LANG40650

The TESOL Pedagogy module begins by providing an overview of teaching methodologies. Participants will be introduced to the principles behind commonly-used methods of language teaching such as communicative, task-based and action-oriented approaches. They will learn about how frameworks such as the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) can inform action-oriented teaching. They will be asked to consider their own beliefs about what language teaching can and should be, to reflect critically upon their own teaching, and to identify goals for development.

The core focus of the module is on practical and communicative approaches to teaching each of the four skills – reading, listening, writing and speaking – both individually and in integrated classes. Participants will be encouraged to engage actively and to discuss how to apply these methods with their own classes. They will also be asked to consider how particular classroom tasks might meet the objectives of a broader syllabus or curriculum. They will also critically analyse a video-recorded class and will be asked to reflect upon the methods they observed.

The specific content of these sessions may vary according to the needs of the participants. For example, university teachers may focus on approaches to teaching Academic English. For all participants, the module is intended as a basis from which teachers can enhance their classroom practice and begin to explore more specialized areas of TESOL research.