Foundations of Language in Second Language Teaching

Catalog description

Critical understanding of basic concepts and principles in second language acquisition and teaching. WLED 400 Foundations of Language in Second Language Teaching (3)This is an advanced course designed for practicing classroom teachers who want to further their knowledge of language acquisition/language teaching. It provides a critical understanding of basic concepts and principles in first and second language acquisition and teaching. The core of the course explicates processes of language acquisition viewed from major theories of first and second language acquisition and common issues within these major theories are presented and debated. Using their classroom experiences, students will be able to critically examine language teaching methodologies derived and implied from first and second language acquisition theories and to apply them in their classrooms. This course requires active participation, group-reflections and self-critique, and completion of required readings; 20-30 hours of volunteer work in an ESL setting; and development of a professional growth portfolio including the four domains stated in the Penn State Model of Teacher Preparation (planning and preparing for student learning; teaching; inquiring and analyzing learning and teaching; and professionalism) and the competencies for English Usage and Developing Linguistic Awareness stated by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.