Introduction to Language Teaching Methodology

elective courses
pedagogical qualifications

Blended learning
Classroom

BA level studies.

Education at language level B2+

The course is a survey of issues related to language teaching methodology:

1. The good teacher

2. Working with people - individual differences

3. Teaching and learning - systems, skills, methods

4. Introduction to classroom management

5. Teaching receptive skills - listening

6. Teaching receptive skills - reading

7. Teaching productive skills - speaking

8. Teaching productive skills - writing

9. Teaching vocabulary

10. Teaching structures; Mistakes and feedback

11. Planning lessons and courses

12. Teaching aids

13. Dealing with problems

BA level studies.

Education at language level B2+

The course is a survey of issues related to language teaching methodology.

1. The good teacher:

- what it means to be a good teacher

- teacher's roles in the classroom

- TTT vs. STT

- classroom atmosphere

2. Working with people:

- a good student

- language levels

- learner styles

- students' needs and motivation

3. Teaching and learning:

- language systems

- language skills

- input and output

- approach, method, procedure, technique

- basic methods and approaches

4. Introduction to classroom management:

- types of student groupings

- classroom interaction

- types of activities

- fluency vs. accuracy

- giving instructions

- potential problems

5. Teaching receptive skills - listening:

- basic model for teaching reading and listening

- why and how we listen

- language, topic and genre in listening

- the role of the teacher

6. Teaching receptive skills - reading:

- why and how we read

- language, topic and genre in reading

7. Teaching productive skills - speaking.

- kinds of speaking activities

- controlled vs. free speaking practice

- teacher's role during speaking

- fluency and communication

- reasons for speaking

- information gap

- types of communicative activities

- motivating students to speak

8. Teaching productive skills - writing:

- why to teach writing

- guided writing vs. creative writing

- language, topic and genre in writing

9. Teaching vocabulary:

- what to remember about when teaching words

- presenting and activating vocabulary

10. Teaching structures:

- grammar: form and meaning

- presenting and clarifying grammar

- discovery techniques

- grammar: planning effective lessons

- revising vocabulary and grammar

Mistakes and feedback:

- error and mistake

- correction during fluency and accuracy activities

- correcting speaking

- correcting pronunciation

- correcting writing

11. Planning:

- why to plan

- planning a course: types of syllabuses

- stages of a lesson

- planning your lessons

12. Teaching aids:

- the board

- visual aids

- authentic materials

- classroom equipment: OHP, video, computers

- choosing and using textbooks

13. Dealing with problems:

- mixed ability classes

- very large classes

- awkward groups

- students who finish first

- problem behaviour

- using mother-tongue in class

Harmer J. (2010) How to Teach English, Longman

Harmer J. (2007) The practice of English language Teaching, Longman

Scrivener J. (2011) Learning Teaching, Macmillan

Knowledge:

Upon completion of the course, the student knows and understands

- K_W01 in-depth specifics of the methodology of teaching English against the background of applied linguistics;

- K_W02 key terminology related to foreign language teaching methodology and basic techniques of teaching language systems and language skills;

- K_W03 in-depth trends in the development of linguistic research (particularly research applicable to the classroom), including an understanding of the fundamental individual differences between language learners and their impact on the choice of teaching methods.

Skills:

The student will:

- K_U01 use advanced terminology and conceptual apparatus in the discipline of applied linguistics with particular emphasis on the methodology of English language teaching;

- K_U03 use the acquired knowledge to describe and solve a problem and carry out a research project on a topic within the discipline of applied linguistics including: modify textbook material to suit their own needs, write a simple lesson plan based on textbook material;

- K_U05 recognise differences between alternative methodological approaches used in the discipline (applied linguistics), including applying them to language teaching.

- K_U08 participate in project work, interact with others as part of teamwork and lead the work of the team;

- K_U09 present acquired knowledge in a coherent, precise and linguistically correct manner, using English at level C2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, selecting forms of expression appropriately for the communicative situation, and communicate with other, diverse audiences (mediation competence).

Social competences:

The student is ready for

- K_K02 lifelong learning, personal and professional development using the knowledge and skills acquired in the course of studies (including the teaching pathway);

- K_K03 take responsibility for his/her own work and respect the work of others, taking care to observe the principles of professional ethics, developing the ethos of the profession and ethical principles and norms in science in relation to the disciplines represented in the study programme;

- K_K04 critically evaluate their own knowledge and skills in the field of study.

The basic requirement is the active participation in classes.

2 absences are possible.

Credits on the basis of:

1. A short written assignment (a fragment of a lesson plan).

2. Mid-term test. Points (1-50):

• 0-30 points. – mark 2 (fail)

• 31-35 points. – mark 3

• 36-39 points. – mark 3+

• 40-44 points. – mark 4

• 45-46 points. – mark 4+

• 47-50 points. – mark 5 (excellent)

3. Final test (a lesson plan written in class)

An oral test is required for a retake.