English Language Methodology

First sessions and probably more…

Task 1

Work on the Needs Analysis Questionnaire and after completing it, list the key concepts it details.

Discuss them with your partner and share your views with the class.

What are the differences between L1 and L2 learning?

When we learn our first language we’re likely to learn it in different ways and in different contexts from when we learn a second language (L2). We are also likely to be a different age.

Task 1: What differences can you think of between L1 and L2 learning. Think about the learners’ age, ways of learning and context that they are learning in.

Spratt, et al., 2005. The TKT Course

Methodology as a concept…

It refers to a way of teaching. It has to do with what language is, how people learn, how teaching helps people learn. The teacher has to make methodological decisions about the aims of a course, what to teach, teaching techniques, activity types, ways of relating with students, ways of assessing.

Scrivener, 2005, Learning Teaching

Methodology as a concept…

Pedagogical practices in general (including theoretical underpinnings and related research). Whatever considerations are involved in ‘how to teach’ are methodological.

Brown, 2001 Teaching by Principles

Terminology that is crucial… Approach: it is

something that reflects a certain model or research paradigm- a theory (braodest term) E.g. Communicative

Method: it is a set of procedures, a system that spells out rather precisely how to teach a second or foreign language. E.g. TPR

Technique: it’s a classroom device or activity and thus represents the narrowest of the three concepts. Eg. Dictation, repetition

Celce-Mucia, 2001 Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language

Task 2

In groups of three, go through the introductory chapters of the three books on methodology and work out your own definition of what ENGLISH METHODOLOGY LANGUAGE means. Be accurate and don’t beat about the bush!!!

Use the acetate to show and discuss the results with your partners.

Terminology that is crucial

Approach: theoretically well-informed positions and beliefs about the nature of language, the nature of learning, and the applicability of both to pedagogical settings.

Method: a generalized set of classroom specifications for accomplishing linguistic objectives. Methods tend to be concerned primarily with teacher and student roles and behaviours.

Terminology that is crucial Technique: any of a

wide variety of exercises, activities or tasks used in the language classroom for realizing lesson objectives.

Brown, 2001 Teaching by Principles

Curriculum/Syllabus: designs for carrying out a particular language program. Features include a primary concern with the specification of linguistic and subject matter objectives, sequencing, and materials to meet the needs of a designated group of learners in a defined context.

Task 3

Read the chapters on English Today and be prepared to take part in a class discussion on the issue.

Next class you’ll have the first Reading Quiz on the two papers plus the reflections of the previous class discussion.