Core Issues in English Language Teaching

Summary module description:

Aims:
The course aims to provide an overview of key aspects of language teaching methodology and practice. After overviewing the history of language teaching methodology, the course will focus on important aspects of current language teaching methodology, including lesson planning, promoting and sustaining interaction, promoting strategies for learning, etc. The course will also consider important factors which affect language learning, including learning styles, motivation, and external context. Through interactive lectures, and group and class discussions, students will acquire understanding of issues in relation to learning and teaching theory and practice, and will develop Level 5 critical and analytical skills.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module it is expected that students will be able to:
? demonstrate level 5 understanding of the ways in which teaching programmes and methodologies vary in different socio-political and institutional contexts, and according to learner factors;
? demonstrate level 5 understanding of the principles of lesson design;
? analyse the roles of teacher and learners in a variety of teaching contexts in terms of functions and features of interaction at level 5;
? evaluate teaching materials and resources for different purposes and contexts at level 5.
Additional outcomes:
This is a writing intensive course, in which students will be required to write a variety of assignments. Students will also develop oral skills, in informal presentations, group and pair work.

Outline content:
The module covers the following topics:
1. The contexts of ELT: formal and informal learning contexts; institutional and individual factors; goals and purposes for learning.
2. Principles of syllabus and lesson design;
3. Classroom processes: roles of teachers and students; interaction in the classroom; questioning, and feedback.
4. Resources in ELT: materials design, adaptation and evaluation, and the use of information technology.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Lectures and seminar-style discussion. There will be reading and tasks to do between classes.

Summative Assessment Methods:
Portfolio 100%

Other information on summative assessment:

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:
The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late, in accordance with the University policy.
where the piece of work is submitted up to one calendar week after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for the piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall.