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: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Mrs Barbara King
Email: b.king@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The module will provide students with an overview of some major themes and current developments in second/foreign language teaching and learning. Topics to be covered include: Vocabulary teaching and learning; models of reading, listening, speaking, and writing; individual differences in language learning (e.g., motivation, learner strategy); and the teaching and learning of grammar.  The module will enable students to understand current theory and research on various aspects of second/foreign language teaching and learning, and relate theory and research to educational practice in different cultural contexts. There will be one written assignment of 4500 words. The topic and title will be chosen from a list of alternatives.

Aims:

The aim of the module is to:

• examine in depth some major themes and current developments in second language teaching and learning;


• evaluate current theory and research on various aspects of second language teaching and learning;


• apply theory and research to educational practices in different cultural contexts;


• sharpen your ability to review and evaluate published work in this area.

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 relationship between theory/research and practice in different cultural and educational contexts.

Additional outcomes:

• Development of academic writing skills


• Critical analysis of issues relating to second 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 approaches.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		12
Seminars		12
Tutorials		2
Practicals classes and workshops		6
Guided independent study:		168
Total hours by term		200
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:
N/A

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

There will be one written assignment of 4500 words. The topic and title will be chosen from a list of alternatives.

Formative assessment methods:

Students will be set regular tasks within seminars on which they receive feedback from the tutor. This may include undertaking pre-seminar reading and presenting views on the reading to the rest of the group.

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy 'Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes', which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
Students must achieve a 50% overall aggregate mark

Reassessment arrangements:

Resubmissions must be submitted within one calendar month of the notification of failure.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: There are no required textbooks for this module

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: 30 March 2023