Teaching Languages to Younger Learners

Code

EDUC4220

School

Education

Level

4

Credits

30

Semesters

Spring UK

Summary

The module focuses on key areas relating to the teaching of languages to younger learners and explores them from the perspective of both language learners and teachers. These include:

• profiles and language needs of younger language learners
• age-appropriate methodologies (e.g. TPR, CLT, TBL, Narrative)
• multisensory, learner-centred activities e.g. stories, songs, films drama and play
• cooperation, interactive interpersonal communication and integrated grammar
• classroom management/organisation investigation of critical classroom incidents
• an overview of theories and research relating to younger learners
• engaging with culture and community
• issues relating to bilingualism, multilingualism and translanguaging

Students will be expected to read, understand and engage critically with the research presented on these topics.

Target Students

Students taking the MA Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) programmes or students taking the MA TCSOL programme. Also available to PGT Exchange students.

Classes

This module is taught through a series of seminars.

Assessment

• 100% Coursework: 6,000 words or equivalent

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:
-the varying characteristics of language learners; how programmes can be designed and delivered to meet more effectively the needs of particular learners in specific teaching contexts.
-current issues in language education methodology and research; how programs can be designed and delivered to meet more effectively. The needs of particular learners in specific teaching contexts.
-a specific aspect of language education, which will enable them to make a valuable contribution to language education in their own context.

B. Intellectual Skills
A student who completes this module successfully will be able to:
-critically evaluate relevant practice, including their own, in the light of current theory and practice in the field.
-formulate possible solutions to problems in the practice of language education.
-critically evaluate relevant theory and empirical research in language education.

C. 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.
-analyse and evaluate the relevance and adequacy of theory, empirical studies and practical proposals
-communicate clearly and confidently on educational issues.
-present well-argued strategies for implementing change in their professional practice and teaching context as appropriate.

Conveners

• Dr Smaragda Kampouri