Professional Orientation

A new approach to language acquisition, employability (skills) and professional guidance in German modules at the University of Namibia

Abstract

Employability and employability skills or attributes, such as teamwork, problem-solving and communication or language skills as well as ICT or digital skills, have become important aspects in the context of teaching and learning in higher education. In order to respond to these changes and needs, the German Section at the University of Namibia introduced a new component, namely “Professional Orientation” in their first-year modules to raise students’ awareness about the job market and to increase their language competence. Different professions and careers are introduced by guest speakers to give students insights into various professional careers with German. This is combined with a holistic language training that involves reading, listening, speaking and especially writing. This approach, as observations and evaluations have shown, enhances students’ language competence in speaking, listing, but also reading and especially writing, as one subject specific employability skill, communication skills in general as well as digital skills. Further, it raises students’ awareness about employment opportunities and specific skills especially in a subject that lacks a professional specification.

Keywords: employability – employability skills – digital competence – career guidance – foreign language learning – language competence – communication skills – German Studies