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

Second Language Teachers need not only to be able to speak and understand the language they are teaching but have an understanding of how the language works - its systems and rules of usage. This unit focuses on raising awareness of traditional and functional perspectives of grammar. It also introduces participants to current issues concerning the role of grammar in Second Language Teaching and Learning and to various options for the integration of grammar into the communicative teaching of spoken and written discourse.

Aims

On completion of this unit, students should:

(i) be aware of the place of grammar teaching in current theories of Second Language Teaching and Learning;
(ii) be aware of the arguments for and against explicit and implicit teaching of grammar in the Second Language classroom;
(iii) understand the difference between focus on form and focus on forms;

Objectives

On completion of this unit, students should:

(i) be more familiar with the metalanguage of different grammars (GC: A, D, E);
(ii) better understand how the English language works at a subsentential (morphological), sentential (syntactical) and suprasentential (discourse) level (GC: A,D, E);
(iii) understand the relationship between form, meaning and use (morphosyntax, semantics and pragmatics) (GC: A, C, D);
(iv) possess improved skills, strategies and techniques for teaching grammar creatively and communicatively in diverse learning contexts (GC: A, C, D, E).

Content

(i) What is Grammar?
(ii) Why Teach Grammar?
(iii) Language Awareness: Morphology
(iv) Language Awareness: Syntax
(v) Language Awareness: Discourse
(vi) Error correction and the role of feedback
(vii) Teaching Grammar: Deductive approach, teaching from rules
(vii) Teaching Grammar: Inductive approach, teaching from examples
(viii) Teaching Grammar: Teaching from texts
(ix) Teaching Grammar: Task-based learning

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

A range of approaches to teaching and learning will be utilised including readings, discussion and analysis of information, individual study and electronic collaboration using Blackboard. Participants will be encouraged to relate their reading and assessment tasks to their own teaching context and to participate actively with others in discussing the theoretical and practical implications of the topics covered.

Assessment

Internal and external students will each complete two assignments, as set out below.Students will be provided with criteria sheets which will be used for summative feedback in marking assignments. Formative feedback will be provided on an ongoing basis through tutorial tasks.

Assessment name: Essay
Description: Write an essay analysing and critiquing the teaching of grammar in a selected ESL/EFL textbook.
Length: 2500 words
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3 & 4.
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid-Semester

Assessment name: Literature Review
Description: Assignment Two: Literature Review on an issue in the teaching of grammar in the Second Language classroom. The topic for the literature review will be developed in discussion with your tutor.
Length: 2500 words:
Relates to objectives: 1, 2 & 3.
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week-13

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

You are required to purchase the Book of Readings for the course. CMD readings will be made available. In addition, you will need to use the QUT library to find sources for your individual assignments.

Risk assessment statement

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

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: 04-Mar-2013