Deutsch im Maschinenbau

2004

Students

Engineering

Autonomous learning
Classroom Context

German

German
Any language

B2
C1

Activity/task
Audio
Reference resources (online Dictionaries/ grammar guides/phrasebooks)

Vocabulary
Grammar

Listening
Writing
Reading

VPrerequisites – For a fruitful use of this course, consolidated using skills of computer softwares are required. Moreover, the course being targeted for advanced learners, it is recommended to have a command of the knowledge between the B2 and C1 level of the CEFR. In fact, specific modules of the course are developed as preparation to an internationally recognised C1 German test in the field of economics.
Content - Deutsch im Maschinenbau (a.k.a. DEUMA) is an OER both available online and as CD-ROM. It is based on 10 multimedial topics/units (Mathematik, Physik, Werkstoffe, …) belonging to the specific sector of machinery. The first 8 units comprise texts, lexycon, grammar and vocabulary that are learnt by enhancing reading, listening, writing and speaking skills (pronounciation exercises are also included). The last 2 units are specifically focused on customer-driven topics (e.g. technical conversations at the phone) and comprise both texts and practical exercises. The latter are similar to Wirtschaftsdeutsch International C1 German language test exercises and therefore provide a valid preparation source.
Target - The course is specific for advanced learners who are willing to enhance their knowledge in the field of machinery. The structure of the course is viable both as support for a classroom context and for autonomous learning. In both cases, this source promotes the blended-learning model, the learner being able to progress at the pace and modality best fit for themselves. Due to these features, as well as to correction and help functions, the learner’s responsibility and learning motivation are enhanced.
Other features – DEUMA is available both in a CD-Rom and online version: the former contains a bilingual support, whereas the latter solely provides downloadable user manuals in Czech, French, Slovakian and German as language support.

Precious collection of material for specialised vocabulary, but unfortunately the audio and video documents are no longer accessible. Today, the indicated Acrobat Reader cannot open the material produced in 2004 and other programmes do not recognise "rpm". This is frustrating, as there is an introductory audio or video for each topic, which can only be used via the transcriptions.
In private lessons for adults, the vocabulary exercises are very instructive. Some vocabulary is very specialised and if it makes engineers of the speciality happy, but it is even more complex for trainers, which can lead to very specialised discussions. For example, learners can explain translations and teachers can explain how words are built (prefixes, associated prepositions, etc.). The exercises can also be used autonomously by the learner.

The resource’s overview is available online at the abovementioned link. A menu highlighted in gray gives direct access to useful support for the course. The course overview clearly displays the 10 topics/units, that are consequently subdivided into further sub-units. By clicking on any of these sub-units, another tab is opened, that gives access to all its contents. By so doing, the overview tab remains open, so that the user can easily go back and forth into the course.
The single exercises of the sub-units contain different buttons on the top bar: an exit button (X), a correcting button (v), a reset button (a pen), a score button (a calculator) and an overall score button (a graph). Any exercise is provided with clue buttons, marked with a light bulb, that give the solution to the corresponding sentences.