Postgraduate Module Descriptor


EFPM280: Developing Practical Knowledge for TESOL Teaching

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

Module Aims

  1. To provide students with a thorough understanding of the relationship between theoretical perspectives and different TESOL classroom practices.
  2. To provide an introduction to key concepts associated with the practice of foreign or second language teaching.
  3. To familiarize students with the core competencies associated with successful practice in TESOL classrooms from both a theoretical and practical perspective.
  4. To develop students’ capacity to successfully apply conceptual and practical knowledge about foreign or second language practice to the realities of their own current and/or future teaching contexts.
  5. To develop students’ capacity to reflect critically on their own teaching as well as their peers’.

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 comprehensive understanding of the key aspects of classroom practice including the organisation of activities, classroom management, and classroom interaction;
2. Demonstrate a critical application of these skills and knowledge in the preparation and teaching of a language class;
3. Demonstrate the ability to successfully apply conceptual and practical knowledge and skills to teaching activities in the TESOL classroom in a rigorous and systematic way;
4. Reflect critically upon observed teaching and microteaching in relation to key principles covered in the module;
Discipline-Specific Skills5. Demonstrate the knowledge, understanding and skills for students required in order to analyse TESOL policy, theory and practice;
6. Demonstrate the ability to analyse data for teaching purposes;
7. Evaluate complex TESOL issues drawing on national and international perspectives;
8. To provide students with knowledge and skills needed to apply theory to practice in TESOL;
Personal and Key Skills9. Engage in independent study and group/pair work, including the microteaching and evaluation of peers' teaching and their own;
10. Digest, select and organise material to produce, to a deadline, a coherent, thoughtful and creative analysis of theory to particular professional and socio-cultural situations;
11. Undertake a critical analysis of the teaching skills, knowledge and techniques developed in the module through personal reflection.

Indicative Reading List

This reading list is indicative - i.e. it provides an idea of texts that may be useful to you on this module, but it is not considered to be a confirmed or compulsory reading list for this module.

Bailey, K., A. Curtis & D. Nunan 2001. Pursuing Professional Development: the self as source. Boston: Heinle & Heinle.

Johnson, K. 2001. An Introduction to Foreign Language Teaching and Learning. Harlow: Pearson Education.

Johnson, K. E. 1995. Understanding Communication in Second Language Classroom. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Johnson, K. E. 1999. Understanding Language Teaching: Reasoing in action. Boston: Heinle & Heinle.

Kelly, G. 2000 How to Teach Pronunciation. Harlow: Longman.

Larsen-Freeman, D. 2000. Techniques and Principles in Languaege Teaching (2nd Edition). Oxford: Oxford University Press. Nunan, D (ed). 2003. Practical English Language Teaching. New York: McGRaw-Hill.

Omaggio H. A. 2001. Teaching language in context. New York: Heinle.

Scrivener, J. 2003. Teaching Grammar. Oxford: Oxford Univeristy Press.

Thornbury, S. 1997. About Language: Tasks for Teachers of English. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Thornbury, S. 1999. How to Teach Grammar. Harlow: Longman. Thornbury, S. 2001. Uncovering Grammar. Oxford: Heinemann. Thornbury, S. 2002. How to Teach Vocabulary. Harlow: Longman. Thornbury, S. 2005. How to Teach Speaking. Harlow: Longman

Ur. P. 1996. A Course in Language Teaching: Practice and Theory. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Woodward, T. 2001. Planning Lessons and Courses. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.