers who have little or no prior knowledge of aviation to teach Aviation English to Aviation Personnel. As all lessons have an aviation context, every part of the course contributes towards expanding the trainees' Aviation English knowledge.

Pre-Course Tasks

The TAE pre-course tasks aim to provide an appropriate foundation for course participants.

Course planning

There will be an initial group needs analysis at the beginning of each course. Sessions will be planned accordingly, also taking into account participants’ methodological awareness and aviation background.

Course content

Aviation English teaching methodology:

The following areas will normally be covered:

• Course design and lesson planning

• Phonology – issues of international comprehensibility

• Developing listening skills – gist, specific information and inference

• Targeting the ICAO language descriptors in the classroom

• Assessing a trainee’s level regarding the ICAO Language Proficiency Rating Scale

• Language transitions – from standard phraseology to plain English

• Sourcing, creating and exploiting authentic and published teaching materials

• Adapting video and audio materials for comprehension and language skills development

Aviation operations and lexis development:

• Aircraft structures and systems

• Aircraft and air traffic control operations

• The phases of flight

• Aviation personnel and their communicative responsibilities

• ATC organisation and control of airspace

• ICAO standard phraseology and procedures

• Routine and non-routine situations