Bachelor
2024/2025
Current Trends in Language Teaching
Type:
Elective course (Foreign Languages and Intercultural Communication)
Area of studies:
Linguistics
Delivered by:
School of Foreign Languages
Where:
School of Foreign Languages
When:
4 year, 1, 2 module
Mode of studies:
offline
Open to:
students of one campus
Language:
English
ECTS credits:
6
Contact hours:
52
Course Syllabus
Abstract
Employing different teaching techniques developed by previous generations of language educators and awareness of methodological principles behind them ensures that an EFL lesson is effective and it creates the best conditions for language learning. The course surveys the major approaches and methods in language teaching such as the Grammar-Translation Method, the Audiolingual Method, Situational Language Teaching, Communicative Language Teaching, Competency-Based Language Teaching, Task-Based Language Teaching, the Lexical Approach, Content and Language Integrated Learning, Text-based Instruction, Cooperative Language Teaching, the Natural Approach, Total Physical Response, the Silent Way, Community Language Learning, Suggestopedia, Programmed Instruction and Multiple Intelligencies. It examines each approach and method in terms of its theory of language and language learning, historical conditions of its development, methodological principles behind it, its goals, its major classroom techniques, and its logic of sequencing activities. More emphasis is given to mastering skills of lesson planning and employing various teaching techniques to present and practice new language and develop receptive and productive language skills. The course also focuses on clarifying EFL terminology to enhance further continuous professional development through independent studying and reflecting on teaching and learning experience.
Learning Objectives
- By the end of the learning period students will be able to: - identify current approaches to language teaching; - use some elements of the approaches in teaching; - use IT tools in language teaching, including distance language teaching. As a result, students will be able to reasonably use elements of current approaches to language teaching and current technology in practise.
Expected Learning Outcomes
- Deepen the understanding of the nature of language and language learning
- Develop practical skills of employing various teaching techniques
- Deepen their understanding of the nature of language and language learning
- Become familiar with the major and alternative EFL methods and approaches
- Improve lesson planning skills and logically sequencing lesson stages
- Become aware of reflective learning and teaching practices to ensure further professional development
Course Contents
- Approach, Method, and Technique
- Language systems
- Learner- and learning centredness. Multiple Intelligencies
- Communicative Language Teaching
- Competency-Based Language Teaching, standards, and the Common European Framework of Reference, English Language Portfolio.
- Lesson planning. Stating lesson aims and identifying lesson plan components
- The Grammar-Translation Method
- Silent Way
- Oral (Situational) Language Teaching and the Audiolingual method
- Task-Based Learning
- The Lexical Approach
- Text-Based Instruction
- The Natural Approach
- Total Physical Response
- Community Language Teaching
- Content-Based Instruction and Content and Language Integrated Learning
- Suggestopedia
- Cooperative Language Teaching
Assessment Elements
- In-class progress checksThe control element assesses the knowledge of studied materials, discussed questions and problems, including terminology, home assignment materials.
- Lesson participationThe control element assesses student’s work that includes, but is not limited to, the following constituent parts: engagement in class activities, completion of home assignments, self-study activities, proactiveness and resourcefulness.
- Written testThe control element assesses the knowledge of terminology to describe language systems, language skills, aspects of learner-centredness, lesson aims and lesson procedure.
- PresentationThe control element assesses a PowerPoint Presentation of a given topic based on the plan discussed in the seminars.
- ExamThe control element assesses lesson plan development based on all the studied materials.
Interim Assessment
- 2024/2025 2nd module0.3 * Exam + 0.25 * In-class progress checks + 0.25 * Lesson participation + 0.1 * Presentation + 0.1 * Written test
Bibliography
Recommended Core Bibliography
- Griffin, P. E., McGaw, B., & Care, E. (2012). Assessment and Teaching of 21st Century Skills. Dordrecht: Springer. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1245038
Recommended Additional Bibliography
- 101 activities for teaching creativity and problem solving, VanGundy, A. B., 2005