Basically for engineering students first of all we have to arouse interest, need of communication skills in their mind. They have to feel the importance of communication skills. It is the role of faculty how he or she will make classroom teaching-learning more enjoyable so that students get motivated towards communication skills. We can start from some interesting ice-breakers and then continue with task-based teaching which is based on active participation of students. For that purpose extempore, vocabulary building through puzzles or riddles, two-minute talk then rapid fire etc. play important role.

Dear professor,

if you take a look at what we do, you may find that simulations and games can be a good option to trigger language and interpersonal skills. See some papers below, some with students of telecommunication engineering.

best,

Laura

Data Simulation and Gaming as the future’s language of language l...

Data Angelini et al Student perceptions of gain in telematic simulation (1)

Article Qualitative Research on Simulation and Collaborative Learning

Conference Paper Addressing multiple-intelligences through Tic-Tac-Toe MEMO g...

Hi,

I agree with Ms. Angelini's p.o.v. Simulations and role plays will be able to assist. Most importantly is that the activities will allow the students to experiment and develop confidence in using the language in a "safe" environment. Interestingly, they also allow the development of communication skills especially in appropriate use and usage of communication devices. The conventions of communications such as turn taking will also be made obvious for the students through the activities.

But, first and foremost, identify the needs of the students- both; their present abilities and requirement of the profession. This will allow you to identify and design authentic scenarios for the simulation based on their capabilities as a starting point. Then  from there scaffold that activities into more challenging scenarios.

Indeed, it will be a fun and enriching experience for both you and your students. Good luck!