Current Issues in Language Teaching Methodology

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• the applications of applied linguistic concepts such as genre and corpus linguistics to the teaching of modern languages
• how to develop on existing knowledge on language teaching gained in previous academic study, including LING 6012, and practice
• issues of implementation and adaptation to diverse contexts of LT methodologies
• Links between theory and practice, teaching and pedagogic principles.

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Use information technology where appropriate.
• Access theoretical and research materials and assess relative strengths and weaknesses;
• Develop and maintain course notes and bibliography;
• Monitor your own progress and evaluate your understanding of key concepts;
• Communicate about language teaching and learning in a range of formats and registers, spoken and written, for a range of audiences;
• Select, adapt and use a wide range of professional/ authentic materials from different sources.

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• analyse current trends in language teaching methodology and critically assess their applicability to diverse contexts
• Allow module members to reflect on their own contexts and adapt and design teaching materials in the light of the topics covered.
• Select and evaluate relevant academic publications and discuss them critically;
• mediate between applied linguistic concepts and language teaching applications

Building on existing knowledge of language teaching methodologies, the core of this module will focus on current issues in language teaching methodologies and so address more specialised or advanced areas. Key points will address the implementation and adaptation of methodologies in the light of a discussion on the postmethod condition. The application of discourse and genre theories as well as of corpus linguistics to language teaching will be explored, both in relation to traditional, as well as web-based forms of texts. A further key point will address specific learner groups, e.g. English for Specific or Academic Purposes.

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching methods include

Lecturer and student presentations;

Presentation and analysis of video and teaching materials;

Discussion of pre-read articles and book chapters;

Group activities and exercises.

Learning activities include

Reading of key texts;

Individual or group presentations;

Group work

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

Kumaravadivelu, B. (2004). Understanding Language Teaching: From Method to Postmethod. Routledge.

McGrath, I. (2016). Materials evaluation and design for Language Teaching. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.

Burns, A. (2010). Doing Action Research in English Language Teaching. A Guide for Practitioners. New York: Routledge.

Kumaravadivelu, B. (2003). Beyond methods: Macrostrategies for language teaching.. New Haven: Yale University Press.

Knapp, K & Seidlhofer, B (Eds) (2009). Handbook of Foreign Language Communication and Learning. Mouton de Gruyter.

Assessment strategy

Assessments designed to provide informal, on-module feedback

Evaluation of participation;

Evaluation of understanding of set reading

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External