Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Students wishing to become English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers in their home contexts require a foundational orientation to both general classroom practice and EFL teaching strategies. This unit is designed for those students who have no prior teaching experience and are looking for a primary orientation and introduction to the core principles and practices of EFL teaching.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to assist you to develop a knowledge base of practical teaching skills and strategies for working in an EFL context. You will have the opportunity to demonstrate your developing ability to translate theoretical principles into effective and reflective classroom practice.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit, you should be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of context on pedagogical decisions [GC:A, D];


2. Show an ability to communicate about the English language (its roles, systems, functions) [GC: A, C];

3. Demonstrate a developing capacity to teach language-related topics including the macroskills, vocabulary and grammatical structures [GC: A, D, B];

4. Plan lessons and units within the curriculum frameworks and design appropriate teaching materials [GC: A, D].

Content

This unit includes the following topics:

(1) Contexts and cultures of EFL classrooms

(2) English in the classroom

(3) Planning appropriate learning experiences

(4) Skills and strategies for EFL teaching

(5) Micro-teaching

(6) Designing and adapting materials and resources

(7) Managing classroom talk

(8) Developing a reflective dimension to practice.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This is a practically-focused unit. It provides you with the opportunity to explore the translation of theoretical principles into classroom practice. The weekly three-hour classes will vary in format but will include input and feedback from the lecturer, student demonstrations and micro-teaching, class discussions, group-work and peer feedback. It will also provide you with the opportunity to evaluate and critically analyse observed classroom practice.

Assessment

There are three summative assessment tasks for this unit. They are designed to build on and contribute to each other.Formative assessment is utilised during class sessions, such as general feedback on assignments. It is also provided in teacher and peer feedback on micro-teaching sessions.

Assessment name: Project (applied)
Description: This task requires you to evaluate and adapt an EFL coursebook and existing teaching materials. The aim of this task is to help you learn about coursebook design and the techniques for evaluating and adapting published materials to suit learners' needs in your teaching context.

Length: 1500 words
Relates to objectives: 1 & 2
Weight: 35%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid-Semester

Assessment name: Demonstration
Description: This task requires you to teach a mini-lesson. The task gives you an opportunity to operationalise your knowledge about teaching a language point.

Length: 1500 words
Relates to objectives: 3 & 4
Weight: 25%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid-Semester

Assessment name: Professional Plans
Description: This task is practice-oriented and requires you to develop an informed and appropriate unit of work for an EFL teaching context accompanied by a written rationale. This assignment provides you with the opportunity to plan a unit of work and to provide a rationale for your decisions concerning teaching approach, methods, techniques and materials.

Length: 2000 words
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3 & 4
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week-14

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

A CLN622 Book of Readings is required reading for this unit. The Book of Readings is available for sale at the QUT Kelvin Grove bookshop and for borrowing from the QUT Kelvin Grove library.

Risk assessment statement

There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with the general conduct of this unit. Workplace health and safety protocols in relation to computer use will be applied.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 29-Oct-2012