L193 Rundblick: beginners German

L193 Guide

This publication forms part of the Open University module L193 Rundblick: beginners German. Details of this and other Open University modules can be obtained from the Student Registration and Enquiry Service, The Open University, PO Box 197, Milton Keynes MK7 6BJ, United Kingdom (tel. +44 (0)845 300 60 90; email general-enquiries@open.ac.uk). Alternatively, you may visit the Open University website at www.open.ac.uk where you can learn more about the wide range of modules and packs offered at all levels by The Open University. To purchase a selection of Open University course materials visit www.ouw.co.uk, or contact Open University Worldwide, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA, United Kingdom, for a brochure (tel. +44 (0)1908 858793; fax +44 (0)1908 858787; email ouw-customerservices@open.ac.uk).

The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA First published 2012 Copyright 2012 The Open University All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, transmitted or utilised in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher or a licence from the Copyright Licensing Agency Ltd. Details of such licences (for reprographic reproduction) may be obtained from the Copyright Licensing Agency Ltd, Saffron House, 610 Kirby Street, London EC1N 8TS (website www.cla.co.uk). Open University module materials may also be made available in electronic formats for use by students of the University. All rights, including copyright and related rights and database rights, in electronic module materials and their contents are owned by or licensed to The Open University, or otherwise used by The Open University as permitted by applicable law. In using electronic module materials and their contents, you agree that your use will be solely for the purposes of following an Open University course of study or otherwise as licensed by The Open University or its assigns. Except as permitted above you undertake not to copy, store in any medium (including electronic storage or use in a website), distribute, transmit or retransmit, broadcast, modify or show in public such electronic materials in whole or in part without the prior written consent of The Open University or in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. Edited, designed and typeset by The Open University Printed in the United Kingdom by The Charlesworth Group, Wakefield. SUP 028897 1.1

Contents
1 2 3 Introduction 1.1 Aims of the module Whats in the module Module website 3.1 Study planner 3.2 Revision weeks 3.3 Assessment materials 3.4 Resources 3.5 Link to online tutorials 3.6 News and forums Module books bungen 4.1 U 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 5 6 Language Study skills Culture Reection Transcripts Answer key 7 7 9 11 11 11 12 12 13 13 14 14 14 15 16 16 16 16 18 19 19 19 21 21 22 23 24 24 25 25 25 26 27 27 27 28 28 29

Module audio-visual materials Module assessment 6.1 Elements of assessment 6.2 Working with feedback Studying the module 7.1 Getting started 7.2 Studying the materials 7.3 Making the most of your tutor and tutor group 7.4 Staying motivated 7.5 Future language studies Additional resources 8.1 Recommended book 8.2 External audio-visual and online resources 8.3 Additional reading Learning outcomes 9.1 Knowledge and understanding 9.2 Cognitive skills 9.3 Key skills 9.4 Practical and/or professional skills

Acknowledgement

L193 Team

L193 Team
Module team
Carolyn Batstone (academic; author, L193 Guide) Sue Brennan (secretary) Nicky Johnson (secretary) Tim Jilg (academic; author, L193 Guide) Ursula Lanvers (academic) Jeannie McNeill (curriculum manager) Marn Oredein (secretary) Klaus-Dieter Rossade (academic) Margaret Southgate (academic) Ursula Stickler (academic; team chair) Sylvia Warnecke (academic)

Consultant website authors

Elisabeth Clifford Elke St John

Production team
Mandy Anton (graphics media developer) Andy Braidley (media developer) Carole Brown (sound and vision assistant) Gillian alayan (media project manager) Angela Davies (media assistant) Jane Docwra (faculty production manager) Kim Dulson (licensing and acquisitions assistant) Peter Finn (freelance editor) Lizzie Gray (sound and vision producer) Elaine Haviland (editorial media developer) Cayra Jones (licensing and acquisitions assistant) Katie Lewis (freelance editor) Neil Mitchell (graphics media developer)

L193 Guide

Nina Timmer (editorial media developer) Shasha Wang (media assistant) Susan Lowe (media project manager) Video material produced by Salon Deluxe for The Open University. Original L193 audio and video material compiled and produced by the BBC.

Critical readers
Christine Bohlander Elizabeth Erling Susan Kotschi Eddie Lawler Frank Monaghan Christopher Niblett Eva Staiger

External assessor
Gudrun Myers (Shefeld Business School, Shefeld Hallam University)

Special thanks
The module team acknowledges the authors of and contributors to the rst edition of this module. The Open University would like to thank all those who feature in the audio and video material.

Introduction

Introduction

Welcome to L193 Rundblick, the Open Universitys beginners module in German. The name of the module, Rundblick, means panorama. This Guide aims to support your study of Rundblick and to help you make the most of the module. In this guide, you will nd information about the various elements that make up the module, the main features of the materials and how you will be assessed during the module. You will also nd advice about the most efcient ways to use the materials, how to organise your time and how to take advantage of the support offered by your tutor and your tutor group. We recommend that you read this guide before you start your studies.

1.1

Aims of the module

L193 Rundblick assumes no previous knowledge of German. Support for your studies will therefore be provided in English, as necessary. The module materials give you opportunities to develop your ability to understand German in a range of day-to-day situations, and then to speak and write it in order to communicate effectively when visiting, working in or living in a German-speaking environment. Learning to use another language involves acquiring the four skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. Rundblick allows you to practise those skills, and offers a variety of activities and topics to cater to different learning needs and interests. The module aims to develop:
. .

. . . . . .

your ability to speak sufcient German to handle a variety of day-to-day situations your ability to understand the gist and extract the information you need when listening to spoken German in these situations your ability to understand the gist and extract the information you need when reading a variety of short texts in German, e.g. letters, adverts, brochures your ability to write simple notes, messages and descriptions in German your knowledge and understanding of the basic structure of the German language your awareness of culture and diversity in German-speaking countries your study skills which enhance your language learning your ability to monitor and evaluate your progress, through revision and feedback your ability to reect on your learning and become an independent language learner.

On completing the module you will have achieved a level of language prociency in German equivalent to A2 in the Council of Europes Common

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European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), which constitutes a sound basis for higher study. You will nd full details of the expected learning outcomes for Rundblick in Section 9 of this Guide.

Whats in the module

Whats in the module

Rundblick makes use of a variety of media, including a website, books and audio recordings. Other important features of the module include online tools and activities to help you revise each unit, as well as tutorial support and regular assessment. The various elements that make up the module are illustrated in the diagram below. It is important that you familiarise yourself with all the elements of the module.

L193 Guide Books Your tutor and tutor group

Audio resources

Online revision activities

L193 website

Assessment

The OU and the OU learning community

The different elements of Rundblick comprise:

. . . . .

a module website three books audio-visual materials assessment materials tutor and peer support.

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Rundblick is divided into 11 units. Each unit constitutes four weeks of study; in the rst three weeks you will use the module books and audio materials and in the fourth week you will focus on the online revision materials. Rundblick is spread over 44 weeks of study, and while every student is different and different students will be able to devote varying amounts of time to their studies, the suggested average is about seven hours of study per week. This includes study of the materials provided, revision, independent study and time to complete assessment tasks, including preparation for your end-ofmodule assessment (see Section 6.1.3). Rundblick involves three different types of study, all of which are important for your development:
. . .

individual study (using the books, audio recordings, online materials and other resources that interest you) study with your tutor (either face-to-face or online) study with other students (taking part in tutorials and self-help groups).

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Module website

Module website

In studying this module, you will use a number of online tools, activities and resources to collaborate with your tutor and other students and also to consolidate and complement what you learn from the books and audio recordings. All the tools and resources that you will use, as well as advice on how to use them, can be accessed on the module website; material accessible in this way includes electronic versions of the module books, audio and video les and assessment materials.

3.1

Study planner

At the heart of the module website is the interactive study planner. Here you will nd a week-by-week schedule for each unit. Three weeks of study, based on print and audio, are followed by one week of online revision activities. The interactive study planner allows you to mark activities you have completed by ticking a tick box. A printable version of the study planner is also available. Assessment tasks are also scheduled into the weekly study planner. The study planner provides information about the cut-off dates by which you must complete and submit your assignments, whether the latter are iCMAs (interactive computer-marked assignments, used to test reading and listening skills), or TMAs (tutor-marked assignments, for spoken and written language). We recommend that you consult the study planner at least once a week to check your progress.

3.2

Revision weeks

Each unit has a revision week, including a revision checklist and a series of online activities designed to revise key points that you have learnt in the unit and to further develop listening, reading and speaking skills. The revision checklist summarises the key points covered in the unit and directs you to elements in the books that can help you go over any points that you are unsure about. The online activities are divided into: language practice, focusing on grammar, functions, vocabulary and structures covered in the unit; reading practice and listening practice (based on audio and video materials), helping to develop and evaluate how much you can understand of the written and spoken language; and speaking practice, consisting of a variety of activities such as pronunciation exercises and prompted dialogues in which you are provided with short audio prompts to which you record replies using built-in audio recording software. A playback button enables you to listen to your answers, which you can compare with the model answers provided. Even if you feel condent on all the points that you have covered in the unit, we highly recommend that you regularly complete all of the revision activities, as this will help you to consolidate your learning.

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3.3

Assessment materials

The website also contains an assessment resources section where you can nd the assessment guide, the links to the iCMAs, the TMAs, the EMA and other les related to assessment. You will also nd advice on how to prepare and submit your assignments electronically in this section.

3.4

Resources

A variety of resources is available on the module website to help you with your study of Rundblick.

3.4.1

Working with computers

On the module website, you will nd help on using your computer during your studies, including documents on how to produce special or accented characters.

3.4.2

Pronunciation guide

In the pronunciation guide you will nd recordings of the sounds of the language and examples of how they are pronounced in words to help with your pronunciation of German.

3.4.3

Online study skills

On the module website, you will nd a set of activities to develop your online study skills for learning a language, such as using online dictionaries or doing web searches.

3.4.4

Library

The Library resources area contains several useful links. There is a link to the OU Library, which offers a range of books, e-books, and other electronic resources, such as the online Oxford English Dictionary, to help you with your studies. There are also links to external resources, including newspapers and online cultural and language websites. Have a browse around.

3.4.5

Flashcard maker

Flashcards are study tools that can help you memorise phrases, words or facts. You can create your own ashcards through the link to the OU ashcard maker and share the sets that you make with other students. You will nd further advice about how to create and use ashcards on the module website.

3.4.6

Index

The index enables you to locate information easily in the module books and on the website. The index includes all the language points, cultural information and study skills covered in Rundblick.

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Module website

3.5

Link to online tutorials

Some of the tutorials for this module will take place online, using a conferencing tool which enables you to talk to and work with other students in your tutorial group in real time. You can access this tool and instructions about how to use it via the module website. Between your tutorial sessions you will be able to use the tool in your own time to work online with other students to practise particular points or to prepare an activity for the next tutorial. The link to your online tutorial area is available from the website.

3.6

News and forums

There is a news section on the module website, where the module team posts general news and announcements. There is also a forum open to every student and tutor on the module. You are also provided with a tutor group forum for communicating with your tutor and the rest of your tutor group. You are encouraged to use the forums to post questions, exchange views and share experiences about your study of Rundblick.

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Module books

Each book is divided into chapters (Kapitel). Each Kapitel is divided into sections (each called a Lernziel, learning goal); each Lernziel contains activities (bungen) covering the four language skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing), and also contains language, study-skills, culture and reection boxes.

4.1

bungen U

The bungen are based on written or audio materials. Some of these materials are scripted for the level of German you are at. Others are real they were not created specically for language learners, but they are presented in the bungen in such a way as to help you learn to understand authentic written and spoken German. The written texts provide examples of a variety of text types, including emails and letters as well as brochures and websites. The audio materials mainly comprise recordings of a number of people from various German-speaking countries and regions. Each track is indicated by an next to the corresponding activity. The tracks appear in a list audio icon on the website. The bungen allow you to understand and work with the scripted and authentic reading, listening and speaking materials. bungen help you learn new language structures and grammar, and also allow you to practice the language points and vocabulary you learn in each Kapitel. Repeating and practising what you have already learnt helps you to remember these things better.

4.2

Language

4.2.1 Language functions and grammar

The language boxes (in purple) focus on language structures. These boxes include all the information on language functions and grammar you need to learn in order to complete this module. Each Lernziel teaches a specic language function. Language functions relate to the kind of language you need in order to say or write something, not just grammatical structures. For example, greeting people is a language function, and to learn how to greet people in German you need to learn a range of vocabulary and phrases along with some important structures. Another example of a language functions is: Saying where someone comes from, which you learn in Kapitel 1. You learn the words and phrases you need (such as to come from, place names, you) as well as the sentence structures you need in order to ask questions and say where you and other people come from. In language boxes that do specically focus on grammar, explanations are kept simple, and whenever necessary examples are given, accompanied by a translation in English, in order to illustrate the grammatical or language points under discussion. While you can always refer to the recommended book (see
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Module books

Section 8.1) for additional detail, bear in mind that the explanations provided in the materials for this beginners module should be enough to let you understand and master the language points you need. A brief overview of key language-function and grammar points is provided on the module website.

4.2.2 Vocabulary
Learning vocabulary is an essential part of learning a new language. Vocabulary is introduced in several different ways.
.

Through the activities: the reading and listening texts provide an important source of vocabulary. You can see words and phrases used in context. The questions will help you to understand what you are listening to and reading. In the Sprachfhrer: here you often nd phrases rather than individual words. These phrasebook-style entries are relevant to the topic or function taught. They can be a useful starting point for vocabulary learning and revision. All the Sprachfhrer entries for each Kapitel are also recorded in one track at the end of that Kapitel. Listening to and repeating these phrases and words can help you improve your pronunciation. In the margins: here you can often nd items of vocabulary provided which help you to understand what you are reading or hearing without having to look up everything in a dictionary. This vocabulary is provided mainly to help you understand the particular material you are reading or listening to. It is not necessarily language you will need to learn actively.

Sometimes when new structures are presented, useful phrases are also given within a language box. You can re-use these phrases in the activities and add them to your own vocabulary list. Some of the study-skills boxes (see Section 4.3, next) suggest ways to help you learn vocabulary. We recommend that you decide for yourself what language you will want to learn to use, and so make your own vocabulary list for each Kapitel. You wont need or be able to learn all the new vocabulary you encounter in the module. You will certainly wish to select whatever language is useful to you or whatever is best linked to the topics and/or materials.

4.3

Study skills

The study skills boxes (in green) offer useful information on how to learn German. They are important because they help you understand how to learn a language effectively. For example, some study-skills boxes explain how to improve your pronunciation and intonation. These boxes are linked to activities which are based on audio recordings for pronunciation activities. You can also use the pronunciation guide available on the website to do further practice to improve your pronunciation.

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4.4

Culture

Learning a language goes beyond the acquisition of the four skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. You also learn about the cultural practices of the speakers of that language. As you learn about another culture, you gain a new awareness of your own culture. The authentic written and audio materials, along with the culture boxes (in pink), give you an opportunity to learn more about the culture of German-speaking communities. The culture boxes often give additional information on topics covered in the Lernziele within which the boxes appear.

4.5

Reection

In addition to culture boxes, you will also see reection boxes identied by . These encourage you to apply any new information you have an icon gained to your personal context. For example, a reection box may ask you to reect on possible differences and similarities between cultural practices such as social customs in German-speaking communities and where you come from. These reection boxes can help you become aware of attitudes and preconceptions you may have. There are no model answers for these questions; your own thoughts are all that is needed as you consider some of the issues that arise during your study of a different speech-community and its culture.

4.6

Transcripts

Transcripts of all audio recordings are provided at the back of each module book, in the Transkripte sections. You will probably nd the transcripts an invaluable resource as you study Rundblick, but always try to listen to the audio recordings on their own rst. If you automatically read the transcript the very rst time you listen to a recording, you will lose the opportunity to check how much of the language you can understand. A better learning strategy is only to look at transcripts at the end of an exercise for checking answers or for practising your pronunciation by reading along with the transcript while listening to the audio recording.

4.7

Answer key

The answer key, Lsungen, provides you with answers to the activities. There are various ways of working with the answers provided in the Lsungen. You might like to check answers after each activity, or nish a group of activities and then check the answers to them all in one go. Some activities have answers that are either right or wrong. Others have openended answers. Both sorts of answer can let you work out how well you have completed a task.

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Module books

Your spoken or written answers do not need to be identical to the model answers. Sometimes you will nd alternative ways of expressing yourself that are equally appropriate. It is always worth doing the more open-ended questions and then comparing what you have written or said with the answers provided. You can check to see if you have the same content points. You can see if you have used similar words and phrases. You might like to note down some of the ways things are written or said in the Lsungen and see if you can use these expressions in your own German. Model answers to speaking tasks are provided on audio recordings where appropriate; there are also written transcripts.

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Module audio-visual materials

The module provides you with many audio recordings. Some of these are scripted and some are authentic. Audio recordings include dialogues, short monologues and pronunciation activities. Some audio recordings are very short, others are longer. Longer recordings may present more information on a specic cultural or other topic. They allow you to get used to listening to longer stretches of spoken German. Some audio recordings form part of a culture box but most frequently they are part of activities, and you use them to practise listening and speaking skills. Some listening activities include warm-ups which will help you to understand better what you are about to listen to. Other audio activities have questions for you to answer after listening to the recording, and are designed to help you understand what you have heard. Many of the audio recordings help you to develop your speaking skills in German. You might be asked to repeat what you hear, to use prompts to give information or to give a short spoken presentation. For each Kapitel there are audio and video materials on the website. These provide a basis for listening and speaking revision. There are listening, speaking and pronunciation exercises, as well as authentic video materials and podcasts.

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Module assessment

Module assessment

Regular assessment is important in language learning to help you to evaluate your progress.

6.1

Elements of assessment

The Rundblick module includes three elements of assessment: TMAs, iCMAs and an EMA. For further information on these, please refer to the assessment guide which is available on the module website.

6.1.1

Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)

At intervals during the year you will need to complete and submit four tutormarked assignments (TMAs). The TMAs are designed to help you pace your study throughout the year. The TMAs count towards your nal module result, and test your speaking and writing skills. Along with the results of your TMA, your tutor will provide feedback on your work (see Section 6.2 for information on how to work with your feedback).

6.1.2

Interactive computer-marked assignments (iCMAs)

You will need to complete four formative iCMAs. The iCMAs test the skills of listening and reading. They are compulsory: you must submit these assessments electronically to be able to pass the module, but the marks from these iCMAs will not count towards your nal module result. You will receive instantaneous feedback after completion.

6.1.3

End-of-module assessment (EMA)

The end-of-module assessment is a written test of your written German, based on what you have learnt across all units of the module. It is compulsory and counts towards your nal module result.

6.2

Working with feedback

Providing feedback on your assignments is a vital part of your tutor s role. As well as indicating your overall strengths and weaknesses, your tutor will suggest priority areas for you to work on and ways to improve your performance. The latter may take the form of specic advice on language, or on study skills such as how to use your dictionary, check your work or take notes more effectively. In addition to providing written comments, your tutor will record spoken feedback on your speaking assignments to help you with pronunciation and uency.

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Ways to make the most of this feedback include the following:

.

. .

When you submit your assignment, let your tutor know which particular aspects of the task you have been concentrating on (your pronunciation, for example), what you feel has gone well and where you have encountered difculties. Your tutor will then be able to respond to these points specically. When you receive your tutor s feedback, make the time to go over it carefully. Make a note of his or her suggestions for future reference. Try to correct or improve your work and decide what your priorities should be as you work towards your next assignment. Contact your tutor if you have any questions about his or her feedback, or if you are unsure about any aspect of your studies. When you are preparing for a new assignment, look at the feedback you received for previous assignments and see if that could help you with your current task. Feedback on your iCMAs will be generated instantaneously, and you will be given advice on how to improve your performance.

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Studying the module

Studying the module

As you have seen, Rundblick offers a comprehensive range of materials and activities which are designed to enable everyone to achieve the modules intended learning outcomes. How you achieve these outcomes is largely up to you. People come to the module with different experiences of learning languages, different commitments outside the module and differing personal goals or reasons for studying the module. Therefore, no two people will tackle the module in the same way. Studying a language at a distance is both challenging and rewarding. Well be there to support you, of course, but much of the time youll be working on your own, so youll need to stay motivated, focused and determined to complete your course of study. As well as learning a language, youll gain a whole range of vital skills, including using online environments, nding and analysing information, and managing yourself. As an OU student you will be allocated a personal tutor who will support your study of the module materials. The name and contact details of your personal tutor will be visible to you on StudentHome, and she or he will normally get in touch with you at the start of the module. It is your allocated tutor who will mark and give feedback on your assignments and run regular tutorials for you and the other students in your tutor group. A timetable for the tutorials will be available to you at the start of the module. There will normally be around 20 students in your tutor group. Advice about making the most of your tutor and tutor group is given in Section 7.3 below. The OU offers further support in a range of areas, including subject-related, computer and careers advice. You can nd more details about everything the OU has to offer from your OU centre or through the OU website.

7.1

Getting started

As soon as you receive the materials and have gained access to the module website, we strongly encourage you to start familiarising yourself with the module materials, including this guide and the module website. Familiarising yourself with the materials will help you to nd specic information when you need it, and to navigate your way through the module. Check that you have the correct electronic equipment as specied in the module description and on the website. Install any new software you will need on your computer, and familiarise yourself with the OUs conferencing software. Guidance on IT-related matters is given on the module website (see Section 3.4.1). The OU computing helpdesk should be able to provide assistance in case of any problems or queries.

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We recommend that you follow the interactive study planner on the website (see Section 3.1). This tells you which Kapitel you should be working on and when your assignments are due. The number of Lernziele varies from one Kapitel to another. At the start of each new Kapitel, we recommend that you work out how many Lernziele you will need to study each week in order to study everything you need for that month. The study planner also indicates points in the module where time has been set aside for you to take a break from studying. Note, however, that you do not have to take breaks during the weeks specied in the calendar; you might instead choose to work through them and take your breaks at different times. Before you start studying Rundblick, you should think about:
.

. . .

Your time: how you are going to manage your study time in relation to all your other commitments. Work out the best study slots for you and how you will work around family and friends demands. Think about when your low- and high-concentration periods are, and how you will establish priorities and make choices with regard to your studies when you have to. Your study environment: where you are going to study and how you are going to organise the various materials and documents you will need. Your strengths and weaknesses: what you usually do well and what you often nd difcult; time your activities accordingly. Your goals: many people set themselves goals as they study. You may nd it useful to work out what you are trying to achieve what you hope to get out of your language learning. Rundblick is just the rst step you can take in learning German. How far you want to take your language learning depends entirely on you and on your personal circumstances particularly relating to the time you have available, but also how much access you have to resources and facilities. Set yourself some realistic and achievable goals. Your preferred methods of learning: discover how you best remember things. You may prefer to see everything written down, or you may prefer to hear the language. Perhaps you like to analyse the different elements of the language or maybe you like to hear and use the language in context. It is useful to know which works best for you, as this will help you dene your approach to learning and study more efciently.

More opportunities for reecting on your own study methods are provided for you in the module books.

7.2
.

Studying the materials

These tips are not comprehensive, but they should help you to start developing study skills. Study a little and often. Learning a language is a cumulative process, so studying for short periods of time at regular intervals will benet you more than cramming trying to learn a lot at one time. Revising what you have already studied also helps to consolidate your knowledge of the language and save you time for the preparation of the assessment.

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Studying the module

Try to attend tutorials, both online and face-to-face, as often as possible. Your tutor is there to help you, and practising the language in the relatively safe environment of the tutorial will prepare you to interact with uent speakers of German. Make use of the forums on the website. This, along with participating in tutorials, will let you get to know others who are studying on the module and share any problems you might encounter. You will more than likely nd that others are struggling with the same issues as you, allowing you to solve any problems together and letting you know that you are not alone. Be positive and patient. Learning a language takes time. You will not always get it right rst time in fact, making mistakes is part of the language-learning process. You might reach a point where you feel you are not making any progress. If this happens, look back at what you have learnt since the beginning of the module and take heart that you will progress further. Make notes regularly. Doing this can help you reect on your learning and your progress. Reection is an important part of becoming an independent learner. You should pause from time to time and take stock of what you have learnt. This is particularly important during preparation for your assessment. Monitor your progress. Use a learning diary or log to keep a record of your achievements. Make notes of your tutor s feedback and things you need to do for your next assessment. Use the revision activities and the checklists of key learning points to monitor your progress.

7.3 Making the most of your tutor and tutor group

Your tutor not only marks and gives feedback on assignments and runs tutorials for your group, but will also be available to help between tutorials. If you have questions about a particular learning point, the module material, the assignments or ways of studying the language, you should contact your tutor. Your tutor will usually tell you at the start of the module when he or she is available to take OU phone calls and how often he or she will read and respond to email queries. Tutorial arrangements may differ depending on local circumstances, but most tutor groups will have online tutorials and a number of face-to-face or telephone-conference tutorials. Although participating in tutorials is not compulsory, they offer an excellent opportunity for you to practise speaking with other students and your tutor and to gain advice on and practice in certain study and learning skills. Tutorials are invaluable for sharing learning experiences and information with other learners. If for any reason it is impossible for you to attend tutorials, do let your tutor know. Your assignments are marked by your allocated group tutor, but in fact you may attend tutorials conducted by any tutor teaching on the module for example, if these are at a more convenient time for you. In such cases it is usual to contact both tutors in advance.

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Between tutorials, you should try to keep in touch with other students, both to practise your German and to give and receive support and encouragement. You might arrange to meet online between tutorials to practise speaking.

7.4

Staying motivated

Motivation is one of the keys to successful language learning and you will need to think about what keeps you personally on track. Although it may seem hard to imagine this now, you may nd that during the module there are times when you feel discouraged, especially if progress appears slow. This certainly can happen from time to time when you are learning a new language. If it does happen, its a good idea to look back on your goals and objectives and remind yourself of just how much progress you have made. Breaking down your plan for achieving goals into smaller steps can also help you stay motivated. Most importantly, remember that you are not alone. Help and support are always available so if you are having difculties, let us know. You can get individual help from your tutor if you get stuck or have any questions about the module material or assignments. Do contact your tutor, or the OU, if you fall behind in your studies or if you feel you are struggling. Dont let yourself be discouraged by practical problems, by IT-related issues, or by workload. The other students on the module are another potential source of support. Your family, friends, work colleagues or neighbours may also be able to help you in a variety of ways.

7.5

Future language studies

L193 Rundblick is a Level 1 module. Level 1 modules provide core subject knowledge and language skills, as well as the study skills needed for both higher education and distance learning. After you complete L193 Rundblick, you might want to continue your studies with the OUs intermediate, upperintermediate and advanced German modules. The OU offers a range of qualications from certicates and diplomas through to degrees for example, the BA (Hons) Language Studies. For further information about modules and qualications, please visit the Study at the OU webpage.

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Additional resources

Additional resources

Although the module materials contain everything you need to complete Rundblick successfully, you may at some stage wish to broaden your studies or explore in more detail aspects of the module that particularly interest you. If so, you may nd some of the resources below useful. Note that the module team keeps lists of recommended books and other material under review. Recommendations may change as new material is published and existing material is revised.

8.1

Recommended book

HarperCollins (2010) Collins German Dictionary and Grammar, 6th edn, Glasgow: HarperCollins. ISBN: 978-0-00-732316-6

8.2

External audio-visual and online resources

Language learning can be greatly enhanced by what you do beyond your study of the materials. You can take advantage of real-life resources that are available to you. The internet gives you easy access to authentic German without having to travel to a German-speaking country or region. For example, the BBC website www.bbc.co.uk provides language-learning materials. If you feel condent watching television or listening to the radio in German, you might like to investigate some of the many resources that are easily accessible. Television channels accessible on the internet include: www.zdf.de www.ard.de www.orf.at www.sf.tv

You can access information about Germany relevant to language learners, in a range of media formats, via German state radio, Deutsche Welle: www.dw.de Certain websites offer information that is up-to-date and reliable. The sites may be available in German and in English. Here are a few you might like to investigate: www.tatsachen-ueber-deutschland.de offers information about aspects of life in modern Germany www.goethe.de/ges/mol offers information about current trends, cities and regions, youth, and much more www.austria.info/at is an online tourist guide to Austria www.swissworld.org/de/ offers information about modern Switzerland, including So lebt die Schweiz, leisure and the environment

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L193 Guide

8.3
.

Additional reading

If you are interested in further developing your awareness of German-speaking countries and cultures, you might try some of these factual books: Kitchen, Martin (2012) A History of Modern Germany: 1800 to the Present, Oxford, Wiley-Blackwell. Provides an overview of different phases of modern German history. Anderson, Jeffrey J. and Langenbacher, Eric (2010) From the Bonn to the Berlin Republic: Germany at the Twentieth Anniversary of Reunication, New York/Oxford: Berghahn Books. A collection of academic essays. Beller, Steven (2006) A Concise History of Austria, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press. An overview of Austrian history. Bernasconi, Moreno (2006) Switzerland: Places and History, Vercelli (Italy), White Star. Written by a Swiss journalist, this book includes photographs.

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Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

By the time you have completed your study of Rundblick you should be able to do all the things listed below.

9.1
.

Knowledge and understanding

. .

Communicate with competent non-native or native speakers of German in a limited range of predictable and simple contexts relating to everyday situations. Understand and use simple German grammatical structures (for example, questions and statements, ways of expressing the past, present and imminent future), and high-frequency German vocabulary (for example, terms for everyday objects and events). Recognise and use German phrases in formal and informal styles of communication, and use polite forms of address and greetings, as well as basic means of expressing gratitude, regret and apology. Recognise and reproduce the pronunciation of German sufciently well that you avoid being misunderstood. Show intercultural communicative competence, including a reasoned awareness and critical understanding of German-speaking cultures and societies, with the ability to describe, analyse and evaluate the similarities and dissimilarities between those cultures and societies and your own.

9.2
.

Cognitive skills

. .

. .

Show that you can understand main points in short, clear, simple messages and basic spoken information relating to areas of most immediate personal relevance (for example, basic personal and family information, employment, daily activities) in conversation with a competent non-native or native speaker of German. Use strategies to gain a better understanding of spoken German, such as learning to ask for clarication and gleaning meaning from context. Show that you can read and understand very short, simple texts written in German, and that you can nd specic, predictable information in written texts relating to everyday situations. Use your knowledge of German sentence structures and reading skills and strategies to cope with texts which include some language structures and vocabulary beyond your current level. Be able to talk in simple terms, with a certain degree of condence and initiative, on familiar topics and activities relating to areas of immediate concern. With the help of brief notes, give short, straightforward presentations on everyday issues. Write simple notes and messages about everyday matters and needs and uncomplicated personal letters (for example, a thank-you letter), and

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L193 Guide

describe daily activities relating to work or leisure, using grammatically simple phrases and sentences with a degree of accuracy.

9.3
.

Key skills

. . . .

Use basic standard oral and written forms of communication in everyday or familiar situations, showing that you are aware of your messages purpose and of your intended audience. Use some basic strategies to ensure that you communicate successfully (for example, in thanking and apologising). Participate in teamwork and develop your problem-solving abilities through language activities that require this mode of working. Extract and use very simple numerical data (in timetables, receipts, bills, etc.) from text and recordings. Use self-assessment strategies to check your own progress and performance.

9.4
. . . .

Practical and/or professional skills

Show that you can use very simple written, visual and recorded texts in German (for example, in order to make a very short presentation). Show that you can edit and correct your own work. Show that you can work on your own towards your aims and objectives in a disciplined way. Show that you can use learning aids successfully (for example, bilingual dictionaries, grammar books, and communication tools such as recordings and conferencing and ICT-based facilities). Show that you can carry out certain job-related tasks in German, by letter, telephone or email.

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Learning outcomes

Acknowledgement
Grateful acknowledgement is made to the following source: Cover photo: Cubolimages srl/Alamy.

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