English in Medical Education
An Intercultural Approach to Teaching Language and Values
By (author) Dr. Peih-ying Lu, Prof. John Corbett
Publication date:
13 August 2012Publisher
Multilingual MattersDimensions:
210x148mm6x8"
ISBN-13: 9781847697769
This book addresses recent developments in medical and language education. In both fields, there have been methodological shifts towards 'task-based' and 'problem-based learning'. In addition, both fields have broadened their focus on clinical expertise and linguistic skills to address issues of cultural competence. English in Medical Education responds to these changes by re-imagining the language classroom in medical settings as an arena for the exploration of values and professional identity. The chapters cover topics such as the nature of cultural competence; how to understand spoken discourse in a range of medical settings; the use of tasks and problems in language education for medics; the development of critical skills and the use of literature and visual media in language education for doctors. It will interest everyone teaching English for Medical Purposes.
This is an unusual book, and an unusually interesting one, bringing together two distinct traditions - academic medicine and English for Medical Purposes. The authors' claim that the book represents a 'change of direction' is well substantiated - it's full of good, sophisticated, intelligently argued ideas, but always a pleasure to read. Those involved in the development of EMP courses will gain real insight into how medical educators perceive medical language, while the actual learning tasks offered by way of example are stimulating, original and tremendously useful. The book would also be of value to medical educators who want to broaden their understanding of the challenges faced by non-native speaker medical students or doctors.