Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

All students must be studying at least one of the following European languages at Level D: French, German, Spanish. Students must have achieved a Stage 2 Level C average of above 60% in the language they would like the module to count towards and write the module assessment in.
Students who are studying 2 Level D languages and have achieved a Stage 2 Level C average of above 60% in both languages may be given the possibility of teaching their 2 Level D languages depending on the needs of the partner placement schools.
Students who are studying one Level D and one Level C language may be given the possibility of teaching their 2 languages – with their Level C language being taught at lower level - depending on the needs of the partner placement schools.

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

This module has been calqued on the Career Development Module (NCL3007) developed by the Careers Service. In accordance with the Career Development Module, the overarching aim is “To develop students who can independently self-manage, proactively interact and ethically apply their knowledge and skills in a work-related context.” Specifically, this module gives students an opportunity to observe and gain experience of teaching languages in a school classroom environment, and to reflect on this experience. The partnership between SML and local schools fosters and stimulates the uptake of languages in local schools and the recruitment of students into the teaching profession.

Outline Of Syllabus

Lectures and lecture material include:
- Organising a placement with schools, including child protection, language learning & the role of
the SML4003 student
- National language learning policy
- Reflective practice and reflective writing
- Effective and inclusive presentations and practice
- Speaking and teaching vocabulary in the Modern Languages classroom
- Grammar in the languages classroom


Seminars include:
- Making the case for modern languages in a school context: presentations on the value of learning
Modern Languages
- Micro-teaching sessions
- Feedback from Semester 1 and semester 2 assessment
- Conducting an interview with the Head Teacher or their deputy on the position of modern languages
in their school

Drop-ins:
- assessment support / guidance
- individual feedback

School visits:
- Observing, supporting and practising teaching in the classroom

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Students will:
- Develop skills of reflective practice and reporting and the ability to adapt and apply their performance in a school
- Gain experience of small scale project management in a work-based context including planning and recording milestones, entering and exiting a project appropriately, and reporting on this experience in a foreign language
- Acquire an understanding of the limiting and enabling factors of working in UK schools
- Work collaboratively in groups towards a common aim
- Learn from peer networks, share and innovate good practice
- Systematically collate an evidence trail in a portfolio
- Improve their skill in public speaking by preparing presentations, tailoring and delivering them to different audiences, receiving feedback on them and providing feedback to peers
- Negotiate priorities and manage time appropriately
- Conduct ongoing primary and secondary research into issues relevant to the placement school and reflective practice

Intended Skill Outcomes

Students will:
-       Develop skills of reflective practice and demonstrate ability to adapt and apply their performance in other professional contexts. (Self awareness & Reflection)

-       Gain experience of small scale projects and project management in a work-based context including planning and recording milestones, entering and exiting a project appropriately, and reporting on this in a foreign language (Occupational awareness)

-       Better understand the limiting and enabling factors of working in UK schools (Commercial Acumen)

-       Work collaboratively in groups towards a common aim (Teamwork)

-       Learn from peer networks, share and innovate good practice (Personal Enterprise)

-       Systematically collate an evidence trail in a portfolio.

-       Improve public speaking by preparing presentations, tailoring and delivering them to different audiences, receiving feedback on them and providing feedback to peers. (Communication)

-       Negotiate priorities and manage time appropriately (Planning and Organisation)

-       Conduct ongoing primary and secondary research into issues relevant to the host organisation and reflective practice (Subject Knowledge and Understanding and Cognitive skills)

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

This is a highly selective and demanding careers-focused module which prepares the student for the professional world of education. It combines academic teaching with applied experience in the classroom. The module is of particular interest to students who may consider a career in education.
Students acquire a knowledge of Modern Language education policy and have an important role to play in inspiring future linguists while also generally raising aspiration to further study.

The module draws on appropriate expertise from within the School of Modern Languages, the School of Education Communication and Language Sciences, the University Careers service and local primary, middle and secondary schools.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The assessment methods reflect the main emphases of the module. The academic aspect of the module is reflected in the report in the Target Language assignment, whereas the portfolio of tasks is designed to capture the student’s experiential journey, to develop their reflective writing skills, and to provide them with feedback before completing the final reflective report.


Portfolio Task 1: Students reflect on their group micro teaching session using a set of questions. Should not exceed 5 A4 pages, font size Calibri 11.
Task 2: Students reflect on their Teaching Sequence using a set of questions. Should not exceed 2 A4 pages, font size Calibri 11.

General Notes

N/A