Microlearning dan Bahasa Inggris: Cara Santai, Fleksibel, dan Seru Belajar lewat HP

Belajar bahasa Inggris di era digital sekarang memang sudah sangat berbeda dibandingkan dengan 10 atau 15 tahun lalu. Kalau dulu mahasiswa hanya mengandalkan buku teks tebal, kamus cetak, atau materi dari dosen di kelas, sekarang semua bisa diakses dengan satu sentuhan layar ponsel (Almuqhim & Berri, 2025). Salah satu tren yang sedang naik daun adalah microlearning, yaitu belajar lewat sesi singkat yang bisa dilakukan kapan saja dan di mana saja. Microlearning ini sangat cocok untuk mahasiswa vokasi yang jadwal kuliahnya padat, banyak praktik, dan sering kali tidak punya waktu lama untuk belajar teori bahasa (Fialho et al., 2024).

Microlearning berbasis mobile apps biasanya hanya butuh waktu 5–10 menit per sesi, sehingga mahasiswa tidak merasa terbebani. Contohnya saat sedang menunggu dosen datang ke kelas, atau saat istirahat makan siang di kantin, mahasiswa bisa membuka aplikasi seperti Duolingo atau ELSA Speak untuk melatih vocabulary, pronunciation, atau grammar singkat. Dengan durasi belajar yang pendek, mahasiswa lebih mudah konsisten. Justru konsistensi inilah yang sering menjadi masalah kalau belajar bahasa Inggris dengan cara tradisional.

Buat mahasiswa di jurusan teknik sipil, termasuk di program studi Teknik Konstruksi Jalan dan Jembatan, belajar bahasa Inggris memang bukan sekadar tentang grammar. Mereka butuh kosakata teknis yang spesifik, misalnya kata-kata yang sering muncul di proyek konstruksi, peralatan, atau metode kerja. Nah, di sinilah microlearning bisa dikustomisasi. Dengan bantuan AI, mahasiswa bisa membuat set kata-kata teknis sendiri, lalu berlatih mengulanginya setiap hari dalam sesi singkat.

Salah satu aplikasi yang menarik adalah ELSA Speak. Aplikasi ini menggunakan AI untuk menganalisis cara pengucapan mahasiswa, lalu memberikan feedback apakah sudah benar atau belum. Misalnya seorang mahasiswa mencoba mengucapkan kata "foundation" atau "reinforcement" aplikasi akan mendeteksi kesalahan intonasi atau fonetiknya, lalu memberi tahu bagian mana yang perlu diperbaiki. Cara ini membuat mahasiswa lebih percaya diri ketika nanti harus presentasi atau berkomunikasi dengan orang asing di dunia kerja.

Duolingo juga jadi pilihan populer karena tampilannya yang mirip game. Mahasiswa bisa mengumpulkan poin, naik level, dan membuka tantangan baru. Elemen gamifikasi ini bikin mahasiswa tidak cepat bosan. Bayangkan kalau mahasiswa setiap hari harus membuka buku tebal berbahasa Inggris, pasti langsung malas. Tapi kalau dalam bentuk game dengan skor dan ranking, suasana belajarnya jadi menyenangkan. Bahkan kadang mahasiswa bisa saling bersaing dengan teman-temannya untuk melihat siapa yang levelnya lebih tinggi.

Selain itu, microlearning lewat mobile apps bisa membantu mahasiswa belajar sesuai kecepatan masing-masing (Leong et al., 2021). Tidak semua mahasiswa punya kemampuan bahasa Inggris yang sama. Ada yang cepat memahami grammar, tapi lemah di listening. Ada juga yang jago writing tapi kurang percaya diri kalau speaking. Aplikasi berbasis AI bisa mendeteksi kelemahan pengguna, lalu memberikan latihan yang lebih banyak pada bagian itu. Jadi pembelajaran terasa lebih personal dan sesuai kebutuhan.

Saya pribadi sudah beberapa kali mencoba menggunakan aplikasi-aplikasi ini di kelas. Misalnya, saya minta mahasiswa membuka ELSA Speak selama 10 menit di awal kelas untuk melatih pronunciation. Setelah itu, kami lanjut diskusi tentang istilah-istilah teknis yang muncul di proyek konstruksi. Hasilnya, mahasiswa jadi lebih aktif, karena mereka merasa sudah punya modal latihan singkat sebelumnya. Mereka juga jadi berani mencoba mengucapkan istilah teknis dengan lebih percaya diri.

AI dalam microlearning juga bisa terintegrasi dengan kelas secara hybrid. Misalnya, saya bisa memberikan tugas tambahan berupa latihan di Duolingo yang harus diselesaikan sebelum pertemuan berikutnya. Aplikasi tersebut otomatis mencatat progress mahasiswa, jadi saya bisa tahu siapa yang benar-benar rajin berlatih dan siapa yang hanya sekadar lewat. Dengan cara ini, peran dosen juga terbantu karena ada data konkret tentang perkembangan mahasiswa.

Hal yang menarik dari microlearning adalah fleksibilitasnya. Mahasiswa bisa belajar kapan pun mereka punya waktu luang. Misalnya saat naik ojek online, atau sambil menunggu antrean di bank. Bahkan ada mahasiswa saya yang bilang dia sering latihan speaking pakai ELSA Speak sebelum tidur, karena cuma butuh lima menit. Sesi singkat itu mungkin terlihat sepele, tapi kalau dikumpulkan setiap hari, hasilnya bisa signifikan.

Banyak mahasiswa vokasi merasa bahasa Inggris itu "momok" karena dianggap sulit. Tapi ketika mereka melihat belajar bahasa Inggris bisa dilakukan dengan cara ringan lewat HP, stigma itu mulai berkurang. Apalagi dengan gaya belajar yang interaktif dan mirip bermain, mahasiswa merasa belajar bahasa Inggris tidak lagi sekaku dulu. Di sinilah letak kekuatan microlearning: membuat hal yang rumit jadi terasa sederhana.

Contoh penggunaan AI dalam microlearning juga bisa terlihat dari fitur chatbot berbasis bahasa Inggris. Ada aplikasi yang memungkinkan mahasiswa ngobrol dengan AI seolah-olah sedang berbicara dengan orang asli. Mereka bisa latihan percakapan sehari-hari, atau bahkan percakapan teknis seperti menjelaskan spesifikasi proyek. Chatbot tersebut langsung memberi koreksi jika ada kesalahan grammar atau pilihan kata. Ini jauh lebih praktis dibanding harus selalu menunggu feedback dari dosen.

Selain membantu mahasiswa, microlearning berbasis AI juga mengurangi beban dosen. Kalau dulu dosen harus menjelaskan detail pronunciation satu per satu, sekarang sebagian bisa dibantu oleh aplikasi. Dosen bisa lebih fokus pada hal yang lebih tinggi, seperti diskusi konteks teknis, presentasi proyek, atau simulasi laporan kerja. Dengan begitu, waktu perkuliahan bisa dimanfaatkan lebih efektif.

Level Up Your English: Game-Based Learning untuk Bahasa Inggris Teknik di Politeknik

Gamifikasi atau game-based learning mulai jadi salah satu strategi pembelajaran yang cukup ramai dibicarakan di dunia pendidikan, termasuk di perguruan tinggi vokasi. Konsep ini sebenarnya sederhana, yaitu memasukkan elemen permainan ke dalam proses belajar supaya mahasiswa merasa lebih tertarik dan termotivasi (Dehghanzadeh et al., 2021). Kalau biasanya mahasiswa duduk diam, mendengarkan, dan mencatat, maka dengan gamifikasi suasana kelas bisa lebih hidup karena mereka aktif terlibat dalam permainan yang tetap berhubungan dengan materi. Dalam konteks pembelajaran bahasa Inggris teknik di jurusan teknik sipil, pendekatan ini bisa jadi solusi untuk mengatasi rasa bosan atau kesulitan yang sering dialami mahasiswa ketika berhadapan dengan istilah-istilah teknis yang kaku.

Mahasiswa politeknik, apalagi di program studi teknik konstruksi jalan dan jembatan, sering menganggap bahasa Inggris hanya sebatas mata kuliah pelengkap, bukan kebutuhan utama. Padahal kenyataannya, bahasa Inggris sangat penting ketika mereka harus membaca manual teknik, jurnal internasional, atau berkomunikasi dengan pihak luar negeri di proyek besar. Nah, di sinilah gamifikasi bisa masuk sebagai jembatan. Alih-alih menjejali mereka dengan hafalan kosakata atau grammar, dosen bisa mendesain permainan yang menyenangkan tapi tetap mengasah kemampuan bahasa Inggris sesuai dengan kebutuhan bidang mereka.

Salah satu contoh sederhana gamifikasi adalah penggunaan kuis berbasis aplikasi dengan sistem poin, level, atau badge. Misalnya, ketika mahasiswa belajar tentang vocabulary seputar konstruksi jembatan, mereka bisa ikut dalam kuis cepat lewat aplikasi seperti Kahoot atau Quizizz. Setiap jawaban benar akan mendapat poin, dan mahasiswa bisa melihat peringkat mereka secara real-time. Nuansa kompetitif ini membuat mahasiswa jadi lebih bersemangat, bahkan mahasiswa yang biasanya pasif pun ikut tertarik untuk menjawab karena tidak ingin ketinggalan dari teman-temannya (Wulantari et al., 2023). Dengan cara ini, materi yang tadinya membosankan bisa terasa lebih ringan.

Selain aplikasi quiz, simulasi proyek berbasis game juga bisa jadi pilihan menarik. Misalnya, mahasiswa diajak membuat kelompok kecil dan diberikan skenario proyek pembangunan jembatan. Dalam simulasi itu, setiap kelompok harus berkomunikasi menggunakan bahasa Inggris untuk mendiskusikan langkah-langkah teknis. Agar lebih seru, dosen bisa memberikan tantangan berupa “mission” tertentu, seperti menjelaskan metode kerja kepada “klien” yang sebenarnya diperankan oleh dosen. Unsur game muncul ketika ada reward untuk kelompok dengan komunikasi terbaik, entah berupa tambahan nilai, sertifikat kecil, atau bahkan sekadar pengakuan di depan kelas.

Gamifikasi juga bisa memanfaatkan teknologi AI untuk memperkaya pengalaman belajar (Sourav et al., 2021). Misalnya, menggunakan ChatGPT sebagai “law partner” atau “virtual client” yang diajak mahasiswa untuk berlatih percakapan. Mahasiswa bisa diminta untuk menuliskan instruksi kerja kepada ChatGPT dalam bahasa Inggris, lalu ChatGPT akan merespons seolah-olah ia adalah klien atau supervisor proyek. Dari situ, mahasiswa bisa belajar bagaimana menyusun kalimat yang jelas, formal, tapi tetap komunikatif. Bahkan mereka bisa meminta ChatGPT untuk memberikan feedback langsung, misalnya menyoroti grammar atau kosakata yang kurang tepat.

Contoh penggunaannya bisa sederhana seperti ini: seorang mahasiswa mengetik ke ChatGPT, “Please act as a project manager in a road construction project. I will explain my work plan to you in English, and give me feedback about my explanation.” Lalu mahasiswa mencoba menuliskan rencana kerja singkat dalam bahasa Inggris, misalnya tentang tahapan survei lokasi atau metode pelapisan aspal. ChatGPT kemudian akan menanggapi dengan komentar seperti, “Good explanation, but you should use the passive voice in this sentence” atau “You can replace this word with a more technical term.” Dengan latihan ini, mahasiswa bukan hanya belajar bahasa, tapi juga mendapat pengalaman seolah-olah berada dalam situasi nyata.

Kelebihan gamifikasi adalah suasana kelas jadi lebih interaktif. Mahasiswa tidak hanya duduk diam mendengar, tapi mereka bisa bergerak, berdiskusi, bahkan berdebat dalam suasana yang menyenangkan. Misalnya, ketika mereka bermain role-play tentang rapat proyek konstruksi, mereka akan tertawa ketika ada teman yang salah mengucapkan istilah, tapi di balik itu sebenarnya mereka belajar dengan sangat efektif. Rasa senang ini membuat mereka lebih mudah mengingat kosakata dan struktur kalimat yang dipakai, dibandingkan jika hanya diberikan teori tanpa praktik.

Parafrase Tanpa Pusing: Saatnya Mahasiswa Kenalan Sama AI yang Bisa Jadi Teman Nulis Skripsi

Di dunia perkuliahan, khususnya di Politeknik, mahasiswa sering kali dihadapkan pada tantangan penulisan skripsi atau tugas akhir. Tidak jarang, masalah utama yang muncul adalah kesulitan memparafrase kutipan atau teori yang mereka ambil dari buku, jurnal, atau internet. Parafrase ini sebenarnya penting, karena selain menghindari plagiasi, juga menunjukkan bahwa mahasiswa memahami materi yang dibacanya (Malon et al., 2024). Sayangnya, banyak mahasiswa masih terjebak pada teknik “copas” alias copy paste tanpa mengubah struktur kalimat. Akibatnya, nilai mereka bisa terganggu, dan dosen pun sering harus mengembalikan draft untuk direvisi.

Di jurusan teknik sipil tempat saya mengajar, masalah ini cukup sering terjadi. Mahasiswa sudah bisa mencari teori atau referensi, tetapi saat diminta menuliskannya kembali dengan bahasa sendiri, mereka kebingungan. Ada yang mencoba mengubah kata-kata dengan sinonim, tapi hasilnya malah membingungkan atau terasa aneh dan "nyeleneh" saat dibaca. Bahkan ada yang sekadar mengganti beberapa kata lalu merasa itu sudah cukup aman dari plagiasi. Padahal, parafrase yang baik bukan hanya mengganti kata, tetapi mengubah susunan kalimat sambil tetap mempertahankan makna aslinya (Chanpradit et al., 2024).

Kesulitan ini juga terasa di bagian “Pendahuluan” dan “Latar Belakang” skripsi. Banyak mahasiswa menulis dengan kalimat yang tidak nyambung satu sama lain. Paragraf pertama membicarakan masalah A, lalu tiba-tiba lompat ke masalah B tanpa transisi yang jelas. Kadang, gaya bahasa yang digunakan juga campur aduk antara formal dan santai. Akibatnya, ide yang sebenarnya bagus jadi terkesan berantakan dan tidak profesional. Bab II “Landasan Teori/Kajian Pustaka” pun sering jadi sumber masalah. Mahasiswa biasanya hanya mengambil teori dari buku atau jurnal lalu menempelkannya bulat-bulat ke dalam dokumen. Mereka lupa bahwa dosen penguji ingin melihat kemampuan mereka memahami teori itu, bukan sekadar kemampuan mencari sumber. Alhasil, isi bab ini sering terasa seperti kumpulan kutipan daripada uraian ilmiah yang mengalir.

Nah, di sinilah teknologi seperti AI bisa membantu, khususnya ChatGPT. Banyak mahasiswa belum mengenal bahwa ChatGPT bisa digunakan untuk memparafrase dengan hasil yang jauh lebih baik daripada sekadar mengganti kata-kata. Dengan prompt yang tepat, mahasiswa bisa mengubah kutipan menjadi versi baru yang tetap akurat maknanya, tapi lebih enak dibaca dan bebas plagiasi. Bahkan, ChatGPT bisa membantu membuat kalimat lebih runtut dan nyambung.

Misalnya, jika mahasiswa punya kalimat dari buku/artikel seperti: “Pembangunan infrastruktur jalan memerlukan perencanaan matang untuk memastikan kelancaran lalu lintas dan keselamatan pengguna,” mereka bisa membuat parafrase menggunakan ChatGPT dengan perintah (prompt): “Tolong parafrase/perbaiki struktur kalimat berikut dengan bahasa formal yang jelas: [tulis/copy paste kalimatnya].” ChatGPT bisa mengubah dan memparafrase kalimat sebelumnya menjadi: “Perencanaan yang cermat sangat diperlukan dalam pembangunan infrastruktur jalan guna menjamin kelancaran arus lalu lintas serta keselamatan bagi para pengguna.”

Kalau ingin hasil yang lebih alami, mahasiswa bisa menambahkan instruksi/prompt seperti: “Parafrase dengan bahasa akademik sederhana, tapi tetap formal.” Dengan begitu, ChatGPT tidak hanya mengganti kata, tapi juga memperbaiki alur kalimat agar lebih mudah dipahami. Contohnya, kalimat tadi bisa menjadi: “Untuk memastikan arus lalu lintas lancar dan aman, pembangunan jalan harus diawali dengan perencanaan yang matang.” Bahkan untuk membuat pendahuluan yang runtut, mahasiswa bisa memanfaatkan ChatGPT. Caranya, mereka tulis semua poin yang ingin dimasukkan ke pendahuluan, lalu beri instruksi: “Susun menjadi pendahuluan skripsi yang runtut, formal, dan mengalir antar kalimat dan paragraf [tulis/copy paste bagian Latar Belakang/Pendahuluan].” Hasilnya, ChatGPT akan mengatur urutan ide, menambahkan kalimat transisi, dan memastikan paragraf saling terhubung.

AI dalam Penulisan Skripsi/Tugas Akhir: Solusi Cerdas atau Jalan Pintas?

Menulis skripsi atau tugas akhir sering kali menjadi tantangan besar bagi mahasiswa. Bukan hanya karena jumlah halaman yang harus dipenuhi, tetapi juga karena tuntutan untuk menyampaikan gagasan secara runtut, jelas, dan tentu saja—bebas dari plagiarisme. Sayangnya, di banyak kasus, masih banyak mahasiswa yang terjebak dalam kebiasaan copy-paste, baik dari sumber daring maupun buku, tanpa upaya mengubah atau memparafrasekan kalimat tersebut. Akibatnya, karya yang dihasilkan tidak mencerminkan orisinalitas pemikiran mereka.

Parafrase bukan sekadar mengganti kata dengan sinonim, tetapi mengubah struktur kalimat, menyederhanakan atau memperluas gagasan, sambil tetap mempertahankan makna yang sama. Inilah yang sering menjadi titik lemah. Banyak mahasiswa bingung bagaimana mengubah teks asli menjadi tulisan mereka sendiri tanpa mengurangi esensi isi. Kebingungan ini sering berujung pada dua kemungkinan: mereka tetap melakukan copy-paste, atau memparafrase secara asal sehingga maknanya melenceng.

Masalah lain muncul pada bagian pendahuluan, khususnya di subbab latar belakang. Di sini mahasiswa diharapkan menjelaskan alasan penelitian mereka dilakukan, menguraikan fenomena atau masalah yang melatarbelakangi, dan menghubungkannya dengan teori atau data. Namun, yang sering terjadi adalah kalimat-kalimat yang dibuat terdengar acak, tidak nyambung satu sama lain, atau bahkan terlalu umum. Alhasil, pembaca akan kesulitan memahami arah penelitian yang dimaksud.

Banyak mahasiswa menganggap pendahuluan hanyalah formalitas, padahal bagian ini adalah “etalase” dari keseluruhan skripsi atau tugas akhir. Jika pembaca sudah kebingungan sejak awal, maka kesan yang tertinggal akan kurang baik. Lebih buruk lagi, dosen pembimbing bisa saja meminta revisi berkali-kali hanya karena pendahuluan yang tidak jelas.

Di era digital saat ini, sebenarnya sudah ada banyak alat yang bisa membantu mahasiswa menulis lebih baik, salah satunya adalah kecerdasan buatan (AI). AI dapat membantu memparafrasekan teks, memperbaiki tata bahasa, menyusun kalimat agar lebih logis, bahkan memberikan saran agar ide tersampaikan dengan lebih runtut. Dengan kata lain, AI bisa menjadi “teman diskusi” yang sabar dan selalu siap memberi masukan (Rababah et al., 2024).

Contohnya, ChatGPT bisa digunakan untuk memparafrasekan teori yang diambil dari buku atau jurnal. Misalnya, jika ada kutipan tentang “Teori X menyatakan bahwa kualitas pelayanan berpengaruh signifikan terhadap kepuasan pelanggan”, AI bisa membantu mengubahnya menjadi “Menurut Teori X, tingkat kualitas pelayanan memiliki dampak yang besar terhadap tingkat kepuasan pelanggan” tanpa mengubah makna. Proses ini membantu mahasiswa menghindari plagiasi sambil tetap mempertahankan substansi.

Selain memparafrase, AI seperti Grammarly atau Quillbot dapat memperbaiki tata bahasa dan struktur kalimat. Grammarly, misalnya, tidak hanya mengoreksi ejaan tetapi juga memberikan saran perbaikan agar kalimat menjadi lebih efektif. Quillbot, di sisi lain, sangat berguna untuk memvariasikan kalimat, membuat tulisan lebih natural, dan menjaga koherensi antarparagraf. Selain itu, mahasiswa dapat mengunjungi LINK INI untuk mulai parafrase tulisan dalam skripsi/tugas akhir mereka dengan gratis dan tanpa ribet.

Tidak hanya itu, AI juga bisa membantu mahasiswa mengembangkan ide di bagian pendahuluan. Misalnya, jika mahasiswa tahu topik penelitiannya tetapi tidak tahu bagaimana menghubungkannya dengan fenomena yang relevan, AI dapat memberikan contoh narasi. Misal, topik tentang “Digitalisasi UMKM” dapat diawali dengan narasi tentang perkembangan teknologi, tantangan UMKM di era digital, lalu mengerucut ke masalah yang akan diteliti.

Artificial Intelligence in Vocational Higher Education: Challenges, Potential, and the Lecturer's Role

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become an integral part of the ongoing digital transformation across various sectors, including higher education. Amidst rapid technological advancements, AI offers significant opportunities to revolutionize the way lecturers teach and students learn. Lectures, once traditionally conducted, are now undergoing significant changes with the advent of various AI-based tools and platforms that can assist in material delivery, evaluation, and learning assistance (Michel-Villarreal et al., 2023).

AI can be used to accelerate academic administration processes, personalize student learning experiences, and improve the quality of learning through data analysis. Online learning platforms are now equipped with intelligent features such as learning chatbots, material recommendation systems, and automated assessment tools that can ease the workload of lecturers. However, the adoption of AI in education still faces various challenges, particularly in terms of human resource and infrastructure readiness.

In vocational higher education settings, the use of AI in lectures holds enormous potential. Vocational higher education institutions, which emphasize skills and work practices, can utilize AI to digitally simulate industrial conditions (Neumann et al., 2023). For example, through the use of AI-based augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technology, students can virtually learn to use industrial machinery or equipment before actually entering the workforce.

Furthermore, AI can be used to make learning more adaptive to the diverse needs and learning pace of vocational students. This technology can analyze individual student learning outcomes and recommend appropriate materials to enhance their understanding. This significantly contributes to creating inclusive and effective learning for all students, not just those who excel academically.

THE HANDBOOK OF ENGLISH FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES IN THE LAST TREND ERA

Book Cover

English for Specific Purposes (ESP) is a branch of English language teaching that focuses on the language needs of learners in specific professional, academic, or vocational contexts. This concept began to develop in the 1960s, along with the increasing global need for English language skills that are not only general, but also tailored to specific fields such as engineering, business, medicine, or tourism. The history of ESP cannot be separated from global changes after World War II, when English began to dominate international communication, trade, and the development of science and technology.

The development of ESP cannot be separated from the new paradigm in language teaching that emphasizes a communicative and goal-oriented approach. Initially, ESP was widely used in academic contexts to help international students understand lecture material delivered in English. However, over time, ESP has expanded widely into various sectors such as the military, aviation, law, hospitality, and information technology. The development of digital technology and the internet has also driven innovation in ESP teaching, such as the emergence of online modules, digital simulations, and AI-based applications that support contextual learning.

The benefits of ESP in the modern era are very significant, especially in increasing the effectiveness of professional communication. In an increasingly globalized workplace, many companies require employees who are not only proficient in general English, but also in technical terms and communication styles specific to their field. For example, a technician at an oil and gas company needs to understand technical manuals in English, while a hotelier needs to be able to interact with foreign tourists using expressions consistent with customer service etiquette.

ESP also supports the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills because students are trained to use English in real-world situations that require quick and appropriate responses. With this approach, learning becomes more relevant and meaningful, because the material presented is directly related to the student's field of study or work. This distinguishes ESP from general English instruction, which focuses more on basic skills such as grammar and everyday conversation.

Types of ESP can generally be divided into two broad categories: English for Academic Purposes (EAP) and English for Occupational Purposes (EOP). EAP includes language training for study purposes in an academic environment, such as scientific writing, academic presentations, or class discussions. Meanwhile, EOP includes the use of English in a work context, such as English for Business, English for Nursing, or English for Aviation. This division is increasingly developing to be more specific, following the dynamics of the profession and industry needs.

In practice, ESP teaching usually begins with an in-depth needs analysis to understand the background, goals, and context of the learners' language use. From this analysis, the curriculum and learning materials are tailor-made to suit their needs and situations. For example, an ESP course for mechanical technicians will include manual texts, video tutorials, and real-work instruction-based exercises.

Google Translate, English Language Acquisition and Civil Engineering Students

Source: www.express.co.uk

Utilizing Google Translate for English language acquisition among civil engineering students offers numerous substantial advantages. Although it cannot substitute for thorough language acquisition, Google Translate can function as a valuable resource to enhance technical comprehension and facilitate communication in academic and professional settings. The following are key advantages that can be attained: 

1. Enhance Accessibility of Educational Resources

Civil engineering students frequently encounter difficulties comprehending academic literature produced in English. The majority of scientific papers, textbooks, and other engineering resources are composed in this language. Google interpret enables students to interpret complex technical documents or articles, facilitating a deeper comprehension of the subject matter being examined. This tool enhances access to resources that may be challenging to comprehend without support. 

2. Accelerate the Translation Process

Students utilize Google Translate as a rapid tool to ascertain the meanings of unfamiliar terms or phrases in technical texts. With minimal effort, they can obtain an immediate translation, save the time that would have otherwise been spent consulting a dictionary or inquiring with their instructor. This enables them to concentrate on the fundamental comprehension and implementation of intricate technological ideas. 

3. Enhance Technical Lexicon Proficiency 

Google Translate can assist students in acquiring technical English terminology. Through the use of computerized translation, students can access the comparable technical terminology in a more familiar language. Consistent utilization can enhance their capacity to identify and retain technical terminology frequently employed in civil engineering. Students can acquire terminology such as "structural load," "earthquake resistance," or "building materials" pertinent to their field of study. 

4. Assist Students Experiencing Difficulties with Grammar 

The grammatical structure of English differs from that of Indonesian, presenting a significant obstacle for civil engineering students lacking a robust English foundation. Google Translate offers not only literal translations but also frequently delivers grammatically accurate phrase constructions in English. Although not infallible, this can provide students with insight into constructing suitable statements in technical circumstances. 

5. Assistance in Composing Engineering Reports or Articles 

The majority of engineering reports, scientific articles, and presentations within civil engineering education must be produced in English. Google Translate assists students in converting their concepts from their original language (e.g., Indonesian) into English. Although automatic translation may not be flawless, students can utilize the translation outcomes to construct a preliminary framework and subsequently enhance the phrases to align more effectively with the academic environment. 

6. Enhance Comprehension and Auditory Processing of English Audio Material 

Google Translate possesses a functionality to translate text from audio or voice, which is advantageous for comprehending lectures or presentations in English. Students may enter audio transcripts or dialogues into this program to receive immediate translations. This enables students to comprehend lectures or instructional materials in English more readily, without need on manual translators. 

MODUL MATA KULIAH: BAHASA INGGRIS TEKNIK 1

Book Cover: English for Civil Engineering

English has long been known as an international language used in almost all parts of the world. By mastering English, a person has the opportunity to communicate with people from other parts of the world. You don't have to communicate with people from countries that use English as a national language such as the United States, England or Australia, but also with citizens of other countries. English is a global language today. Indians, Chinese or Turks are already using English to expand business.

For communication purposes, an engineering worker should pay attention to the following: 1. Most of the theory is taught in English. For this reason, the expected level of English proficiency is very important. 2. Today's engineering workers must communicate with colleagues spread across the world. Among most professionals such as scientists, technologists and business experts who have different cultural and linguistic backgrounds, English is considered a communication language that can connect people from different backgrounds.

For professional purposes, English may be very useful. Here are some reasons: 1. In today's world, employers are looking for graduates with good communication skills, along with technical knowledge. 2. Having good communication skills is a valuable asset for engineering workers. Professionals with a good understanding of English are included in higher level standards in a company. These workers will have a greater opportunity to be sent abroad to work or to undergo training.

English is a universal language used in many fields of work including engineering. In fact, English is considered a language that can open up knowledge. Today, most books dealing with the latest technology, academic papers, notes, webinars, and other technical communications are in English — although many translations provide technical material in several languages. English proficiency can ensure access to new knowledge, enabling engineering workers to learn more about their craft, share ideas with others in different parts of the world via social media, and find better solutions to the problems they are working on.

If you want to take this study program, there is no need to worry because civil engineering has many opportunities in society. Apart from being a private employee working in the housing industry, you can also try registering with various government agencies.

Several government agencies that require civil engineering graduates are the National Planning Agency or BPN, the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing or PUPR, as well as other state-owned companies engaged in the construction sector.

There is no need to be afraid of not getting a job after graduating because there are still many people who need services for building houses, buildings and regional infrastructure.

Not to mention, development in Indonesia still needs to be worked on so that it becomes more evenly distributed from one region to another. So, worrying about the lack of job vacancies in this field doesn't need to be on your mind anymore.

Deskripsi Mata Kuliah

Mata kuliah Bahasa Inggris Teknik termasuk dalam kelompok Mata Kuliah Pengembangan Kepribadian (MPK) yang bertujuan untuk pengembangan keterampilan berbahasa Inggris dan agar mahasiswa mampu mengetahui, memahami serta berkomunikasi menggunakan bahasa Inggris  dalam  bidang  rekayasa Teknik Konstruksi Jalan dan Jembatan dengan baik dan benar; serta memiliki kemampuan dasar bahasa Inggris yang dilatihkan yaitu  reading,  listening, speaking, dan writing dalam topik bahasan: Introduction to English for Civil Engineering, Buliding Materials, Basic Math, Hand and Power Tools, Describing Shapes, Asking and Giving Directions, Asking and Giving Suggestion, Measurements & Safety Equipments and Precautions, dan Hand and Power Tools.

English for Civil Engineering: Safety Equipment

Image by: www.monash.edu.my

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is equipment that has the ability to protect a person whose function is to isolate part or all of the body from potential dangers in the workplace. (Minister of Manpower and Transmigration of the Republic of Indonesia, 2010). PPE is very important considering the high risk of accidents in the construction sector. Based on the article Controlling Occupational Safety and Health (K3) Risks in Construction, the number of work accidents still needs to be a big concern for the government and construction service companies. Based on data from the Ministry of Manpower of the Republic of Indonesia, there were 110,285 accident cases in 2015, 105,182 accident cases in 2016, and 80,392 accident cases in 2017. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is the final form of risk control based on the risk control hierarchy. Every company in the construction sector is obliged to provide PPE for workers/laborer's at the workplace.

PPE focuses on various or all things that have an influence on other aspects. Starting from a condition of safety, security and health for each worker. Even the work environment also greatly influences the project implementation process.

The main benefit of Construction PPE is to prevent, reduce and extinguish various risks of accidents, fires and even explosions. Construction PPE will also provide instructions or opportunities to escape when an emergency occurs. That way, with its application it is able to provide assistance and function as a means of protection when an accident or other emergency occurs.

In its activities with construction projects, Construction PPE controls the distribution of temperature, dust, dirt, wind, sound, vibration, and many other factors or objects so that risks such as the emergence of occupational diseases, whether physical or psychological, can be controlled. Of course, Construction PPE is very useful in various emergency situations. Its application is useful for securing and providing a smooth emergency evacuation process, and can even be used to maintain buildings.

Regulations Regarding PPE

PPE must comply with Indonesian National Standards (SNI) or applicable standards and must be worn by workers on all jobs according to the type of work. The legal basis governing the use of PPE in general is included in the Regulation of the Minister of Manpower and Transmigration of the Republic of Indonesia Number Per.08/MEN/VII/2010 concerning Personal Protective Equipment. Specific PPE regulations in the construction sector are included in the Minister of Public Works Regulation Number 05/PRT/M/2014 concerning Guidelines for Occupational Safety and Health Management Systems (SMK3) for Construction in the Public Works Sector.

Components of Personal Protective Equipment in the Construction Workplace

PPE consists of various components to protect different parts of the body, such as Head Protective Equipment, Eye Protective Equipment, Ear Protective Equipment, Respiratory Protective Equipment, Hand Protective Equipment, Protective Clothing, and Foot Protective Equipment.

Intelligent Business Elementary, Pre-Intermediate and Intermediate by Pearson Longman (Coursebook and CD-ROM)

Image by: www.longmanhomeusa.com

Business English abilities are essential for progressing in your profession. If you want to work efficiently in an international context, you need improve your business English vocabulary and knowledge. Overall, it will open many doors and provide new professional prospects.

There is a diverse selection of English language courses available in the market. All of these can help you improve your English language skills. However, business English is a subset of English that concentrates on the corporate language that is most widely employed in the business world. It is part of the international business community's skill sets.

Business English classes cover vocabulary and phrases used in business and professional settings, business writing, presenting presentations, expressing viewpoints, bargaining, describing graphs and charts, and conducting and participating in meetings. Furthermore, business English includes topics such as teamwork, business travel, relationship building, and job interview preparation.

Obviously, you may choose specialized business English classes that focus on specific fields such as law, finance, marketing and advertising, trade, politics, logistics, tourism, and medicine. After completing a broad business English course, the majority of students choose to specialize in a specific business field.

Learning business English will allow you to improve your existing English skills as well as gain new knowledge. You will study vocabulary and expressions unique to your branch, as well as how to compose business communication and perform other practical work-related tasks. You will also have the opportunity to improve your general English skills, such as grammar and pronunciation. Furthermore, the practice and interaction activities in a business English course will help you gain confidence when speaking English. You will be able to hold a conversation about both general and business themes.

We live in a world that is becoming increasingly globalized, interconnected, and communicative. There are economic relationships between organizations from all over the world, thus the need to communicate in a common language is obvious. While studying business English, you will discover how international firms work together, conduct business, and form professional relationships. Simultaneously, strengthening your business English abilities can have a significant impact on your future job, helping you to develop more quickly than you ever imagined.

General Information:

Prepare your students for the world of business with Intelligent Business. Using authentic materials from The Economist magazine, Intelligent Business covers key business concepts within a comprehensive business English syllabus.

• Teach engaging lessons using the Teacher’s Book, which has resources for the Coursebook and Workbook as well as the Skills Book and Video.

• Get all the test material you could ever need using the Teacher’s Book and Test Master CD-ROM, with fully editable tests for all stages of the course.

English for Civil Engineering: Measurements in Civil Engineering

Image by: pinoybuilders.ph

Civil Engineering measurements have now become an important part of modern society. In fact, it has become one of the fields that many students are interested in. Because there are many benefits such as being able to build construction, roads and many other things.

In the field of engineering, especially civil engineering, measuring an area is very important. This aims to determine the physical condition of the surface of the area. For example, to find out the difference in height and low in an area where a highway is planned to be built, careful measurements must be taken first. From here it is finally known which parts need to be excavated or buried. If this is not done, the highway will have a shape that is too winding, climbing and descending. This obviously increases the cost of transporting a vehicle, as well as increasing costs for materials and equipment. In this kind of measurement, the tools used are usually a theodolite, spirit level, rolling meter, and so on.

The vast expanse of the earth's surface has an irregular shape, resulting in problems in being able to determine the shape of the relief from the ground surface. Thus, finally, thanks to the tenacity of scientists, a science emerged relating to this problem, namely the science of Geodesy.

Geodesy is a science that is used to determine the shape (form) and size of part or all of the land surface in order to depict it. Meanwhile, land surveying is only a small part of the science of geodesy. The science of geodesy has two purposes, namely:

1. Scientific purpose: determining the shape of the earth's surface.

2. Practical purpose: to make a shadow, which is called map science, of a large or small part of the earth's surface.

Examples of tools used in measurements in the field of Civil Engineering are:

1. Water level

2. Roll meters

3. Measuring tank

4. Stakes

5. Other tools

Understanding Land Measurement in Civil Engineering

For those who are still unfamiliar with this matter, the science of land measurement is actually a branch of Geodesy which specifically studies a small part of the earth's surface. In practice, you can use various survey methods to get final results in the form of accurate maps. In simple terms, in the world of services we can call it a mapping service.

Geodesy itself covers many things, not only measuring the area of land on land, but also water areas in the form of seas, rivers, lakes and others. Describes the topography in the depths of water, analyses decision making and statistical calculations.

Various Types of Civil Engineering Measurement Sciences Based on Elements

Apart from the various methods that can be used to measure land, there are also groupings in the category of measuring science which are divided into several fields, the classification is based on the coverage of elements that exist in nature. Here's the review:

1. Land Surveying

Land surveying or what is often called land measurement. Things included in this group are topography and cadastral measurements. Both have their respective roles and different subjects.

Topography itself is a method used to measure land using natural or artificial marks on the land and to determine the topography down to the smallest detail. Meanwhile, cadaster is a land parcel information administration system.

2. Water Surveying

Next is marine or hydrographic or what is more often called water measurements. The categories included include measurements for tides, construction of coastal buildings such as tourism management, ports, reclamation, and many more.

Apart from these things, water measurements can also be used for ship navigation, or to determine the ebb and flow of waves in that water area. Currently, the Indonesian Navy has even used this technique to increase the country's maritime resilience.

3. Astronomical Surveying

Then there is astronomical surveying or what is often called astronomical measurements. This is an activity carried out to determine the position on the face of the earth by utilizing objects in the sky.

The methods used in measurements are also varied, such as apparent star magnitude, absolute, and many more. However, high expertise and precision is required so that the results obtained are accurate and can be accounted for.

Civil Engineering Measurements Based on Area of Coverage

After knowing more about soil science measurements based on elements found in nature, we can now classify them according to the extent of coverage in the area. There are various types of methods that can be used in the field. Here's

English for Civil Engineering: Basic Maths

Image by: bwseducationconsulting.com

Basic math is nothing but the simple or basic concept related with mathematics. Generally, counting, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division are called the basic math operation. The other mathematical concepts are built on top of the above 4 operations.

Along with the concept of these operation, we need to understand the different properties of these operation as well as relation among these operations.

You may have encountered math problems in English. However, the pronunciation of these mathematical operations is definitely different from Indonesian.

Mathematical operations are defined as processes performed on numbers, including addition, subtraction, and others. The following is the pronunciation of mathematical operations in English.

On this occasion we will give you a way to read mathematical symbols in English. Wow, what does mathematics and English look like together? Hey, don't give up yet. Mathematics is not something foreign to people all over the world, so we as English language learners certainly need to know mathematical symbols. Without further ado, let's just look at the following mathematical symbols in English.

Mathematical Addition Operations

The addition operation in English is called addition. The form is the same as the form of mathematical addition in Indonesia, only the difference is in how it is read and how it is pronounced. To make it easier for you, let's look at the example below:

1+2=3

For the addition example above, there are various ways to pronounce the number operation. This method is divided into three, namely one plus two is three, one plus two equals to three, and one added by two equals to three.

Image by: sjcit.ac.in

Mathematical Subtraction Operations

The reduction operation in English is called subtraction. Just like addition or addition, there are several ways you can use to say the subtraction operation in English. For greater clarity, let's look at the following example:

English for Civil Engineering: Describing Shapes

Image by: promova.com

Every day, we see various objects with different shapes. Shapes in English are called shapes. These shapes can be drawn or in the form of two dimensions or three dimensions. This two-dimensional shape is called a flat shape, while the three-dimensional shape is a space shape.

Shapes is very important because without understanding shapes, we cannot identify objects. In geometry, a shape can be defined as the form of an object or its outline, outer boundary or outer surface.

Everything we see in the world around us has a shape. We can find different basic shapes such as the two-dimensional square, rectangle, and oval or the three-dimensional rectangular prism, cylinder, and sphere in the objects we see around us. These geometric shapes appear in objects we see as credit cards, bills and coins, finger rings, photo frames, dart boards, huts, windows, magician’s wands, tall buildings, flower pots, toy trains, and balloons.

Lines

No less important to understand are the various lines in studying shapes. In general, lines only consist of two types, the first is straight lines and the second is curved or curved lines. However, for the details themselves, the lines are divided into their own sections. There are various types of lines, there are vertical lines, horizontal lines, diagonal lines, curved lines and parallel lines.

English for Civil Engineering: Building Materials

 Image by: mekarabadibangunan.com

Having your own home is everyone's dream. But, as is known, having your own home is not cheap and it takes a long time to achieve this dream. Therefore, we must pay attention to and prepare everything, including the building materials that will be used to build our dream home, whether it is a new house or one that is about to be renovated. The best quality is of course the choice so that it lasts long and is strong.

Before designing the construction of a building, it is a good idea to first know what building materials are needed. Not only natural materials are used in building construction, but also materials that come from factories. Natural building materials receive very little factory interference, for example wood and glass. Meanwhile, manufactured building materials are mostly processed in factories, for example pipes and cement. Each type has its own function.

One of the important stages in the process of building a building is choosing building materials. The building materials chosen will greatly influence the quality of the building. If you work as an architect, then you are responsible for determining the best building materials for the design you have created. If you work as a contractor, you can help provide recommendations for good and quality building materials for the project you are handling.

History of the use of building materials

Building materials have been used since 8000-6000 years BC, where remains of buildings made of mud brick were found in Eastern Europe from that era. In Indonesia, during the colonial era, the Dutch implemented the use of brick wall materials from Europe which were adapted to the climate and local wisdom of Indonesia. The development of knowledge has greatly influenced the use of building materials, which were originally unprocessed in their original form (such as bamboo, wood, leaves, soil, mud, etc.) and then processed into other forms that were considered stronger, simpler and easier to obtain.

The existence of new materials also influences the type of materials used, below are examples of changes in the use of materials from the past to the present.

• Soil is burned or dried in the sun to be used as building material.

• Before building construction using cement or the like, the usual adhesive for wall construction was stacked construction, which sometimes also used mud as an adhesive, perhaps because it could cause the pile of dried bricks to break.

• For wood connections before nails were known, the method used was with pegs and ties.

Grouping of building materials

In the world of construction, building materials are included in the facility construction sub-group among 50 construction information divisions by the Construction Specifications Institute.

Building materials according to their materials are divided into two groups:

• Organic building materials, such as wood, bamboo and others

• Building materials which are inorganic materials (except bitumen, asphalt, petroleum and so on, including organic materials)

Building materials according to their use can be classified as follows:

• Building materials for building construction

• Building materials for road construction

• Building materials for electrical and water installations

• Building materials for acoustic and thermal insulation

• Building materials for decoration and interior

Image by: www.acpindo.com

The following are 9 types of building materials for construction:

1. Bricks

We certainly already know what bricks are? Yes, brick is a type of stone made from clay that is burned until it has a distinctive reddish color. Bricks themselves function as building materials for walls. As time goes by, the use of bricks as a building material for walls is starting to decline, due to technological developments. Its popularity began to be replaced by bataringan. Bataringan itself is a building material for walls which is relatively cheaper than brick. Even so, brick remains the most commonly used building material, mainly because of its durability.

English for Civil Engineering: Introduction to Civil Engineering

Image by: binus.ac.id

Have you guys ever thought about who are behind the construction of skyscrapers, bridges that cross oceans and roads that connect various remote areas in this country?

The buildings are the work of Civil Engineers. Yes, Civil Engineering is a branch of engineering that studies how to design, build and renovate not only buildings and infrastructure, but also the environment for the benefit of human life.

At the higher education level in Indonesia there are various study programs, one of which is Civil Engineering, there are even several vocational high schools that open this major. Talking about the Civil Engineering Department, there are many assumptions circulating in the community around us which think that Civil Engineering is the same as Civil Servants (PNS), because there is a Civil Servant at the end, of course this is an incorrect assumption. Hehee..

What is Civil Engineering Major?

Civil engineering is a field of science that studies planning, design, manufacturing and conservation to support the formation of an area. The science studied in this major generally involves applied mathematics and technology. Thus, a civil engineering graduate can understand building design and construction, taking into account aspects of the surrounding environment.

So, what are the courses that must be taken and the skills that must be mastered by someone majoring in civil engineering? Here are some names of courses that will accompany your study period: Calculus, Basic Physics, Basic Chemistry, Basics of Architecture, Introduction to Engineering and Design, Civil Construction Materials Engineering, Materials Mechanics, Soil Mechanics, Traffic Engineering, Geometric Design Roads, and much more.

If civil engineering is a major that also requires understanding of building design, then what is the difference between this field of study and architecture? Well, Architecture is a major that studies a lot about building planning to produce products that have high aesthetic value and are functional.

However, there is a slight difference between architecture and civil engineering, namely that architecture generally focuses more on design. Then, a civil engineering graduate will realize the design.

What do you study in Civil Engineering major?

In civil engineering courses, most courses study calculations, including engineering mathematics, physics, engineering mechanics, etc. Depending on the credits held at each university, the names may differ. But in essence, most mathematical calculations are the same. The main material from the Civil Engineering major is:

1. Engineering mathematics

2. Engineering mechanics/engineering mechanics

3. Structural analysis

4. steel construction

5. concrete construction

6. wooden construction

7. foundation techniques

8. Hydrology

9. and civil informatics.

10. Earthquake engineering techniques

11. Structural dynamics,

12. Construction management

13. Water structures

14. hydraulics, and many more..

What are the Job Prospects for Civil Engineering Majors?

If you want to take this study program, there is no need to worry because civil engineering has many opportunities in society. Apart from being a private employee working in the housing industry, you can also try registering with various government agencies.

Several government agencies that require civil engineering graduates are the National Planning Agency or BPN, the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing or PUPR, as well as other state-owned companies engaged in the construction sector.

There is no need to be afraid of not getting a job after graduating because there are still many people who need services for building houses, buildings and regional infrastructure.

Not to mention, development in Indonesia still needs to be worked on so that it becomes more evenly distributed from one region to another. So, worrying about the lack of job vacancies in this field doesn't need to be on your mind anymore.

English for Civil Engineering: Bridge Construction

Image by: wowkeren.com

As is known, the development of bridges is in line with the development of human civilization. But it is not an easy thing and requires a long process to achieve the bridge structure as it exists today. The history of bridges begins with a "cut and try" process and then developed using empirical methods along with thoughts on knowledge of the materials that make up bridges.

The thinking of ancient civilizations has been a very valuable contribution to bridge technology. Ancient humans crossed rivers by installing stone pillars, logs, or fallen trees over very short spans. Ancient humans also used tree roots or branches as suspension bridges to hang from one tree to another.

The ancient type of bridge was a simple beam bridge, and was used only for short spans. However, in this era the arch bridge type was also found, even though the shape and construction materials were still relatively simple.

Over time, the era of iron and steel bridges was in line with the industrial revolution. In this era, iron bridges were built using curved principles, especially for road bridges, but in this era cantilevers were used in their construction. In this era, bridges use a variety of steel structural components and systems: decks, girders, trusses, arches, supports and cable hangers.

Bridges as a means of transportation have an important role in the smooth movement of traffic. Where the function of a bridge is to connect transportation routes or routes that are separated by rivers, swamps, lakes, straits, canals, highways, railways and other crossings.

Apart from that, the construction of bridges, which are one of the complementary road buildings which have a very vital function and role in supporting the smooth flow of transportation, is also an important need for the community. By building bridge infrastructure, the rate of economic growth in the community will accelerate because the flow of goods in and out, both agricultural products produced and goods needed by the community that must be imported from outside the region, will be delivered more quickly.

Initially, bridges were only used to connect two separate places over a relatively short distance. As it develops, bridges can be used to connect separate places at long distances, even across the sea. With the increase in technology and supporting facilities such as computers, space is no longer an obstacle.

From an economic perspective, bridges can reduce transportation costs. And in terms of time efficiency, the existence of a bridge can shorten travel time on separate land trips so that it can improve the community's economy.

5 Common Types of Bridge Construction

1. Truss Bridge

Truss Bridge is a bridge whose construction is stronger because it uses a triangular truss frame. Even though they are not embedded in the ground, the bridge pillars are stiffer because of the triangular shape that connects one pillar to another. Apart from that, the diagonal lines on the bridge pillars also function to transfer the load to a wider area, so that the load does not gather at one point.

2. Beam Bridge

Also known as a grider bridge, this construction design is the simplest way to make a bridge. Generally, this bridge is straight horizontal, with vertical pillars as pillars to strengthen it. Usually, piles are made of steel or concrete that are driven into the ground. Beam bridge construction is commonly used to connect two areas that are relatively close. For example, areas separated by rivers.

3. Arch Bridge

Arch or what in English means arch is a bridge that is made curved like an arrow. Even though construction saves more material (it doesn't require a lot of material), in terms of durability, this design is stronger than beams or trusses.

4. Cable Stayed Bridge

Cable-stayed bridges use cables as supporting elements for the traffic floor. In cable-stayed cables, the cable is directly supported by the tower.

5. Cable-stayed Bridge

A cable-stayed bridge is a continuous girder with one or more towers installed on the bridge pillars in the middle of the span. Cable-stayed bridges have a relatively low center of mass position so that this type of bridge is very good for use in areas with an earthquake risk and is used for varying span lengths of 100 – 600 meters.

6. Suspension Bridge

Suspension Bridge means a suspension bridge. The basic structural system of a suspension bridge is in the form of a main cable that carries a suspension bridge. Bridge traffic floors are usually not connected directly to the pillars, because the principle of supporting the girder lies in the cables.

References:

https://dpupkp.slemankab.go.id/sejarah-perkembangan-jembatan.slm

https://pupr.ngawikab.go.id/pengertian-dan-jenis-konstruksi-jembatan/

The value of English to students majoring in Civil engineering

Image by: https://www.anakteknik.co.id/

English has become an international language because it is used in various parts of the world. Someone who masters English can definitely communicate with other people in various parts of the world.

Even though English is used by native speakers in countries such as the United States, Australia or England, you can also use English to communicate as a global language with foreigners in India, Turkey, China or others.

Why is English Important for Civil Engineering Students?

Engineering students are also required to learn English to improve career opportunities. In fact, these benefits were conveyed directly by Shree (2016) as follows:

1. For Communication Purposes

An engineering worker will learn a lot of theory in English. English language proficiency is very important to understand all these theories. Engineering students must of course be proficient in communicating in English because they will communicate with colleagues from various parts of the world.

In the world of work, you will also meet technology experts, scientists and business experts who have different languages and backgrounds. So, English is an important means of communication, connecting you with other workers.

2. For Professional Purposes

When in the world of work, you will meet recruiters who are looking for graduates with communication skills and technical knowledge. Additionally, having good communication skills is a valuable asset for engineering workers.

Professionals who have a good understanding of English at a higher level in a company. These workers have a higher chance of being able to work abroad, either for training or assignment reasons. English as a universal language is used in various fields of work, one of which is the engineering field.

English is also a language that can open your horizons. Most of the books are related to the latest technology, such as notes, academic papers, webinars, and also other technical communications in English.

Many translations offer technical material in several languages. English language proficiency will provide access to new knowledge, allowing engineering workers to learn further related skills. Share opinions with other people from various parts of the world using social media or solve problems related to current issues in engineering.

For communication purposes, an engineering worker should pay attention to the following: 1. Most of the theory is taught in English. For this reason, the expected level of English proficiency is very important. 2. Today's engineering workers must communicate with colleagues spread across the world. Among most professionals such as scientists, technologists and business experts who have different cultural and linguistic backgrounds, English is considered a communication language that can connect people from different backgrounds.

For professional purposes, English may be very useful. Here are some reasons: 1. In today's world, employers are looking for graduates with good communication skills, along with technical knowledge. 2. Having good communication skills is a valuable asset for engineering workers. Professionals with a good understanding of English are included in higher level standards in a company. These workers will have a greater opportunity to be sent abroad to work or to undergo training.

English is a universal language used in many fields of work including engineering. In fact, English is considered a language that can open up knowledge. Today, most technology-related books, academic papers, notes, webinars, and other technical communications are in English — although many translations provide technical material in several languages. English proficiency can ensure access to new knowledge, enabling engineering workers to learn more about their craft, share ideas with others in different parts of the world via social media, and find better solutions to the problems they are working on.

There are many ways that engineering workers can learn English. You can take English courses both online and offline. To get direct English learning, offline English courses are highly recommended, but if you want to get new things with updated knowledge, one of them is Extension which can be opened at www. extension.ucsd.edu/international-programs. Mastering English is very important and has become a necessity nowadays. It is a shame if technical workers do not have good English language skills because there will be so many missed opportunities such as learning more advanced technology and how to master it or the opportunity to work in international level companies. It's never too late to learn English, all engineering workers of all ages have the same opportunity to develop their abilities by adding English to their qualifications.

References:

https://jagobahasa.com/academic-english/belajar-bahasa-inggris-untuk-mahasiswa-teknik/

https://ft.kahuripan.ac.id/2021/06/09/pentingnya-bahasa-inggris-untuk-dikuasai-pekerja-teknik/

MODUL BAHASA INGGRIS TEKNIK SIPIL I (English for Civil Engineering I)

Puji Syukur kita panjatkan ke hadirat Tuhan Yang Maha Kuasa yang senantiasa memberikan kemudahan dalam menyelesaikan segala urusan hingga penulis mampu menyelesaikan Modul Perkuliahan Mata Kuliah Bahasa Inggris Teknik 2. Tak lupa penulis juga mengucapkan limpah terima kasih kepada berbagai pihak yang telah membantu dalam penyelesaian modul ini. 

Pembelajaran Bahasa Inggris, khususnya di Program Studi D-IV Teknik Konstruksi Jalan dan Jembatan, Jurusan Teknik Sipil memiliki peran yang sangat penting. Sebab instruksi-instruksi alat dalam konstruksi jalan dan jembatan tidak lepas dengan kata-kata berbahasa Inggris. Selain itu, untuk dapat melanjutkan karir ke industri, mahasiswa harus dibekali dengan kemampuan dasar Bahasa Inggris. Untuk itu Program Studi D-IV Teknik Konstruksi Jalan dan Jembatan memberikan Mata Kuliah Bahasa Inggris sebanyak 2 semester. Dalam proses pembelajaran bahasa Inggris tentunya perlu kiranya untuk terus dilakukan penataan kembali pola pemahaman dan juga materi atau bahan ajar bahasa Inggris secara sistematis dalam bentuk skemata atau konsep-konsep yang lebih simple dan mudah untuk dipahami, karena mengingat karakteristik mahasiswa Program Studi D-IV Teknik Konstruksi Jalan dan Jembatan yang bukan mahasiwa program bahasa sehingga diperlukan desain materi yang yang lebih sederhana dan mudah dipahami, yang memuat kemampuan dasar Bahasa Inggris (Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing) yang kontennya memuat topik mengenai teknik sipil, khususnya teknik konstruksi jalan dan jembatan.

Mata kuliah Bahasa Inggris Teknik termasuk dalam kelompok Mata Kuliah Pengembangan Kepribadian (MPK) yang bertujuan untuk pengembangan keterampilan berbahasa Inggris dan agar mahasiswa mampu mengetahui, memahami serta berkomunikasi menggunakan bahasa Inggris  dalam  bidang  rekayasa Teknik Konstruksi Jalan dan Jembatan dengan baik dan benar; serta memiliki kemampuan dasar bahasa Inggris yang dilatihkan yaitu  reading,  listening, speaking, dan writing dalam topik bahasan: Introduction to English for Civil Engineering, Buliding Materials, Basic Math, Basic Actions, Describing Shapes, Asking and Giving Directions, Asking and Giving Measurements & Safety Equipments and Precautions, and Hand and Power Tools

Akhir kata penulis mengucapkan selamat membaca dan tentu tidak lupa penulis harapkan kritik dan saran yang membangun agar didalam membuat modul penulis senantiasa rajin berbenah.

Penyusun,

Juvrianto Chrissunday  Jakob, S.Pd., M.Pd.

DOWNLOAD MODUL DISINI

The Use of Digital Stories for Listening Comprehension (Article Review)

 

Image by: https://rockcontent.com/blog/digital-storytelling/

The Use of Digital Stories for Listening Comprehension among Primary Chinese Medium School Pupils: Some Preliminary Findings

Authors:

Shanti C. Sandaran

Language Academy, University Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 UTM Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Lim Chia Kia

Faculty of Education, University Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 UTM Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Original paper can be accessed here: https://sainshumanika.utm.my/index.php/sainshumanika/article/view/107

Background and Objectives of Research

The emergence of digital storytelling has inspired many teachers and instructors in both schools and courses to develop the teaching materials. Digital storytelling has emerged over the last few years as a powerful teaching and learning tool that engages both teachers and their students. However, until recently, little attention has been paid to a theoretical framework that could be employed to increase the effectiveness of technology as a tool in a classroom environment. A discussion of the history of digital storytelling and how it is being used educationally is presented in this article. The theoretical framework, technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPCK), is described, along with a discussion of how this model might be used with digital storytelling.

Digital storytelling is a technology application that is well-positioned to take advantage of user-contributed content and to help teachers overcome some of the obstacles to productively using technology in their classrooms. At its core, digital storytelling allows computer users to become creative storytellers through the traditional processes of selecting a topic, conducting some research, writing a script, and developing an interesting story. This material is then combined with various types of multimedia, including computer-based graphics, recorded audio, computer-generated text, video clips, and music so that it can be played on a computer, uploaded on a web site, or burned on a DVD.

Procedure and Analysis of Research

This article reports on preliminary findings based on observations and comprehension exercises during an on-going study on the use of digital stories for listening comprehension among Primary Year 3 students in a Chinese medium school. The preliminary findings would inform the main study that looks at them effectiveness of digital stories for listening comprehension. 30 primary Year 3 students (aged 9) were involved in the listening/viewing of 8 animations of fairy tales over a period of 8 weeks. The findings based on the observations revealed that the students displayed high levels of interest, attention and motivation. The students also showed interest in fairy tales. The results from the comprehension exercises showed some level of improvement in their comprehension of the stories. Finally, it was also noted that pre-teaching vocabulary is essential to ensure the success of digital stories in improving students’ listening comprehension. The findings indicate the potential of digital stories in increasing the level of motivation, interest, and attention in ESL/EFL learning. 

Result and Findings

The findings in this section are based on initial observations by the researcher/teacher on the students’ attitude, behaviour and motivation towards the use of the digital stories, i.e. the animated fairy tales. The results from the listening comprehension exercise (MCQ’s) are also discussed. It was found that students displayed high levels of interest, attention and motivation. There were some differences in focus between female and male students. The students also showed interest in fairy tales and to the type of animations used as main characters in the stories. It was also noted that pre-teaching vocabulary is essential for the effective use of digital stories. Finally, the results from the MCQ’s (worksheet) showed a slight improvement in their comprehension of the stories.

Additionally, if teacher in the classroom can start to apply digital storytelling as their media in teaching English, it will be a good variety in teaching English and can be a good media to engage students with the teaching material that teacher give to them. Besides, students nowadays are used to use technology, in this case computer, as media to learn something. This will help them to apply digital storytelling media of English teaching and learning.