A pilot program for engineers: sharpening english and thinking skills and the application of integrated technical information

Abstract

The paper presents a pilot program that ran From February-April 2005 at Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VGTU) and was organized by The Environmental Engineering Faculty with the British Embassy. The course could suit technical/mechanical specialists and be adapted to different study areas. Seminars and workshops lor 70 participants aimed at improving English, thinking skills and the application and integration of knowledge. Technologists, engineers, project-designers, lecturers and business people working in the environmental sector completed 20 tools for thinking, based on Edward de Bono's Cort Thinking Program. The concept was based on 12 year's experience with lecturers and post-graduate students at V.G.T.U. and evidence of the need for extended studies and specific English, thinking skills and competencies as required by today's employees in Lithuania as an E.U. member.