Module manager: Niamh Mullen
Email: N.Mullen@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
This module is not approved as an Elective
This module presents a critical overview of language teaching methodologies and how linguistic theories can be applied in classroom practice. Current methodological approaches and practices are explored and evaluated in terms of how they relate to understanding of linguistic theory and language learning.
The aim of this module is for students to be introduced to language teaching methodology from the point of view of linguistic theories and language learning principles. Students will explore the relationship between theory and practice, with an emphasis on the need for language teachers to have expertise in the theoretical study of language and an ability to apply principles of theory to language teaching practice. The module also engages with challenges in classroom research, asking how best to address research-informed questions of language development relevant to classroom learners. Additionally, the module emphasises the relationship between trends in language teaching and shifts in academic thought by situating methodologies in their local, socio-cultural contexts. The module aims to develop students’ ability to be both reflective and critical in their intellectual understanding of teaching practice.
On completion of this module, students will be able to:
1: demonstrate knowledge of key approaches to language teaching methodology
2: evaluate different teaching methods in terms of linguistic theories and language learning principles
3: demonstrate understanding of the relationship between theory and practice as relevant to language teaching
4: engage critically with methodological challenges in localising classroom research
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
5: Work effectively in groups
6: Critically synthesise complex information from numerous academic sources
7: Communicate effectively both orally and in written form
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Seminar | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Private study hours | 130 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 20 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
The seminars provide a forum for supporting and monitoring students’ progress, e.g. through preparing group presentations on key readings on learning theories and teaching methodologies, with oral feedback given at the time. While guidance is provided to ensure that students have the support they need to do the reading in preparation for each seminar, seminar discussion is intended to make clear whether individual students are progressing and whether more or other support is needed. Students are guided in choosing their presentation topic and given formative feedback on their reflective rationale.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Presentation | 10-min recorded presentation + 600-750-word reflective text | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Coursework will comprise of a recorded individual presentation related to a choice of teaching methodology of approximately 10 minutes as well as a 600-750 reflective rationale for this choice.
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 01/02/2024
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team