EDM167-Second Language Teaching and Learning

Module Provider: Institute of Education
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: EDM084 Second Language Teaching and Learning
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Anthony Zhang
Email: anthony.zhang@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The aim of the module is to provide students with an overview of some major themes and current developments in foreign language teaching and learning. Topics to be covered include: Vocabulary teaching and learning; models of reading and listening, speaking and writing; individual differences; and the teaching and learning of grammar. ÌýThe module will enable students to understand current theory and research on various aspects of foreign language teaching and learning, and relate theory and research to educational practice in different cultural contexts. The assignment consists of a 2500 word essay plus a 15 minute presentation.

Aims:

The aim of the module is to provide students with an overview of some major themes and current developments in foreign language teaching and learning. Topics to be covered include: Vocabulary teaching and learning; models of reading and listening, speaking and writing; individual differences; and the teaching and learning of grammar. ÌýThe module will enable students to understand current theory and research on various aspects of foreign language teaching and learning, and relate theory and research to educational practice in different cultural contexts. The assignment consists of a 2500 word essay plus a 15 minute presentation.

Assessable learning outcomes:

On successful completion of the module, students should be able to demonstrate a critical understanding of, and the ability to analyse and communicate, the following:

• current second language pedagogy;


• major theories of second language acquisition;


• some contextual factors in second language learning;


• the processes of, and the learner’s contribution to, second language learning;


• the relationsh ip between theory/research and practice in different cultural and educational contexts.

Additional outcomes:

• Development of academic writing skills


• Critical analysis of issues relating to foreign language teaching and learning


• IT and bibliographic skills


• Presentation skills

Outline content:

• Key concepts and theories of language acquisition


• Current methods and approaches in second language teaching


• Input and interaction in second language learning


• Understanding implicit and explicit learning: can/should grammar be taught?


• Individual differences in second language learning: motivation and learner strategies


• Vocabulary learning and teaching


• Models or speaking and writing


• Models of listening and reading

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The central content will be covered through lectures and presentations within seminars in which students discuss and debate (e.g. the advantages and disadvantages of different approaches to teaching), carry out practical tasks (e.g. analysing the vocabulary of textbooks), engage in group activities that ask students to relate the themes presented to their own educational context and to critically evaluate research studies presented. Most teaching sessions will utilise more than one of these a pproaches.