LSMDIP-Language Teaching Portfolio

Module Provider: English Language and Applied Linguistics
Number of credits: 60 [30 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring / Summer term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Tony Capstick
Email: tony.capstick@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
The course aims to provide an opportunity for students to relate theory of second language learning and teaching to practice. Through the observation of classroom events, the detailed analysis of a language learner, the development of lesson plans and delivery of teaching (in micro-teaching sessions), students will acquire basic knowledge of how to evaluate, adapt, plan and deliver a lesson or part of a lesson, and of how to analyse the language of a learner.

Aims:
The course aims to provide an opportunity for students to relate theory of second language learning and teaching to practice. Through the observation of classroom events, the detailed analysis of a language learner, the development of lesson plans and delivery of teaching (in micro-teaching sessions), students will acquire basic knowledge of how to evaluate, adapt, plan and deliver a lesson or part of a lesson, and of how to analyse the language of a learner.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that students will have: 

• Demonstrated familiarity with a range of classroom procedures and techniques, and demonstrate understanding of the rationale underlying these procedures;


• Undertaken principled and systematic observation of teachers and learners;


• Been able to evaluate simple classroom teaching materials, offer suggestions for adaptations of these materials and use principles for the design of materials (visual aids, audio);


• Demonstrated ability to evaluate their own teaching through structured reflection on aspects of teaching, eg, lesson plans;


• Collected data from a learner, from observation, and interview or questionnaire, and to draw appropriate observations on the learner’s linguistic and cultural background, past and future use of the English language, or the learner’s approach (strategies) and attitude to the learning situation;


• Shown ability to evaluate the learner’s current linguistic proficiency, offering an analysis of the learner’s use of grammar, lexis, phonology, etc. and to compile a detailed profile of the learner, and to make recommendations for the learner’s future language development and autonomy.

Additional outcomes:
Through experience of performing the tasks of a language teacher, students will develop oral skills, in both individual presentations and group- and pairwork.

Outline content:

The taught component of the module consists of input on the following: 1. Classroom observation: how and what to observe. This will focus on the teacher (questioning techniques, correction techniques, learner support, body language, group work and pair work, use of equipment), use of resources (materials, audio/visual aids), and classroom dynamics. Schemes for observation will be introduced and tried out in observation sessions with experienced language teachers. 2. Describing learner language, learner background. There will be input on the format of the learner profile and techniques for data gathering, including interviewing and questionnaires. 3. Lesson planning and implementation: the structuring of a lesson; selection and adaptation of materials. 4. Preparation of one micro-teaching session; evaluation and self-reflection. In addition to lecture and tutorial input, students will be involved in lesson preparation, and delivery. They will give a presentation on their micro-teaching focus, which will be assessed.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Lectures and seminar-style discussion; practical observation and lesson preparation and delivery to be written up as a teaching portfolio.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		10	8
Tutorials		1	2
Practicals classes and workshops		1	2
Guided independent study:		189	387
Total hours by term	0
Total hours for module	600

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Portfolio	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

A portfolio of approximately 12,000 words, to be submitted in September. The oral presentation and the classroom observation report's deadlines are before the end of the Spring Term.



1. Lesson Observation (Report on one classroom and one video-based observation 20%

2. Microteaching (review of the literature, discussion of teaching focus, lesson plan, post lesson evaluation, discussion of modification). (7000-8000 words) 70%

3. The oral presentation is on the micro-teaching focus (20 minutes) 10%

Formative assessment methods:

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 mark of at least 50% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:
Reassessment arrangements: Any failed component should be re-submitted by 11 September the following year. . Re-assessment for a failing presentation wiould be a student-made video recording of the student giving their presentation, accompanied by power-point slides)

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: 30 March 2023