Module LANG41815: Teaching Young Learners

Department: Modern Languages and Cultures

LANG41815: Teaching Young Learners

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• none

Aims

• at the end of this module, students will:
• understand the various types of younger learners between the ages of 4 and 16 and some of their characteristics that will help consider how best to teach them
• be familiar with key theories of first and second language acquisition and educational theories relevant to teaching young learners
• be familiar with a range of teaching methods and classroom management approaches appropriate for teaching young learners
• have considered different materials, creative games and technology for teaching young learners both skills and language

Content

• this module focuses on key issues facing teachers in any context involving the teaching of English (as a foreign, not second, language) to young learners.
• broadly speaking, these issues relate to lesson-planning, materials selection, methodology and the wider social and technological environment of teaching young learners.

Learning Outcomes

• key characteristics of the student population (young people aged 4-16) and typical teaching contexts
• an understanding of theories relevant to teaching young learners
• an understanding of the principles of classroom management

• ability to critically assess the strengths and weaknesses of various teaching methodologies suitable for teaching young learners
• ability to critically assess the strengths and weaknesses of various teaching materials suitable for teaching different ages of young learners
• ability to consider lessons with the specific needs and potential of young learners in mind

• ability to read and understand primary texts about relevant theories and language pedagogy
• an understanding of appropriate and effective classes taking account of significant issues affecting young learners for example materials, creativity, play and technology
• ability to evaluate materials and authentic resources available for the teaching of young learners in the light of theories of language acquisition

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• lectures will introduce the principles of teaching young learners and give students an opportunity to explore and discuss key issues, opportunities and teaching skills (primarily relating to materials and methods)
• seminars will give students the chance to apply theoretical knowledge to practical teaching aspects, evaluating materials, considering classroom management or lesson planning for example

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Students will be required to submit a draft of one section of their summative assignment so as to receive feedback

■ Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University.