Selected Issues in ELT Methodology 3301-ZJSW002
1. Theories of learning: First and Second Language Acquisition.
- Theories of language acquisition and learning;
- Behavioral vs. cognitive theories of learning and their implications for TEFL;
- L1 acquisition studies that contribute to L2 teaching research;
2. Background to the modern era in TEFL.
- Basic notions: approach, method, technique, design, procedure;
- Conventional methods in ELT: do they have anything to contribute?
- Grammar-Translation vs. Direct Method;
- Audio-lingual vs. Cognitive Method;
- Communicative Approach, Oral Approach, Situational Language Learning;
3. Non-mainstream methods in ELT today.
- Krashen's Natural Approach and its influence on language teaching methodology;
- TPR, Suggestopedia, Silent Way, NLP, Community Language Learning;
- The post-method era;
4. Individual differences in language learning.
- Learning styles;
- The notion of success and failure;
- The theory of Multiple Intelligences;
- Type of syllabuses;
- Structural vs. functional/notional: two competing syllabuses?
- Procedural vs. product-oriented syllabus;
- Planning a course;
5. Needs and motivation.
- Needs analysis, types of motivation, learner autonomy;
- ESP (Business English and other types of 'English for Specific Purposes');
- From CLT to TBL and beyond: CEF;
- Problems with the mainstream CLT-style syllabus;
- Fossilization; intermediate plateau effect;
- Onset of Task-Based Learning; Competency-Based Language Teaching & current competence standardization projects (CEF, European Language Portfolio);
6. Approaches to teaching grammar and vocabulary.
- Levels of language analysis;
- Teaching form or meaning? grammar or macro-skills? pedagogical grammar vs. other types of grammar;
- The notion of pedagogical grammar rule, criteria of a good grammar rule;
- The Lexical Approach;
7. Examination.
Type of course
Prerequisites (description)
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Learning outcomes of the course are as follows:
- students are able to define basic notions in the field of TEFL
- students are able to outline the basic schools of thought existent in the field of TEFL
- students are able to describe procedures used in teaching English as a foreign language
- students are able to assess the importance of key notions.
KNOWLEDGE
• has knowledge about the place of English philology in the context of the humanities
• is familiar with the terminology used in linguistics and applied linguistics specific to English Studies
• is familiar with the methodology of scientific research in the field of applied linguist
• has knowledge of the English language, its grammar, syntax, phonetics, morphology, pragmatics and can pass on this knowledge in the teaching process
• has knowledge about the processes of communication in English, both orally and in writing
• has knowledge about the conditions of the process of second language acquisition; knows and understands the main models of acquisition of a foreign language appropriate for English linguistics
• has knowledge of research design in the field of applied linguistics, its techniques, research tools and problems
• is aware of the rules and ethical norms in science
• has knowledge of how to design one's own path of career development
SKILLS
• can use linguistic terminology specific to English Studies
• can apply appropriate methodology in the study of linguistics
• can speak English properly, accurately and consistently by choosing forms of expression appropriate for the communicative context
• knows how to present one's knowledge in a logical and clear manner, both orally and in writing
• can control and diagnose the correct use of English and one's own native language
• can use language functions, such as expressing doubt, distance, exemplification, emphasis, formulating conclusions
• can interpret, analyze, prioritize, synthesize various types of content and various phenomena in their respective dimensions: linguistic, cultural and social
• can select and apply knowledge of English philology for communication purposes, for teaching and for research
• can assess the usefulness of various theoretical constructs for research and for practical applications
• has the skills to analyze and define research and conduct one's own research; knows how to formulate the research problem and determine the method
• can appreciate the diversity of opinions presented in readings and discussions and use them as a source of inspiration
• knows how to search for information in a variety of sources, how to assess their usefulness, interpret them in terms of theoretical and practical training in the context of English Philology
• can use modern technology in overall self-development, in the process of acquiring knowledge and in professional situations
• can design their own path of development through specifying interests, methods and objectives
• can participate in teamwork, has basic organizational skills to carry out objectives; can adjust one's own initiative and use group tasks creatively
SOCIAL COMPETENCE
• is aware of the social significance of one's knowledge, work and skills
• understands the role of lifelong learning and believes in the need for personal and professional development; defines the stages of development
• understands the ethical dimension of one's own activities and observes the principles of professional ethics
• feels responsible for one's own work and respects the work of others
• believes in the importance of individual initiative, independence and recognizes the possibility of own contribution to team activities
• recognizes the nature of dilemmas, problems, and conflicts; seeks the best solutions for them
• has a need to express oneself in a manner consistent, transparent, and logical in order to operate effectively in dealing with others
• appreciates the usefulness of one's own knowledge and skills in building community links
• knowingly participates in one's own national culture, respecting the cultural heritage of Europe, manifests understanding and curiosity about different cultures
K_W01 understands the importance, place and specificity of English philology in the context of the humanities;
K_W03 has an advanced knowledge of the grammar, syntax, phonology, phonetics, morphology, pragmatics of English and its history;
K_W05 knows the complex conditions of the process of second language acquisition; understands and properly applies models of foreign language acquisition typical of English linguistics;
K_W06 knows and understands the nuances of translation theory and the complexity of the translation process;
K_W08 has an in-depth knowledge of the historical development of language, especially English, and the semantic variability and complexity accompanying this process;
K_W09 has an advanced understanding of the complexity and pluralism of cultures, knows the obvious and non-obvious cultural codes that determine intercultural contacts, knows the structural and institutional conditions of culture, especially in the context of the countries of the English language area;
K_W10 knows to an advanced degree the geographical, historical, political, economic, cultural and social realities of the countries of the English language area;
K_U01 is able to use advanced terminology in linguistics and literary studies and research methodology appropriate to these disciplines within English philology;
K_U04 can creatively interpret, analyze, hierarchize, synthesize content and phenomena in their linguistic, cultural, social, historical, economic dimensions;
K_U08 can appreciate the diversity of opinions contained in scientific, literary, journalistic texts and presented in discussions, and creatively use them as a source of inspiration;
K_K01 is aware of the social significance of his knowledge, work, skills; is ready to co-create the social environment;
K_K09 consciously participates in one's own national culture, respects the cultural heritage of Europe, manifests understanding and curiosity about the diverse cultures of the world, is characterized by tolerance towards otherness, relates with respect to different cultural behavior, as well as to different individual views.
Assessment criteria
Students are evaluated on the basis of:
- the lectures
- self-study at home (cf. the reading list)
- end-of-term written exam.
If the course is taught in a distance-learning mode, each student is expected to have a working web-cam and a mic.
Practical placement
- does not apply -
Bibliography
Fromklin, V. et.al. (2003) An Introducation to Language. Thomson. Heinle.
Larsen-Freeman, D. (2000) Techniques and Principles in Language Teaching. OUP.
Lightbown, P. M., Spada N. (2006) How languages are Learned. OUP.
Richards, J. C. and T. S. Rodgers. (2001) Approaches and Methods in Language Teaching. CUP.
Richards, J. C. and W. A. Renendya. (2002) Methodology in Language Teaching: An Anthology of Current Practice. CUP.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: