English 1, module 2; English Teaching Methodology for Young Learners (VEN102)

Content

Through this course the students will gain insight into how the basic skills - oral skills, reading, writing, and digital skills - are an integrated part of English instruction, so that they will be prepared to differentiate their instruction and teach pupils in grades 1-7. This course will also focus on English grammar and usage, whereby students will gain knowledge of English language structures, as well as learn about principles and practical activities for working with grammar in the English classroom.

The course will be held in English, and students are expected to participate in English throughout the course.

Students will be offered the opportunity to attend course sessions at the Norwegian Study Centre in York.  For those unable to attend, separate coursework (readings and an assignment) will be given.

Content areas in the course include:

• Theories of and research on language learning
• English grammar
• Teaching grammar
• Reading and writing skills
• Intercultural competence
• Materials use, evaluation, and development
• Use of digital tools

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

At the end of the course the student will have knowledge of:

• The grammatical structure of the English language
• The major points of difficulty in English grammar and usage for Norwegian learners of English
• How the four skills (oral skills, reading, writing, and digital skills), together with grammar and vocabulary, are best taught in an integrated manner that follows a manageable progression
• A variety of methods, ways of planning and strategies which can be used in a motivating and creative language classroom to provide differentiation, support learning and promote autonomy among the learners
• A variety of methods of assessment and evaluation, including national testing of reading in 5th grade
• A variety of materials and resources (both traditional and digital) which can be chosen and adapted to support learning
• How to use texts for children and youth that promote intercultural learning, as well as insight into use of texts that stimulate language development
• Digital tools to promote language learning and teaching of subject content
• A basic knowledge of research and development work relevant for English in grades 1-7

Skills:

At the end of the course the students should be able to:

• Describe English grammar and usage for Norwegian learners of English
• Apply their knowledge of English grammar and usage to English teaching through choosing suitable approaches, and designing differentiated activities and teaching materials
• Guide the pupils in their language development through making them aware of the language's structure and use, and of the important differences between English and Norwegian
• Help create a safe learning environment with varied, differentiated, and meaningful learning activities that promote development of language skills, the basic skills, and in-depth learning
• Evaluate pupils' work (formative and summative assessment) and promote independent language learning by making pupils aware of the choice of learning strategies
• Critically evaluate and design appropriate teaching materials (both traditional and digital) to use and adapt to support learning
• Use digital tools to promote language learning and teaching of the subject content
• Read and apply research relevant to English in primary schools, and conduct own research in practice contexts

General competencies:

The student:

• Can use oral and written English confidently and functionally
• Can apply their knowledge of English grammar to their own language usage as well as to their teaching of English in Norwegian classrooms
• Can reflect on their own learning and teaching practices in relation to the content of the national curriculum for primary school
• Can work independently and together with others to be able to solve identified problems associated with pupils' learning and development in English

Required prerequisite knowledge

Approved teacher education or equivalent.

Students need access to a class where they can teach English.

Recommended prerequisites

It is recommended that students take VEN101 before taking VEN102.

This is a course for qualified teachers aiming to develop their English teaching skills, particularly for Norwegian primary schools. In order to participate in the course, students are expected to have a good command of English, equivalent to, or higher than, the proficiency level at the end of upper secondary school (B2 on the CEFR scale).

Students should be able to understand extended speech and lectures in English and follow complex lines of argument provided the topic is reasonably familiar or is being addressed through an instructional situation. Students should be able to read articles, reports, and academic texts about aspects of language development and teaching English as a foreign language. Students should also be able to read contemporary literary prose and children's literature.

Students are expected to be able to take part in discussions about course content. Students should be able to write clear, accurate and detailed texts on a wide range of subjects related to the course. This includes the ability to write an essay or report, passing on information or giving reasons in support of or against a particular viewpoint.

As part of this course, students will receive feedback on both their content knowledge and their language use. This should help the students to improve their fluency and accuracy. However, the primary purpose of this course is not to teach students English. Thus, it is important that students have the required level of English proficiency before applying for the course.

Exam

Coursework requirements

1. Students are required to attend 80% of the classes.
2. Students will submit 2 individual, obligatory assignments.
3. Lesson study groups will present their research to the class.

Course teacher(s)

Course coordinator:

Course teacher:

Course teacher:

Method of work

Teaching and course work:

• Classes will consist of a combination of lectures, videos, class discussions, individual, pair and group work and practical exercises.
• Coursework will involve written/audio/video assignments, supplemented by discussion forums, group sessions, and written/oral feedback. 
• Canvas will be used as a learning platform, where lecture notes and other supportive materials will be available for students.
• English will be used throughout the course.

Lesson study:

In brief, lesson study is a form of cooperative learning where a group of teachers plan, teach, observe and improve on a pre-determined lesson. The lesson should address one or more competence aims from the English curriculum. This procedure will form the basis for the lesson study portfolio, in which students will provide reasonsing for their planning choices, formulate hypotheses, report findings from the research lesson(s) and outline their project's implications.

Number of recommended hours for each component:

• lectures/class sessions (56)
• hand-ins (50)
• final assignment/exam (85)
• self-study (193)

Total hours, approximately 384; 24 hours per week.

Open for

Course assessment

Literature