Teaching English as a Second Language

Catalog description

Theory, research, and pedagogy that focus on the teaching of English to speakers of other languages in varied contexts. APLNG 493 Teaching English as a Second Language (3) (IL) This course focuses on the teaching of English to speakers of other languages. Specifically, the course explores the multidimensional nature of the teacher as a learner of teaching, the context of schools and schooling within which teaching occurs, and the activities and content of second language teaching and learning.Throughout the semester, students will engage in a range of theoretical, pedagogical, and reflective activities that will enable them to: 1) understand their own beliefs and knowledge about language learning and language teaching and become aware of the impact of such knowledge and beliefs on their classroom practices, 2) recognize the highly situated and interpretative processes involved in language teaching and be able to reflect on, critically analyze, and evaluate their own teaching practices, 3) become sensitive to the complex social, cultural, political, and institutional factors that affect language teaching and students' language learning, 4) come to recognize students' strengths and development as learners and language learners, 5) understand subject matter content from an instructional perspective and learn to anticipate areas that may require additional instructional support, 6) use their knowledge of theory to inform their instructional practices, 7) participate in professional collaborations with other teachers as they learn about language teachers, language teaching, and language learning.