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

It is important for second language teachers to be aware of particular methodological approaches to second language teaching. The unit aims to extend students' knowledge of the general trends in methodology learned in CLN612, by providing a theoretical basis for CLT and other methods of language teaching, and various opportunities to apply the theoretical framework to classroom practice.

Aims

The unit aims to extend students' knowledge of the general trends in methodology learned in CLN612, by providing a theoretical basis for CLT and other methods of language teaching, and various opportunities to apply the theoretical framework to classroom practice.

Objectives

Upon completion of this unit, students should be:

1. familiar with the theoretical framework underpinning Communicative Language Teaching and its implications for classroom practice; [GC:A,B,D,F,G]

2. aware of the communicative principles of activity design; [GC: A,B,D,F,G]

3. able to reflect on and evaluate a range of materials, activities and teaching strategies within a communicative approach to language teaching; [GC: A,C,D,E,F]

4. able to design tasks and activities that reflect the principles of communicative language teaching. [GC: A,B,C,D,F,G]

Content

The content will cover the following areas:

• Theories and applications of various approaches to second language teaching


• Current views of Communicative Language Teaching - balancing accuracy and fluency


• Evaluating and adapting textbook materials


• Issues of authenticity - creativity in materials and tasks


• Teaching the four macro-skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening


• Planning lessons and integrating skills


• Developing a conducive atmosphere in the classroom


• Areas that are of specific interest to you and the other students in the group.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit is offered in internal delivery mode. It will be conducted in a collaborative atmosphere in which you will be expected to:

• prepare readings for informed discussion at each lecture;


• present and share relevant lesson materials and tasks;


• support each other in microteaching activities;


• relate input to previous/future learning and teaching experiences.

Assessment

Assessment in this unit is both formative and summative. Formative assessment will be provided through feedback in class and in electronic communication as appropriate.

Assessment name: Critique (textbook evaluation)
Description: Analyze and compare textbooks which could be used for teaching specific language skills based on specific criteria
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3 & 4.
Weight: 15%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid-Semester

Assessment name: Demonstration (Microteaching)
Description: Preparation and presentation of a specified number of micro-teaching lessons using the principles of the methodological approach
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3 & 4
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Throughout-Semester

Assessment name: Self-assessment
Description: Applied self-reflection involves reviewing the lesson plans and feedback from the microteaching lessons and all materials developed in the unit, and writing a theoretically-based rationale for the pedagogical choices, based on a range of second language acquisition teaching and learning theories.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3 & 4
Weight: 25%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End-Semester

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

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Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.

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