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Over the two days of December 12 and 13 in 2009 an intensive TOEIC seminar
was conducted by Robert Hilke, a specialist in intercultural communication
and the rating instruments TOEIC, TOEFL and GRE. The seminar was intended
to aid undergraduate and graduate students in raising their TOEIC scores.
Although this was the first program of its kind at KIT, registration quickly
ended after only three days when the 100 participant capacity was reached,
indicating that TOEIC scores are a prevalent student concern.
Based on his work with in-house education programs at Japanese corporations,
Hilke first outlined what is necessary to establishing a good relationship
with persons from other cultures. He proceeded with a discussion of why
we study English and concluded with explanations, strategies and drills
for individual sections of the TOEIC test.
His persuasive explanations were backed up with a colossal amount of data.
Through this, his humorous presentation style and the students’ impression
that he was speaking to each of them personally, Hilke was able to inspire
students and give them eye opening tips.
Participants leaving the auditorium were heard to say, “This is the first
time I ever thought English was interesting.” and “They should have him
back next year.” proving the seminar had been worthwhile, enriching and
highly satisfying.
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