Introduction to Teaching English as a Foreign Language

Code

CELE2001

School

Centre for English Language Education

Level

2

Credits

20

Semesters

Full Year UK

Summary

This module introduces some key principles and practical techniques in the teaching of English as a Foreign Language, in preparation for an overseas assistantship post, or similar work placement.
The content can be broken down as follows:
• Approaches to English Language Teaching (ELT)
• Focus on Vocabulary
• Focus on Language
• Speaking and Communication Skills
• Listening
• Exploiting Resources
• Electives – e.g. pronunciation, teaching young learners, language intensive, digital literacies
• Peer Teaching Sessions
• Reflective Practice
• Feedback on Teaching Practice
• Essay Writing Guidance
• Assessed Teaching Practice (Assessment)
• Reflective Discussion based on Assessed Teaching Practice (Assessment)

Target Students

Second year students in the School of Modern Languages (CLAS). Available to JYA/Erasmus students.

Classes

• One 2-hour workshop each week for 18 weeks
• One 4-hour practicum
• One 2-hour practicum

Tutorials are provided for the written assignment and group teaching practice.

Assessment

• 40% Practical: Preparation, planning, creation of materials and delivery of one short EFL task to a group of volunteer international students.
• 50% Assignment: 1,500 word essay which critically discusses, analyses and evaluates part(s) of a language learning task in relation to underlying theoretical principles.
• 10% Practical 2: Group feedback discussion to reflect on own and others' teaching practice.

Assessed by end of spring semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

The ability to explore critically some of their own and others’ beliefs about the nature of language and different approaches towards the teaching and learning of English as a Foreign Language (EFL).
An understanding of the needs and role(s) of the learner(s) in the EFL learning process, especially with regard to encouraging learner strategies and independence.
A working knowledge of task based language teaching (TBLT) for use as a basic framework for organising EFL teaching and learning.
Familiarity with basic terminology used to explain key concepts of language and language learning in EFL.

Intellectual Skills

The ability to connect TEFL theory with practice.
 

Professional/Practical Skills

The ability to plan and deliver an EFL lesson and reflect on and critically analyse this from different perspectives.
An awareness of the role of reflection in developing ongoing professional development.
An awareness of the role of classroom observation in developing ongoing professional development.
 

Transferable Skills

The ability to work in a team (designing and teaching a lesson in small groups).
The ability to plan and prioritise (planning a lesson).
Oral communication skills (delivering a lesson taking into account the needs of a specific audience; precise and logical verbal skills when giving instructions and explanations).
Interpersonal skills (building relationships with students, engaging and empathising with them to gain trust).
The ability to take responsibility (leading a class, being responsible for the learning of a group of students).
Creative thinking (design of teaching materials to arouse student interest).
Proactive problem-solving: (anticipating potential problems during lesson planning).
Critical analysis (self-development through critical reflection on experience/performance in post lesson feedback).
Research skills.

Conveners

• Miss Catherine Beswick