The Language Learner & Language Learning

Code

EDEN4000

School

School of Education and English

Level

4

Credits

20

Semesters

Spring China

Summary

The module focuses on key areas in the fields of language teaching and Second Language Acquisition (SLA), and explores them from the perspective of both language learners and teachers. These include:
• theories of SLA;
• implications of first language acquisition for SLA;
• individual differences in SLA (gender, age, aptitude, motivation, attitudes, cognitive styles);
• learning strategies and the good language learner;
• The role of formal instruction in second language learning Students will be expected to read, understand and engage critically with the research presented on these topics.
Please note this module is assessed at the end of Autumn semester via Coursework

Target Students

Students taking the MA Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and other related master’s degree programmes

Classes

• One 3-hour lecture each week for 10 weeks

Assessment

• 40% Coursework 1: 1500 words Timed Writing
• 60% Coursework 2: 2500 words Written assignment

Assessed by end of spring semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

 A. Knowledge and Understanding
A student who completes this module successfully will have knowledge and understanding of:
• major theories of SLA;
• the implications of first language acquisition for SLA;
• individual differences in second language learning (gender, age, aptitude, motivation, attitudes, cognitive styles);
• learning strategies and ‘the good language learner’;
• the role of formal instruction in second language learning.
B. Intellectual/Critical Skills
A student who completes this module successfully will be able to:
• critically evaluate the importance of key SLA theories and research in the light of their own learning and teaching experience;
• critically evaluate teaching approaches in the light of SLA theories and research;
• express their thoughts on SLA theory and research orally and in writing in a coherent and convincing manner;
• formulate possible solutions to problems in the light of SLA theory and research.
C. Professional Practical Skills
A student who completes this module successfully will be able to:
• plan lessons and other teaching interventions and deliver such mindful of the learner and learning process knowledge base behind the teaching plan and delivery
• use knowledge of theory about the language learner and the language learning process to critically explain rationales for teaching plan and classroom implementation of the plan
• use knowledge of theory about the language learner and the language learning process to critically examine language teaching materials before adopting and/or adapting them for use in the classroom, as well as in developing own materials
• be able to defend and account for own actions as a teacher both on inside and outside classroom matters using knowledge of theory and concepts.
• be able to take on-the-spot decisions in the classroom mindful of language learner characteristics and theory informed beliefs about the learning process
D. Transferable Skills
A student who completes this module successfully will be able to:
• critically analyse and evaluate their own professional practice and that of others;
• communicate clearly and confidently on educational issues;
• develop strategies for implementing change in their professional practice;
• use IT to achieve personal and professional purposes;
• analyse and evaluate the relevance and adequacy of theory, empirical studies and practical proposals relating to education.
• produce practical proposals relating to education.

Conveners

• Dr Godwin Ioratim-Uba