Other resources

Various resources exist both within the university, and outside, which can be harnessed to enhance your lectures, as well as supporting students. These include:

Personal Response Systems (PRS)

A PRS [a.k.a. (Computerised) Audience Response System ((C)ARS)] consists of a set of individual keypads that students use to answer yes/no and multiple-choice questions from the lecturer. Signals from the keypads are transmitted to the lecturer's computer, and a table summarising the responses is available to the lecturer, and can be projected on-screen for the students. The use of a PRS not only adds variety to your presentation, but encourages a more participatory approach to learning in lectures, while providing immediate comprehension feedback to the lecturer.

For further information, see:

• Su (2002) on using a CARS at Monash, and Beekes (2006) on using a PRS at Lancaster University
• KEEPad.com - Higher Education for another system which has been used at Monash
• Pearson Education Australia - Audience Response Systems

Further listening resources for students

If you have students wanting to extend themselves, particularly postgraduates, the very rich resources of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) offer many possibilities in terms of listening and speaking practice, as well as cultural information. Audio files from a variety of programs are available online as podcasts , and for many Radio National programs transcripts can be downloaded to provide a support for listening.

Lecturers and tutors can also direct students needing listening advice to Language and Learning Online .

Assistance for accent and speech problems

Making recommendations for moderating a strong accent is outside the scope of the present advice. However, it is worth noting that the intervention of a professional speech therapist or a trained dialect coach can be very helpful. See, for example, the website of the Australian Voice Association and its Voice Professionals Listings .