Module QXL-3329:
Teaching English as a Foreign Language

Module Facts

Run by School of Languages, Literatures, Linguistics and Media

20.000 Credits or 10.000 ECTS Credits

Semester 2

Organiser: Ms Claire Quinn

Overall aims and purpose

This module will review teaching methodologies and approaches commonly employed in teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) with a focus on and the implementation of the two popular methodologies Communicative Language Learning and Task-Based Learning. It offers a foundation in the practical issues of teaching EFL, covering teacher role, lesson planning, assessment and teaching grammar and the four skills. Students will benefit from the opportunity to observe EFL classes (4.5hrs minimum) and will explore the nature of TEFL through microteaching with peers in seminars as well as teaching in real EFL classes, both of which require post-teaching reflection and analysis.

Please note that this module does not replace the professional development training courses in teaching English to other speakers, namely the Cambridge CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) or the Trinity TESOL Certificate (certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). However, it will provide a firm foundation in English language teaching (ELT) and should provide you with the confidence to apply for a place on a CELTA or Trinity Certificate course, should you wish to do so.

Course content

This module provides an introduction to the teaching of EFL through practice and theory and by examining a range of contexts in which English language teaching and learning takes place.

Topics will include the following:
1. The nature of EFL teaching contexts.
2. Methodologies employed in the EFL classroom.
3. The role of the teacher of EFL.
4. Strategies used teaching vocabulary, grammar, writing, speaking, reading & listening.
5. Factors affecting lesson planning and materials choice/design.
6. Reflective practice – evaluating teaching and lesson aims.

Assessment Criteria

threshold

D: The answer must involve the critical analysis of existing research into TEFL and/or research from a Foreign language Learning perspective.
The answer must show evidence of some background study of primary sources going beyond material discussed in lectures.
The answer must be relevant to the research topic chosen.

good

B:
Critical reflection and a review of literature must be presented, organized, and analysed with care and an appreciation must be shown of some of the problems involved with preparing a review of literature.
The answer must show a better-than-average standard of knowledge and understanding. The answer must show evidence of background of primary sources.
Assertions must be supported by reference to a theory and/or empirical research. The answer must show evidence of analytical thinking.
The answer must have a coherent structure that is adhered to in the most part; relationships between successive parts must be generally easy to follow.

excellent

A:
Critical reflection and a review of literature must be evaluated in a logical manner.
The answer must have an originality of exposition and understanding; the author’s own thinking should be readily apparent.
The answer must show clear evidence of extensive reading of primary sources.
The answer must show clear evidence of understanding TEFL methodology.
The answer must show a clear line structure in which each successive stage is explicitly linked and the reader is explicitly told why these parts are relevant to the study.

Learning outcomes

  1. Students will be able to identify and evaluate different methodologies and approaches adopted in teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL).

  2. Students will understand and be able to reflect on key factors underlying TEFL.

  3. Students will demonstrate knowledge of different teaching strategies in teaching key language skills in EFL.

  4. Students will understand how the principles of a methodology apply to lesson planning.

  5. Students will understand and be able to evaluate the teacher role in TEFL.

  6. Students will understand and be able to apply a teaching methodology to a classroom situation.

  7. Students will be able to apply the principle of the reflective model to teaching practice.

  8. Students will understand and be able to present key facts, theoretical issues and approaches underpinning the teaching of EFL.

Assessment Methods

Type Name Description Weight
Essay (1500 words) 30.00
Teaching Practice 20.00
Report of Teaching Practice (2500 words) 50.00

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Hours
Private study

In their own time, students will be expected to do further reading, go through materials covered in class and do further research on the topics, and prepare assignments.

 139
Seminar

Monthly one hour seminar (5 over the 2 semesters). The tutorial sessions will provide an opportunity for in-depth reflection with both peers and the module convener on teaching practice and teaching observation sessions, offering a forum for discussion of teaching issues and related EFL teaching strategies. The basis of the discussion will be students’ in-depth reflection on teaching observation as well as peer led micro-teaching held in tutorial time.

5
Fieldwork

Observations of EFL lessons – minimum of 5 hours teaching observations with feedback from teaching mentor and additional reflective feedback during bi-weekly tutorials.

 5
Lecture

Fortnightly two hour lecture over both semesters

 22
Tutorial

Students are encouraged to see the lecturer on a one-to-one basis during published office hours (or by appointment) to discuss issues with the module content, seek clarification on topics and discussions, and discuss feedback on assessments and class exercises.

2
Private study

Directed Reading - students are given required reading each week (of about 2 hours) on the topic of that week's lecture.

 28

Transferable skills

  • Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
  • Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
  • Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
  • Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
  • Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sensitevely with others
  • Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
  • Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.
  • Teamwork - Able to constructively cooperate with others on a common task, and/or be part of a day-to-day working team
  • Mentoring - Able to support, help, guide, inspire and/or coach others
  • Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting
  • Self-awareness & Reflectivity - Having an awareness of your own strengths, weaknesses, aims and objectives. Able to regularly review, evaluate and reflect upon the performance of yourself and others
  • Leadership - Able to lead and manage, develop action plans and objectives, offer guidance and direction to others, and cope with the related pressures such authority can result in

Subject specific skills

  • Proficiency in the use of English in reading, writing, speaking and/or listening - students will demonstrate proficiency in their ability to use and understand English in a range of different contexts and via different media.
  • Understanding of the nature and organization of language - students will demonstrate familiarity with observations and findings relating to various aspects of linguistic phenomena and organization.
  • Understanding the nature of commonalities and differences across languages - students will demonstrate familiarity with phenomena and findings relating to universals and diversity exhibited by and across languages.
  • Knowledge of the nature of language origins, change and use - students will demonstrate familiarity with phenomena and findings relating to the nature of language origins, the way language changes, and factors involved in and affecting language use.
  • Knowledge of EFL (English as a Foreign Language) theory and practice - students will demonstrate familiarity with core terms, issues, principles, aspects and best practices related to the teaching of English as a foreign language.
  • Understanding of the nature of bi/multilingualism - students will demonstrate familiarity with phenomena and findings relating to the nature of bilingual and multilingual individuals and communities.
  • Writing & scholarly conventions - students will be able to present data, argumentation, findings and references in written form in keeping with the conventions current in language science and English language and EFL studies.
  • Oral presentation skills & scholarly conventions - students will be able to present data, argumentation, findings and references in oral form in keeping with the conventions current in language science and English language studies.
  • Analysis & interpretation skills - students will be able to analyse, interpret data accurately, and draw appropriate conclusions based on the application of appropriate analytic and theoretical frameworks available in linguistics and English language and EFL studies.
  • Evaluation & reflection - students will be able to critically evaluate a particular position, viewpoint or argument in relation to a specific area of investigation. They will be able to reflect on the efficacy of a particular approach, practice or performance, and moderate these as a consequence in order to achieve specific goals.
  • Fluency, confidence and proficiency in the use of English -students will demonstrate their ability and proficiency to use and understand and instruct others in English in a range of academic and classroom contexts.
  • Effective communication - students will develop the ability to communicate effectively, appropriately and confidently, in a range of contexts, to different audience types, and making use of a range of supporting materials
  • Learning to learn - students will learn to reflect, modify and improve their learning strategies
  • Awareness of and appreciation for linguistic and cultural differences - students will develop an awareness of and an appreciation for the range and nature of linguistic and cultural diversity

Resources

Pre- and Co-requisite Modules

Co-requisites:

Courses including this module

Compulsory in courses:

Optional in courses: