Theory and practice of second- language education
Ms M Gearon
First semester * Clayton
This subject examines the notion of language proficiency and surveys second-language education, particularly the teaching of languages other than English over the last forty years. It refers to current research on the nature of speaking, listening, reading and writing; implications are drawn for the teaching of these four macroskills in the second-language classroom. The subject also includes sessions on the following aspects of second-language teaching: the teaching of vocabulary and grammar, the assessment of language proficiency, teaching content through a second language. A range of curriculum models and methodological approaches are reviewed. The role of the FL/L2 teacher in the primary, secondary and adult teaching contexts is considered. This subject is a prerequisite for GED3818 (Communicative language teaching) and is related to the completion of any LOTE practicum needed by a student. It is one of two core subjects for the GradDipSLE/TAL
Assessment
Written record of observation of a classroom * Participation in seminars and workshops * One major written assignment
Recommended texts
Hill M and Lewis J Practical techniques for language teaching 1985 or
Nunan D Language teaching methodology Prentice-Hall, 1991
Scarcella R and Oxford R The tapestry of language learning Heinle and Heinle Publishers, 1993