English language teaching for upper primary school

obligatory courses

Classroom

The aim of the course is to equip students with theoretical knowledge, skills, and social competencies necessary for the profession of an English language teacher at the second level of primary school education (grades 4-8).

The aim of the course is to equip students with theoretical knowledge, skills, and social competencies necessary for the profession of an English language teacher at the second level of primary school education (grades 4-8). Students learn methods and techniques needed for developing and evaluating individual language skills of students (speaking, listening, reading, and writing) and for teaching grammar and vocabulary in English. They familiarize themselves with the developmental characteristics of students aged 10-14, basic principles of memory functioning, ways of arousing interest and motivating students. They learn to critically assess, select, and create their own teaching materials tailored to the age and level of students at this educational level. They practice practical teacher skills, such as planning stages of a language lesson, maintaining discipline in the classroom, giving instructions, providing feedback, and correcting students’ language errors.

Brown, P. C, Roediger, H. L., McDaniel M.A. 2014. Make it Stick: The science of successful learning , Harvard University Press

Harmer J., 2001. The Practice of English Language Teaching. Oxford: Pearson Education Limited.

Komorowska, H. 2000. Metodyka nauczania języków obcych. Warszawa: Fraszka Edukacyjna

Petty, Geoff, Teaching Today. A practical guide. Cheltenham: Nelson Thornes.

Scrivener, J. Learning teaching. 2011. A guidebook for English Language Teachers. Macmillan

Szpotowicz, M., Szulc-Kurpaska M. 2012. Teaching English to Young Learners. Wydawnictwo Naukowe PWN

Thornbury, S. 1999. How to Teach Grammar, Pearson Education

Thornbury, S. 2002. How to Teach Vocabulary, Pearson Education

Ur, P. 1996. A course in Language Teaching. Cambridge: CUP

Żylińska, M. 2013. Neurodydaktyka, Wydawnictwo Naukowe Uniwersytetu Mikołaja Kopernika

Knowledge: the graduate knows and understands

K_W01

to an advanced degree selected facts, theories, institutions, processes, and phenomena related to the study areas: linguistics, pedagogy and education studies, psychology, relevant to the field of studies - teaching foreign languages which have practical application in teaching foreign languages at the second educational stage

K_W02

essential terminology related to: linguistics, pedagogy and education studies, psychology, relevant to teaching foreign languages

K_W03

the methods, norms, procedures and standards of practice in educational institutions, related to teaching foreign languages

K_W04

to a significant extent, human development in biological, psychological, social and cultural terms and its various determinants

K_W10

to a significant extent, the learners (recipients of educational services) and the methods of diagnosing their needs and assessing the quality of educational services

K_W19

the core curriculum regarding the content of teaching English at the second educational stage and associated typical learning difficulties

Skills: the graduate is able to

K_U01

search, analyse, evaluate, select and use information, using a variety of sources and methods, in Polish and English

K_U02

independently plan and implement typical projects related to foreign language teaching environments (including primary schools) and other institutions related to teaching foreign languages

K_U03

diagnose the needs, abilities and aptitudes of every learner, as well as design and implement individually tailored teaching and educational programs

K_U05

observe and assess the suitability of a variety of methods, procedures and best practices, and select and apply the appropriate approach with the goal of accomplishing tasks and solving problems related to teaching foreign languages

K_U22

independently acquire knowledge and develop their professional competences in teaching foreign languages and, optionally, social studies using a variety of sources (in Polish and a foreign language)

K_U23

animate the work of the learner and promote independence in knowledge acquisition, inspiring a positive approach to life-long learning and responsibility in making educational and professional decisions

Social competences: the graduate is prepared to

K_K02

reflect on the level of their skills and knowledge, constantly develop professionally and personally, self-assess their competences, improve their skills, plan their development and training

K_K05

interact and work in a group, performing various roles

K_K09

undertake psychological, pedagogic and educational actions in school and out-of-school settings; is confident of their meaning and appropriateness, is ready to face professional challenges

K_K10

see the importance of behaving in a professional manner and reflect on the ethical issues raised in the teaching profession

Obtaining the credit

The condition for obtaining the credit for the course is attendance at classes (2 unexcused absences are allowed), preparation and active participation in classes

Assessment criteria

Semester I

The final grade is based on:

• Preparation for classes, which can be checked using short tests of knowledge from previous classes and homework (e.g. text to read) - 15%

• Active participation in class activities - 15%

• The result of a written test conveyed during the last class - 70%

Semester II

The final grade is based on:

• Timely and correct execution of tasks posted on the Kampus platform - 40%

• Preparing and conducting a fragment of a language lesson (microteaching) - 60%

The elements assessed in the microteaching task will be:

• The ‘teacher’s’ engagement and building rapport with ‘students’

• Preparation for classes (number and quality of materials used, matching activities to the type and stage of the lesson where they will be used)

• Language skills (correctness, adaptation to the level of students, intonation)

• Teaching skills (giving instructions, providing feedback, etc.)