LING6013 Current Issues in Language Teaching Methodology
Module Overview
After a brief historical overview of the origins and development of English language teaching, we study current academic discussions about the need to adapt language teaching methodologies to different environments (the so-called ‘post-method condition’). Action research and exploratory practice will be introduced as a way to investigate, and find solutions to, issues that arise in specific classrooms. Students will then acquire a detailed overview of current issues in ML teaching methodology such as needs analysis, new trends in designing teaching materials, including genre-based teaching (both traditional and digital), the use of corpora for language teaching, English for Specific Purposes, English for Academics Purposes, Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) and technology enhanced language learning.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- 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
- the applications of applied linguistic concepts such as genre and corpus linguistics to the teaching of modern languages
- Links between theory and practice, teaching and pedagogic principles.
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- 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.
- Access theoretical and research materials and assess relative strengths and weaknesses;
- Monitor your own progress and evaluate your understanding of key concepts;
- Develop and maintain course notes and bibliography;
- Use information technology where appropriate.
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Allow module members to reflect on their own contexts and adapt and design teaching materials in the light of the topics covered.
- analyse current trends in language teaching methodology and critically assess their applicability to diverse contexts
- mediate between applied linguistic concepts and language teaching applications
- Select and evaluate relevant academic publications and discuss them critically;
Syllabus
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.
Learning and Teaching
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
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Teaching | 24 |
| Independent Study | 126 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Kumaravadivelu, B. (2004). Understanding Language Teaching: From Method to Postmethod.
McGrath, I. (2016). Materials evaluation and design for Language Teaching.
Burns, A. (2010). Doing Action Research in English Language Teaching. A Guide for Practitioners.
Kumaravadivelu, B. (2003). Beyond methods: Macrostrategies for language teaching..
Knapp, K & Seidlhofer, B (Eds) (2009). Handbook of Foreign Language Communication and Learning.
Assessment
Assessment Strategy
Assessments designed to provide informal, on-module feedback Evaluation of participation; Evaluation of understanding of set reading
Summative
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Abstract and Presentation | 10% |
| Essay (2000 words) | 40% |
| Research project (2500 words) | 50% |
Repeat
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Essay (4500 words) | 100% |
Referral
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Coursework | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External