Objectives and competences
• Students learn and understand the theoretical basis and processes of foreign language acquisition in different contexts.
• They 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. They also understand the history of (English) language teaching methodology and the current eclectic teaching approaches and teaching by principles.
• Students learn how to enhance intrinsic motivation in the classroom and which learner variables have impact on learning and teaching across age and proficiency levels.
• They 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
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,
• describing 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.
Brown, H. D. (2007). Teaching by Principles: An Interactive Approach to Language Pedagogy. NY: Pearson Education.
Harmer, J. (2007). The Practice of English Language Teaching (4th Edition) (With DVD). (Longman Handbooks for Language Teachers). NY: Pearson Education.
Harmer, J. (2012). Essential Teacher Knowledge. NY: Pearson Education.
Richards, J. C., and T. S. Rodgers. 2001. Approaches and Methods in Language Teaching. [2nd ed.]. CUP.
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 completion of the portfolio assignments are required for taking the exam.
Additional information on implementation and assessment • written test - 60%
• Portfolio - 40%
