LSMLST-Issues in Language Skills Teaching

Module Provider: English Language and Applied Linguistics
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:
Current from: 2020/1

Email: s.m.portch@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
This course examines key aspects of second language teaching theories, methodologies and practice, in relation to the development of second language skills, with particular reference to integrated communicative and task-based teaching approaches.

Aims:
This course aims to ensure students develop a thorough understanding of the processes involved in the development of oral/aural skills (listening and speaking) and literacy skills (reading and writing) in a second language. Students will learn how to relate core ELT/ESL theories and pedagogic practice to skills development, and how to integrate language skills with language knowledge and use in different contexts (eg, vocabulary & grammar, interactive learning). Students will explore current teaching materials for second/foreign language teaching, to apply theories and approaches to real-world practice, with particular reference to task-based teaching.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of this module, it is expected that students will be able to:

- outline major processes involved in the development of the four language skills in a second language
- explain the use of particular techniques and methods for the teaching of the four language skills, with particular reference to task-based approaches;
- consider ways in which skills development can form part of an integrated task-based teaching approach for communicative language development
- evaluate teaching materials for the teaching of specific language skills, with reference to how they reflect particular theories of learning and methods for teaching the four skills.

Additional outcomes:
Students will develop:
- Oral skills through classroom discussions, pair and group work, and informal class presentations;
- Analytical skills through analysis of sample teaching materials and research findings reported in course readings.

Outline content:
The course will cover the following topics: the limitations of a discrete-skills approach and the movement toward skills integration; issues in learning oral/aural (speaking, listening) and literacy (reading, writing) skills in a second language; current and effective methods of teaching listening, speaking, reading, writing; connections to language knowledge (eg, vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation): evaluation of current teaching practice for language skills in a second language. Specific focus will be placed on communicative and task-based language teaching approaches.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The module will use a task-based approach to examining theoretical and practical content, combining interactive lectures and seminars, with oral and written tasks used in seminars to consolidate understanding and demonstrate application of ideas to practice.

Summative assessment- Examinations:
2 hour examination

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
One written assignment of 2,000-2,500 words (50% of final grade), providing a critical synthesis of selected studies on teaching a specific language skill.

A 2-hour written examination in Week 11 (50% of final grade)

Formative assessment methods:
Oral presentation of first written assignment to act as formative feedback. Fortnightly short oral summaries demonstrating understanding of key relevant constructs.

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 50% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:
If module failed because of failure in examination, re-examination by exam to be taken by 1 September. If module failed because of failure in assignment, re-submission of assignment by 1 September.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 4 April 2020