Kaplan

Introduction

Workplace Literacy refers to the individual’s ability to speak, listen, read and write in the course of work (using English as the main language of communication). This is a basic requirement of an effective worker and these skill sets are different from technical competencies. The four learning areas for the Workplace Literacy (WPL) modules are - Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing.

Learning Outcomes

The purpose of the Workplace Literacy Series is to help adults to become literate and obtain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment and self-sufficiency.

Common to all the three modules (Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced) are five learning outcomes:

• Ability to listen, comprehend, analyse and reflect on information received in the workplace
• Ability to speak, relay information effectively to serve a purpose, context and audience in the workplace
• Ability to read, comprehend, analyse and reflect on information presented in the workplace
• Ability to record information accurately in the workplace
• Ability to write to convey information and ideas effectively in the workplace

Course Outline

BEGINNER LEVEL

The Beginner module is targeted at adults who may function with some difficulty in situations related to immediate needs and may have some simple oral communication abilities using basic learned phrases and sentences. Learners in the Beginner module may be able to read and write letters, a limited number of sight words and simple phrases related to immediate needs. They can also write basic personal information on simplified forms. In terms of their employability, they can handle routine entry-level jobs that involve only basic oral and written communication in English and in which all tasks can be demonstrated. The class ratio between lecturer and student is 1:20.

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL

The Intermediate module is targeted at adults who may have basic survival needs for very routine social demands. They understand simple learned phrases easily and simple phrases containing familiar vocabulary, spoken slowly with frequent repetition. Learners in the Intermediate module may be able to interpret simple material on familiar topics such as simple directions, schedules, signs, maps and menus. They may be able to fill out forms requiring basic personal information and write short, simple notes and messages based on familiar situations. In terms of their employability, they can handle jobs and/or training that involve basic oral and written instructions and diagrams if they can be clarified orally. The class ratio between lecturer and student is 1:20.

ADVANCED LEVEL

The Advanced module is for adult learners who are able to function independently in survival and work situations. Learners can clarify general meaning and communicate on the telephone on familiar topics. They can participate effectively in social and familiar work situations; can understand and participate in practical and social conversations and in technical discussions in their own field. Learners in the advanced module are able to handle most reading and writing tasks related to life roles, can read and interpret most non-simplified materials; can interpret routine charts, graphs and labels; fill out medical information forms and job applications. In terms of their employability, they can understand work-related conversations and interact with the public. They are able to meet work demands with confidence and follow written instructions in work manuals. The class ratio between lecturer and student is 1:20.

Course Dates

We have multiple classes starting each week with the option of morning or evening classes. Please call our sales consultant at 6309 5738 or email enquiry.sg@kaplan.com for more information.

Additional - Complimentary Career Coaching Workshop
This complimentary workshop is catered for participants who have attended any of our ESS courses, to help enrich your career planning.

Career planning is an ongoing process. Regardless of your age, it is important to evaluate where you are if you are going to meet your goals and turn your dreams into reality. For example, an unskilled worker with little education or experience in the workforce has different needs from a graduate looking for a first-time professional career. An older adult with educational credentials and years of experience, but who is in transition because of retrenchment or an employer's reorganization, faces a different set of issues. Everyone can benefit from the process of self-assessment, exploring career opportunities, and learning effective, assertive job search strategies that produce results.

This is where your career path begins: learning about yourself, exploring careers, and beginning your job search. Remember, career management is a life-long process. Few people stay in one job or on one career path throughout their lives, so you may find yourself completing the process more than once along the way.


To register for our Complimentary Career Coaching Workshop, kindly call 6496 5694 or email chloe.ng@kaplan.com.sg 

Lecturers Profile

		Anthony Wong
		Anthony started his career in commerce and finance. He received his Diploma of Commerce from the Institute of Commerce (UK) (FCI) and his Diploma of Accountancy - English Association of Accountants & Auditors (UK) (FEAA). He held managerial and director posts in several organisations in his span of his financial career before he started training in 2008. Anthony has received Certificates in TEFL (UK) and ACTA Module 1 & 2.
		Arthur Chiang
		Arthur holds a B.A from the National University of Singapore, a Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA) from the University of Cambridge Local Examination Syndicate (UCLES) and a Post-graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) from the National Institute of Education. Arthur has been teaching the English Language since 2003. His students range the gamut from elementary to advanced levels across various age groups and nationalities. He has experience in teaching General, Conversational, Business, Preparatory and Academic English at various government and private schools. Teaching is his passion. He excels in establishing good rapport with his students, which, in his opinion, is the first step to effective teaching and learning. There are no barriers between him and his students, who find him approachable. Arthur is able to break down difficult language concepts to help his students understand his lessons. He is aware of the difficulties most students have with the language. His lessons are always student-centred, and his sense of humour is an asset which he wields effectively in class. Apart from teaching the technicalities of the language, Arthur believes in enabling his students to use the language effectively in their everyday lives, which explains his belief in lessons beyond the four walls of the classroom. His personal goal in life is to instil in his students the passion of the English Language.
		Cheleen Cheong
		Cheleen is an award-winning educator. She has worked with policy formulation at the national level as well as stand-up delivery cum facilitation on the ground. An engaging facilitator, Cheleen has conducted seminars for leaders and key personnel in organisations, and facilitated small and large group workshops for strategic planning and professional development. Her approach to training is practical and impactful, with a variety of purpose-filled activities to engage different learning styles. Cheleen also takes a personal interest in coaching participants to adopt a positive mindset towards work and life. Her excellent language and communication skills have earned her a wide range of experiences in academic writing as well as drafting key speeches, policy papers and press releases. She has also presented papers at international conferences and published in leading English Language journals. With her expertise in bridging conceptual and implementation considerations, Cheleen has spearheaded organisation- wide innovation and programme development, leading teams of key personnel in conceptualising frameworks, developing structures and processes, planning & facilitating professional training & development, as well as communicating and marketing to stakeholders. Cheleen holds a Masters degree in English Studies and a Bachelor degree in Business Administration (majoring in Human Resource Management) from the National University of Singapore. She has a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Merit) with specialisation in English Language teaching. She also has an Advanced Certificate in Training and Assessment, and is a certified Worklife Career Coach.
		Edwin Celestine Tan
		Edwin Celestine Tan is a seasoned and highly sought-after trainer for both Teacher Training and English Language Teaching for close to 9 years. Since 2002, he has been training and teaching a wide range of target audiences. His students or participants include: teacher trainees who are undertaking the Diploma in TESOL and the Diploma in Early Childhood Education; and students who are doing Academic English, Business English, Conversational English, IELTS Test Preparation, Cambridge ESOL Test Preparation, the Kaplan Professional Accounting Language Program and WDA Workplace Literacy. Edwin holds a Master of Education (Specialized in TESOL – Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) conferred by the University of Tasmania of Australia and many other professional qualifications such as the Advanced Certificate in Training and Assessment awarded by the Workforce Development Agency of Singapore. He is also a member of the College of Teachers in the UK, the Senior Adjunct Professor of the London Teacher Training College and the Professional Member of the Institute of Adult Learning in Singapore. Prior to his training and teaching career, Edwin had considerable working experiences in the fields of Hotel Management, Human Resource Management, Training and Development for a period of more than 12 years. The teaching approaches and methods which Edwin frequently adopts are: the Communicative approach which is good for teaching integrated language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing); the Lexical Approach which is specially aimed at expanding student’s vocabulary in specific contexts; the Audio-Lingual Method which is extremely beneficial for ear-training, fluency in the sense of quickness in response and for grammatical accuracy; the Total Physical Response which is very similar to the Kinesthetic method of teaching that stresses on learning through the senses and movements.
		Edwin Tan
		Edwin is an Associate trainer with Kaplan Professional- SIRS- SQC and Beyond Social Services. He trains the ESS courses such as - CRM, PSDM, LPD and PE, and WPL Beginners, Intermediate and Advance levels. He volunteers at Beyond Social Services, serving dysfunctional families in the area of positive parenting since 2006. He is also among the core pool of trainers at TMIS conducting the WSQ Diploma in Tourism, Certificate in Hospitality and the WSQ Certificate in Hotel and Accommodation Services (Front Office), WSQ Certified Service Professional. He is ACTA certified has a Diploma in TESOL and PD (T&D). He is in the first year of the BA in English with the University of London.
		Evelyn Tan
		Evelyn holds a TESOL Diploma from London Teacher Training College and the WDA-accredited ACTA qualification. Prior to her current position as a WPL Trainer, she spent more than 15 years working in front-line operations at NUS. This, together with her considerable travel experiences in Europe and Asia, has enabled her to cater to the different learning needs of her participants effectively. She is committed to utilising the best teaching methods to make learning interesting, and complements her training with newspaper and magazine clippings and audio-visual materials to demonstrate the real- world use of English. Currently, alongside her training commitments, Evelyn is further developing her speech techniques and presentation skills.
		Irene Seck
		Irene is a recognized as a qualified CTL (Curriculum & Training Leadership) Master Trainer, certified by CASAS (USA) and WDA (Workforce Development Agency). Irene graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Management from the Open University (UK). She is also awarded with a Professional Diploma in Management and is certified to teach English as a Second Language (TESOL). She is one of the pioneer groups of trainers to obtain the Advanced Certificate in Training and Assessment (ACTA). Irene is recognized by Singapore (WDA) as a qualified WSQ trainer and assessor for ESS Workplace Skills Series program, the WSQ Service Excellence On-Site-Bite-Size PGEMS, CSP (Certified Service Professional), and WPL (Workplace Literacy). She is currently conducting Workplace Literacy Program for all levels, using the WIPPEA method established by CTL Institute. She has taught Business English, English Skills, Conversational English, Business & Written Communication, etc. Irene has many years of experience in teaching English to local & foreign students across all ages including working adults for both the private & public sectors.
		Jessie Chu
		Jessie Chu is presently an Associate Trainer with Kaplan Professional teaching adult students in the WPL Beginner and Intermediate classes. She has 18 years of experience in various industries such as the land and air transportation industry as well as the public service. She has accumulated skills in research & planning, organising and management leadership during her corporate tenure. She has a strong passion for Chinese language and culture and is effectively bilingual. Jessie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Chinese Language degree from Fudan University as well as a Bachelor of Business in Business Administration degree from RMIT University.
		Jix Sze
		Jix has been practicing in the insurance industry since 1979. He holds a Diploma in Life Insurance and another in General Insurance (Singapore College of Insurance). Besides business involvement, his other experiences include, training on product knowledge, sales presentation skills and motivational talks. He holds the ACTA (IAL) qualification and is an associate trainer with Kaplan Professional and Box Hill Institute. He delivers the ESS Workplace Skills Series programme and the WSQ Service Excellence On Site Bite Size PGEMS programme with Kaplan. And delivers the WSQ Community and Social Services sector programme with Box Hill.
		John Bounaparte
		John Bounaparte graduated with a Masters of Arts in Leadership and Training with the Royal Roads University, Canada. He has a Bachelor of Business Administration from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), Australia. He obtained his Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) recently. He lectures at Kaplan Campus, Box Hill Institute, SIM and PSB on many topics such as Human Resource Management, Leadership Development, communication skills, Positive Thinking and Business skills. With more than 35 years of working experience, John has carved a niche as a dynamic and experiential trainer to his audiences. He is an organization development trainer who has worked with organizations and schools on projects related to communication skills, problem solving skills, teambuilding, leadership, analytical and creative thinking. His training focuses on increasing workplace productivity by unlocking the human potential in every individual. He is also passionate about teaching English as a service to the community and to the less fortunate.
		Kit Teng
		Kit held several management positions in the FMCG industry for the past 16 years. She is a trained and qualified nurse, and later obtained her MBA, Graduate Diploma from the Chartered Institute of Marketing UK, Professional Diploma in Training & Development from the Singapore Training & Development Association, Advanced Certificate in Training & Assessment (ACTA) from WDA (Workforce Development Agency) and TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language).She is currently an associate trainer conducting and facilitating ESS programs Certified Service Professionals, Handling Difficult People, Communication, Public Speaking and many others. In addition, she has conducted WISE program as well.
		Kolsum Begam
		Begam has more than over 20 years of training experience in communications and hospitlaity industry. She is also a Certified Assessor – NSRS (WDA – Singapore) and awarded with ACTA - (WDA – Singapore). Begam received her Diploma in Human Resource Development from SIM University and in the span of her career, she has worked with many major hotels and hospitality establishments.
		Lai Weng Peng
		Weng Peng completed the Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) with Distinction from the London Teacher Training College and a Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language(TEFL) International Learning Centres. As a graduate in Bachelor of Science , majoring in Computer and Information Science, he has also taught and tutored in Mathematics, Science and English in various educational settings such as special schools , before and after care centres, primary schools, secondary schools and private schools after four years of working in the IT industry.He has at least 1 to 2 years of experience in teaching WPN(Beginners & Intermediate) and WPL classes(Beginner, Intermediate, Advance).
		Lilian Hwang
		Lilian’s specialty is languages. She is effectively bilingual in English and Mandarin, and also obtained certification in Elementary German from Carls Duisberg College in Munich, West Germany in 1976. She began work with the Ministry of Education in 1969, teaching at the former Baharuddin Vocational Institute (now ITE). Since then, her professional experience has spanned a number of diverse and exciting fields. For example, she has worked as a colour stylist and sales representative for ICI Paints, and later held managerial positions in two interior decoration companies. Certified by TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages), Lilian currently specializes in teaching the English Language to working adults and foreign students, an area she has been involved in since 2000. Concurrently, she also teaches Literacy and appointed Continuing Training Centres by WDA. In her spare time, Lilian enjoys reading, cooking, arts & crafts and swimming.
		Linda C Milner
		Linda graduated from the University of Bradford with a BSC (Hons) Business and Management Studies. For the past 20 years, she has been working in the financial industry serving in different executive roles. She also completed her Diploma in TESOL – London Teacher Training College and she is currently working as a Trainer. She employs listening skills, visual aids and role play as some of her teaching methods.
		Marvis Lim
		Marvis has just completed the CTL (Curriculum & Training Leadership) Master Trainer course, conducted by CASA (USA) and endorsed/initiated by WDA. She has 12 years of experience in teaching English. She is involved in Mentor-Mentee Training Program as a mentor, and also does development work. She is currently teaching Workplace Literacy Program, from basic to advanced levels, using the WIPPEA method established by CTL. Other courses taught by her included Basic Conversational English course, Business English and ‘O’ level English. Her strength is her enthusiasm, patience and ability to motivate her students in learning and improving their English language proficiency. She can be attested by high numbers of students progressing to the next level.She is able to deliver training in Mandarin and Malay.
		Michael Tan
		Michael P A Tan has more than 20 years working experience in Administration and Human Resource Training & Development, and Training Consultancy. He specializes in Personal Enrichment Programs and Organizational Development Courses. Michael’s client list includes the Singapore Civil Service departments and Statutory bodies, the Service and Hospitality Sectors and the Manufacturing Industries from Singapore, ASEAN countries and Mongolia. He is MBTI® Qualified and is certified to administer the DISC and a number of other licensed personality instruments. Michael holds a Master of Arts degree in Tertiary, Adult & Continuing Education, University of Hull, UK. His other qualifications include Organization & Methods, Administrative Management, Transport and the Advanced Certificate in Training and Assessment (ACTA) issued by WDA.
		Mike Chan
		Mike holds a Certificate in Bar Management (SHATEC), Certificate in Food and Beverage Management (SHATEC), Diploma in Travel, Tourism and Hospitality (MDIS/University of Bradford), Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) (LTTC), and Advanced Certificate in Training and Assessment (ACTA). He has held various management positions over the past 20 years in the Hospitality Industry. He started teaching in 2006 as Senior Trainer (Food and Beverage Operations) specialising in NITEC in Food and Beverage Operations (ITE) and Diploma in Food and Beverage Service (City and Guild).
		Pauline Chan
		Pauline began her teaching career in 1982. Being an effectively bilingual trainer gives her an added advantage in reaching out to her participants, in enhancing their interest and their literacy skills. Her facilitative and open-style of training has given her the ability to reach out to different learners, from senior executives to ground staff of different industries like retail, service, hospitality, manufacturing and technical; and from young problem teens to senior citizens. She possesses an energetic personality that enthuse her participants for life-long learning that many previous participants become her friends and loyal followers. Some of her training includes WPLN-Beginners to Advance, BEST, WISE, COSEC (Core Skills for Effectiveness and Change), PRIME (Programme for Revitalization of Matured Workers), WIN (Workers Induction thru Experiential Learning), SRP (Skills Redevelopment Programme for Taxi Service Industry), SQ (Service Quality), FLOW (Functional Literacy for Our Workers), Basic English Language for foreign workers and Conversational English for Speakers of Other Languages. She holds a Professional Diploma in Training & Development (PDTD), Diploma for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and Advanced Certificate in Training & Assessment (ACTA).
		Redzuana Abdullah Lam
		Redzuana has many years of training experience, working both regionally and locally. She has worked with many private organisations as well as the public sector. Redzuana holds a Diploma in TESOL - LTTC. An ACTA-certified trainer, Redzuana trains several ESS modules at Kaplan Professional.
		Samuel Cheong
		Samuel obtained his bachelor degree in management from the University of Western Sydney in 2001, and started teaching secondary English with CDAC in 2002. Besides CDAC, he has also taught Business English, Conversational English and a host of business subjects at many private schools in Singapore. To keep pace with the demands of English teaching, he attended part-time classes to earn a certificate in teaching IELTS and a diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). He has just completed a course leading to the Advanced Certificate in Training and Assessment (ACTA) awarded by the Workforce Development Agency (WDA) of Singapore. Samuel believes that the methods employed for English teaching must be adapted to the needs, proficiency level and learning styles of the learners. A teaching method for Conversational English will have to be different, obviously, from that for 'O' level English, or that for Workplace English. Likewise, the emphasis for a beginner class, in terms of fluency and accuracy, will also have to be different from that for an advanced class. Some students learn most effectively through the sense of sight, others through the sense of hearing, and yet others through the sense of bodily movements. Hence, in class, a language teacher's job is to continually probe, that is, to observe and ask questions, test the waters, which is trying out the language activities to confirm the findings of the probe, and to make adjustments accordingly. Outside of the classroom, a responsible language teacher has to continually equip herself in all areas of language teaching - phonology, grammars and vocabulary, among others - so that her linguistic arsenal is always filled with sufficiently different weapons to fight different requirements presented by different classes.
		Shah Nanda
		Shah Nanda holds a Master in Total Quality Management Nottingham Trent UK and Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing Bolton USA, Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management AMA UK, International Diploma in Teaching and Training C&G UK, Diploma in Hospitality Management Australia, Singapore Hotel & Tourism Education Centre Certificate in Hotel Sales & Marketing, Train the Trainer ITE, CEHA IEA and Certificate in Real Estate Sales. Being a certified ICS UK Customer Service Coach, he shared all techniques in real-life diversified sales experiences to equip participants in facing challenges to achieve customer satisfaction. He has also completed successfully, all the modules for the Advanced Certificate in Training and Assessment Program, Certified Service Professional Certified and OSBS PGEMS Train the Trainer under the Workforce Development Agency Training WSQ Programme.
		Simon Wong
		Simon is currently a Freelance Trainer cum Proprietary Trader. Previously he was attached with an European bank involved in regional treasury operations work, heading the Hong Kong and China markets team. Prior to that, he was in Middle East managing the FX margin trading business arm belonging to the royal family. His academic and professional qualifications grounding all along have been in the areas of economics and finance. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree in Economics and Finance from Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia, is an Associate of the Australian Institute of Banking and Finance, and also possesses a host of other professional licensing certifications. He had valuable hands-on experience dealing with treasury, equities and risk management functions in the various financial institutions that he was attached with throughout his professional career, both locally and overseas. He is keen to share his passion and interest in the teaching profession by imparting knowledge to his students through the guided discussion method. Also, he uses group learning as an instructional strategy for a more effective learning outcome besides relying on the tried and tested traditional lecture method.
		Susan Tan
		Susan graduated in music and non-major subjects in history, philosophy and biology from Brock University, Canada in 1987. She went on to complete her Postgraduate Diploma in Educationfrom Nanyang Technological University/National Institute of Education in 1992. Susan's teaching career started in 1988, and has been teaching English Language to local and foreign students of different age groups ranging from 4 to 70 since 1999. Her teaching experience also included a pioneering role in training non-English speaking foreign students in an international school to sing in a choir for important school events and festivals.
		Swing Goh
		Swing has over 9 years experience in hands-on Engineering, Quality, Management and Customer Service in Multinational corporations as well as multi-industrial sectors. She has been training the following WDA programmes - Employability Skills System, manufacturing modules Communication & Relationship Management, Personal Enhancement, Problem-Solving & Decision-Making, Initiative & Enterprise, Learning & Personal Development , Apply Teamwork in Workplace (ATW) and Apply 5S. She trains part-time at Kaplan Professional. Swing has a Master’s Degree in Engineering Science – Engineering Management (Queensland University of Technology, Australia) & a Diploma in Quality Assurance Engineering (Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Singapore). She has also completed ACTA (Advanced Certificate in Training & Assessment).
		Thomas Koh
		Prior becoming a lecturer, Thomas has more than 10 years of experience managing his own regional business. He has also consulted for Singapore Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from University of Hull (U.K) . In addition, he holds a professional qualification Diploma in Marketing from Chartered Institute of Marketing (U.K), Diploma in TESOL from London Teacher Training College (U.K) , Certificate in Neuro - Linguistic Programming (NLP), and ACTA certified (Advanced Certificate in Training and Assessment).Thomas has also taught overseas.

Fee

S$50.00 (exclusive of GST)