Module EFPM266 for 2019/0
- Overview
- Aims and Learning Outcomes
- Module Content
- Indicative Reading List
- Assessment
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.
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to: | |
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Module-Specific Skills | 1. 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 Skills | 4. 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 Skills | 7. 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. |
Module Content
Syllabus Plan
Week 1 - An overview of key debates and issues in second language learning theory
Week 2 - A short history of second language learning theory mentalist versus behavioural perspectives
Week 3 - Interaction and language processing (the Interactionist perspective)
Week 4 - Sociocultural theory and mediated learning (socio-cognitive perspective)
Week 5 - Language learning strategies and learning styles
Week 6 - Language learning motivation and anxiety
Week 7 - Identity and second language learning
Week 8 - Language learning as participation and socialization
Week 9 - Multilingualism and language learning
Week 10 - Conclusion: recap, Q+A, assignment briefing, discussion of essay topics
Learning and Teaching
This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
---|---|---|
50 | 250 | 0 |
...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:
Category | Hours of study time | Description |
---|---|---|
Learning and teaching activities | 30 | lectures, seminars and tutorials |
Learning and teaching activities | 20 | pre-session tasks |
guided independent study | 80 | assignment preparation |
guided independent study | 170 | directed/self-directed reading |
Online Resources
This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).
Web CT resource platform including powerpoints, research papers and interactive tasks.
Other Learning Resources
Journals:
English Language Teaching (ELT) Journal
Int. Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism*
Language and Education
Language and Intercultural Communication
Language Learning
Language, Identity, and Education
Modern English Teacher (MET)
Modern Language Journal
TESOL Quarterly
* available from Gaby’s office (contact Gaby)