HENK03993U English, 2013 curriculum - Introduction to Foreign Language Acquisition and Teaching

Volume 2017/2018
Content

This is an introductory course to foreign language acquisition and teaching. The foreign language learner needs to acquire a range of skills to be able to function in a foreign language - in writing, speaking, listening and reading. The aim of the course is to introduce the participants to central theories of communicative competence, language learning and language processing which may explain the complex processes involved in both using and learning languages in different contexts. We will explore the role of learner variables and learning factors and discuss different approaches to language teaching in the classroom. One of the aims will be to investigate how the teacher can create an optimal learning environment that takes a communicative approach to language teaching as a starting point, but which also enables the learner to focus on the language, pushing the language learning process forward. What type of learning activities can be introduced and what is the potential for language learning of using various forms of learner-centred tasks? Much empirical research has been carried out in an attempt to answer these questions. Therefore, participants will be introduced to a range of empirical studies, which employ different types of research approaches and tools. Through the reading of these studies, the course participants will develop the ability to discuss and evaluate the design of empirical research and the findings presented in the studies.

Readning

Course material will be based on a course book and a number of research articles.

The course book:

  • Keith Johnson (2008), An Introduction to Foreign Language Learning and Teaching.
  • St. Ives: Pearson/Longman. Note the book is also available in REX.
The course will be conducted using a mixture of lectures, group work and discussions.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Class Instruction
  • 28
  • Preparation
  • 176,75
  • Total
  • 204,75