LANGUAGE TEACHING METHODOLOGY - 2021/2

Module code: ELAM009

Module Overview

The module provides a historical background to language teaching approaches and methods, with a particular focus on developments since the mid-twentieth century. It focuses on methods which are considered appropriate in the 21st century in the light of theories of second language acquisition and learning. 

Module provider

School of Literature and Languages

Module Leader

BOND Anita (Lit & Langs)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 7

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Overall student workload

Independent Learning Hours: 128

Lecture Hours: 11

Seminar Hours: 11

Module Availability

Semester 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None.

Module content

Indicative content includes:


  • Approaches and methods

  • The grammar-translation method

  • The direct method

  • Situational language teaching

  • Audiolingualism

  • The silent way

  • The natural approach

  • Total physical response

  • The communicative approach

  • Task-based learning

  • Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL)

  • Competency-based language teaching

  • The role of Information and Communications Technology


Assessment pattern

Assessment type Unit of assessment Weighting
Coursework REFLECTION ABOUT ONLINE DISCUSSION (1500 WORDS) 40
Coursework LESSON PLAN AND COMMENTARY (1,500 - 2,000 WORDS) 60

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to critically evaluate a range of language teaching methods and demonstrate their ability to apply contemporary approaches and methods to a familiar learning and teaching environment

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of


  1. A personal reflection (1,500 words)

  2. A detailed lesson plan and a commentary of  1,500 – 2,000 words



Formative assessment

Seminar tasks including micro-teaching

Homework tasks

Contribution to online discussion, which will form the basis of the personal reflection.

Feedback

Group feedback on formative tasks will be provided during the input sessions.

Individual summative feedback will be provided online via SurreyLearn.

Module aims

  • Provide an overview of developments in (English) language teaching approaches
  • Support students in the critical evaluation of a range of language teaching methodologies and methods
  • Enable students to evaluate own practice or methodological stance
  • Enable students to develop a rationale, which is supported by research findings, for their future English language teaching practice

Learning outcomes

Attributes Developed
1 Critically evaluate a range of historical and contemporary language teaching methodologies, in the light of second language learning/acquisition theories KC
2 Identify the advantages and disadvantages of specific methods when applied to a range of English language teaching and learning contexts KCP
3 Reflect on own practice/stance P
4 Design an English language learning programme which meets the needs of a specified group of learners using a reasoned methodology PT
5 Design a lesson and justify the method(s) chosen KCPT

Attributes Developed

C - Cognitive/analytical

K - Subject knowledge

T - Transferable skills

P - Professional/Practical skills

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:


  • Enable students to acquire in-depth knowledge of theoretical issues in second language teaching and learning through attendance at classes and an exploration of scholarly writing in the field;




  • Enable students to deepen their knowledge of the linguistic structures, grammar and stylistic registers of English through attending classes, engaging in extensive reading and completing exercises and assignments;

  • Encourage student participation and independent learning, through small group classes, reading outside contact hours and participating in seminars;

  • Enable students to engage in analytical and evaluative thinking, to analyse and evaluate concepts, theories and practices associated with English language learning and teaching through attending classes, and engaging in independent study.

  • Acquire in-depth knowledge of the rationale and principles underlying the different methodologies used in language teaching through attendance at classes and an exploration of scholarly writing in the field.



The learning and teaching methods include:


  • Two contact hours per week over the semester;

  • Classes will include lectures and seminars;

  • students are expected to engage in extensive reading of scholarly writing outside classes in order to follow lectures and participate in seminars.


Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: ELAM009

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2021/2 academic year.