Objectives and competences
Students
• learn and understand the theoretical basis and processes of foreign language acquisition in different contexts,
• know and understand the key approaches and methods of foreign language teaching and learning and are aware of the interrelationship between theory and practice in teaching and pedagogical work,
• understand the history of (English) language teaching methodology and the current eclectic teaching approaches and teaching by principles,
• learn how to enhance intrinsic motivation in the classroom and which learner variables have impact on learning and teaching across age and proficiency levels,
• understand and are able to relate to the classroom contexts the following topics: describing teachers and learning contexts, learning and teaching resources, managing learning and teaching, and planning lessons and syllabuses.
Content (Syllabus outline)
• Principles of language learning and teaching (cognitive, affective, linguistic).
• Communicative competence and the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
• A paradigm shift (from teacher-centredness to learner-centredness).
• Distinction between L1 terms & L2 terms (implications for teaching). Bilingualism, multilingualism, plurilingualism.
Learning vs. acquisition.
• Learner variables/characteristics: motivation, aptitude, age, learning styles and strategies, multiple intelligence theory, etc.
• Attitudes to errors and error correction strategies. Interlanguage.
• Theories of first and second language learning.
• Factors influencing FL acquisition.
• A hierarchical system: techniques, methods & approaches.
• Language teaching methods (principle features): grammar-translation method, direct method, audiolingual method, oral-situational method; communicative approach.
• A short historical sketch of language teaching.
• The postmethod condition: The break with the method concept. Principled eclecticism.
• Classroom interactions, teaching strategies
Learning and teaching methods
• lectures, tutorials,
• small group work (microteaching),
Individual work
• required reading
• practical tasks, reflective tasks
Intended learning outcomes - knowledge and understanding
On completion of this course students will:
• know and understand basic principles of language acquisition and factors which influence foreign language learning,
• know and understand the key approaches and methods of foreign language teaching,
• understand the relationship and interdependence of theory and practice in FL teaching,
• understand the history of (English) language teaching methodology,
• understand the post-method era: toward informed approaches,
• understand teaching by principles,
• understand and be able to enhance intrinsic motivation in the classroom,
• understand learner variables: teaching across age and proficiency levels,
• be able to describe teachers and learning contexts,
• understand and be able to apply learning and teaching resources
• be able to understand the principles of managing language learning and teaching
• be able to plan lessons and understand language syllabuses.
Intended learning outcomes - transferable/key skills and other attributes
Transferable/Key Skills and other competences:
• collection, analysis and evaluation of complex data and information,
• independent and collaborative learning,
• critical thinking and argumentation.
Readings
Lightbown, P. M. in Spada, N. (2006). How Languages are Learned. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Harmer, J. (2007). The Practice of English Language Teaching (4th Edition) (With DVD). (Longman Handbooks for Language Teachers). NY: Pearson Education.
Cvetek, S. 2012. Introduction to English Language Teaching. (6. izd.). Maribor: Pedagoška fakulteta. to English Language Teaching. Maribor: Pedagoška fakulteta (6. izd.), 2012
Prerequisits
Attendance of 80% and regular completion of coursework are required for taking the exam.
Additional information on implementation and assessment • written test - 60%
• Portfolio - 40%
