Postgraduate Module Descriptor


EFPM266: Principles of Language Learning for TESOL

This module descriptor refers to the 2019/0 academic year.

Module Aims

The aim of this module is:

•    to critically review foundational concepts in second language learning theories;

•    to provide an overview of the current debate on key issues in second language learning research;

•    to enable participants to engage in critical analysis and discussion of an area of study in second language learning;

•    to enable participants to consider critically the application of current research in language learning to language teaching practice.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here - you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.

On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. demonstrate a critical understanding of linguistic and cognitive perspectives of second language acquisition, including language transfer and processing; input, interaction & output; and individual differences;
2. Demonstrate a critical understanding of social and cultural perspectives of second language learning, including mediated learning and scaffolding; community of practice and L2 socialisation; culture and identity;
3. Demonstrate the ability to apply the critical understandings of above different theoretical perspectives to the development of TESOL pedagogic practices.
Discipline-Specific Skills4. demonstrate an ability to apply course input to their own and their peers' teaching and learning situations;
5. demonstrate an awareness of how their own students might approach learning;
6. demonstrate an ability to evaluate the success or otherwise of different teaching strategies in particular situations;
Personal and Key Skills7. Demonstrate an ability to study effectively independently and in groups, including the presentation of materials for group and class discussion;
8. demonstrate an ability to digest, select and organize material to produce, to a deadline, a coherent and thoughtful analysis of theory applied to professional and cultural situations;
9. demonstrate an ability to take responsibility and carry out agreed tasks;
10. demonstrate an ability to study independently in group/pair work;
11. demonstrate an ability to create a presentation of materials for group and class discussion.

How this Module is Assessed

In the tables below, you will see reference to 'ILO's. An ILO is an Intended Learning Outcome - see Aims and Learning Outcomes for details of the ILOs for this module.

Formative Assessment

A formative assessment is designed to give you feedback on your understanding of the module content but it will not count towards your mark for the module.

Form of assessmentSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
introduction and outline 1000 words 1, 2; 4, 5, 6 ,7, 8, 9written feedback
oral presentation1,000 words equivalent1,2,3;4,5,6; 7, 9, 10, 11oral feedback

Summative Assessment

A summative assessment counts towards your mark for the module. The table below tells you what percentage of your mark will come from which type of assessment.

CourseworkWritten examsPractical exams
10000

...and this table provides further details on the summative assessments for this module.

Form of assessment% of creditSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Assignment1005,500 words 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 written comment

Re-assessment

Re-assessment takes place when the summative assessment has not been completed by the original deadline, and the student has been allowed to refer or defer it to a later date (this only happens following certain criteria and is always subject to exam board approval). For obvious reasons, re-assessments cannot be the same as the original assessment and so these alternatives are set. In cases where the form of assessment is the same, the content will nevertheless be different.

Original form of assessmentForm of re-assessmentILOs re-assessedTimescale for re-assessment
AssignmentResubmission of assignment1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,96 weeks