Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

None

Co Requisite Comment

None

Aims

•       To develop participants' understanding of the principles of how children learn a second language.
•       To develop participants’ abilities to evaluate the nature and/or effectiveness of teaching methods for young learners, in light of the above principles.
•       To develop participants’ abilities to evaluate the nature and/or effectiveness of ELT materials, in light of recent literature.
•       To develop the participants' critical awareness of global trends in language teaching.
This module is designed for those involved in TESOL for young learners in a range of contexts and focuses on developing knowledge and expertise of direct use to teachers. In addition to reviewing relevant theoretical aspects of TESOL for young learners, it provides an opportunity to consider ways of providing support for teachers to enable learners to develop their cognitive and linguistic abilities in English. These include analyzing the specific needs of learners from a non-English speaking background (NESB), developing effective language education programmes, evaluating and developing materials and tasks for teaching, and assessing and evaluating recent trends in language teaching worldwide. The module provides an overview of current approaches to working with young learners, which participants relate to their own contexts. Participants explore and critique curriculum frameworks for teaching English to young learners, consider criteria for evaluating a range of teaching/learning materials and adapt and design teaching materials.

Outline Of Syllabus

This syllabus is designed as such to provide students with a strong understanding of key theories on child development and second language learning). The module then progresses to the practical application of these theories, with sessions focusing on teaching three key skills: speaking, vocabulary, and grammar. The module will then examine novel approaches to teaching English to young learners, with a session on storytelling and other global trends. The module concludes with a session preparing students for their assignment.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

1. To understand key concepts in theories of cognitive development and second language acquisition.
2. To be familiar with key issues with regard to developing appropriate young learner classroom methodology

Intended Skill Outcomes

By the end of this module, participants will have:
-       Gained an understanding of key concepts in theories of cognitive development and second language acquisition.
-       Become familiar with key issues with regard to developing and adapting appropriate young learner classroom methodology and materials design.
      - Gained a critical awareness of various strategies employed worldwide for young language learners.
-      
      Gained a critical awareness of various trends in the TESOL industry worldwide

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lecture videos provide an introduction to the weekly content, establish a basic level of understanding of the topic, and signal areas for individual further study and essential and further reading.

Follow-up classes provide students with the opportunity to raise questions related to lecture videos, and to discuss material in more depth. Group activities and discussions also allow students to share and engage personal reflections. Group activities are often linked to weekly reading.

Structured Guided Learning activities provide students with weekly opportunities to consolidate learning through guided tasks linked to the weekly topic.

Independent study will enable wider reading, further personal self-reflection and assignment preparation.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

All skills and knowledge will be assessed through and end of module essay, in which students will produce a critical evaluation of some aspect of thinking skills theory and how this relates to teaching practice.

General Notes

N/A