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Dr. Justin Shewell, Dr. Shane Dixon, Andrea Mürau Haraway, Emilia Gracia, and Jessica Cinco

Through a series of engaging metaphors and stories, prospective and current EFL/ESL teachers will identify, summarize, and evaluate 7 basic language learning paradigms. Learners will be presented information on such foundational principles as motivation, risk taking, two different modes of learning, and balancing the teacher profession. Learners are also given an understanding of basic techniques founded on those principles, such as teacher talk, looking “ridiculous” in order to lower the affective filter, and networking. With these foundational principles in mind, ESL/EFL teachers will scrutinize common assumptions about language learning by comparing how they stack up to research-based core principles.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Module 1: Making Meaning Clear
This course introduces learners to the role of a teacher in helping to motivate and properly engage learners. It begins with a metaphor: language is cake, meaning that language must be presented well in order to be enjoyed (we will actually perform a skit to show this meaning clearly). This module will demonstrate how a teacher can encourage a student and increase motivation by paying attention to techniques such as improving teacher talk, scaffolding language, and the use of body language to make meaning clear. All of these skills, while gained over the course of a lifetime as a language teacher, must be considered primary goals from the very beginning. And all of these skills help a teacher recognize that presentation skills make a difference to learners not only in motivating them, but in allowing them to understand the concepts presented.
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Module 2: Modes of Learning and Interaction
In this module, learners are introduced to the distinction between learning and acquisition. The distinction is made to help give learners context for the principle that language requires practice. To introduce the importance of practice, the distinction between a focused and diffuse mode of learning demonstrates that students who simply learn through memorizing vocabulary and grammar structures (i.e., focused mode) often don’t acquire language structures. On the other hand, teachers who engage students in both a focused and diffuse mode, like a basketball coach with his players, are able to instruct but give time for that instruction to “sink in” through dedicated practice.
Module 3: Taking Risks and Learner Strategies
Using language-learning expert Francois Gouin’s experience of going to Germany and failing to learn German, this module demonstrates the need for learners to understand how a language is learned. Gouin’s experience demonstrates not only the need for a diffuse mode of learning wherein practice is valued, but it also demonstrates the psyche of many second language learners. Francois, in some sense, was too smart for his own good, relying on techniques for learning material that don’t apply to language use and application. Students must use techniques and strategies that are proven to help someone acquire language, like those from the good language learner studies. Teachers can facilitate student learning by helping to demonstrate good language learner principles.
Module 4: The Flipped Model of Language Learning
While it was once considered impossible to be immersed in English outside of an English-speaking country, with the advent of the internet, the world has changed and continues to change significantly. This module presents ways in which to use the internet and other resources to a teacher’s advantage, and helps a teacher recognize their ability to engage students on cell phones, tablets, and computers. Introduction of the flipped classroom, meaning that learners can engage in focused material (videos, readings, etc) outside the classroom, and then engage in projects, exercises, and discussions within it.
Module 5: Avoiding Teacher Burnout
This module introduces the concept of teacher burnout, and several techniques to avoid it. The first technique is the creation of a network. By creating a network of teachers to help you understand your field, you can learn new ideas and have a resource for solving difficult problems. The second technique, maintaining control of your teaching environment, demonstrates the need for teachers to understand how to best make a difference and avoid the pitfalls of complaining. Finally, the third technique, finding your core, explains that teachers can paradoxically maintain energy by working tirelessly for the principles they most believe in.
Module 6: Assessment
This review of the course guides learners to understand the different metaphors that serve as guides to understanding the foundational principles presented in this course.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Focuses on the fundamental principles of language learning, which can benefit students of any language
Teaches practical techniques for improving language skills, such as teacher talk and scaffolding language
Emphasizes the importance of motivation and risk-taking, which are essential for language learning success
Provides strategies for avoiding teacher burnout, which is a common challenge for language teachers
Uses a variety of metaphors and stories to present the material, making it more engaging and memorable for students
Provides an overview of different language learning paradigms, which can help students understand their own learning styles

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Reviews summary

Teach english now! foundational principles

learners say this course is largely positive and will help participants understand the foundational principles and roles of English language teacher. The course is well-organized into eight foundational principles with clear, relatable video instruction, and opportunities to practice and reflect on concepts. The course is designed for non-native and native English speakers, and for those with varied experience levels. The course emphasizes empathy, patience, and individualized instruction in order to help all learners succeed in their English language acquisition journey.
The course emphasizes the importance of focusing on the learner. This means that teachers should be aware of their learners' needs and interests, and they should tailor their instruction accordingly.
"The course emphasizes the importance of focusing on the learner."
"This means that teachers should be aware of their learners' needs and interests, and they should tailor their instruction accordingly."
The course also addresses the issue of burnout, which is a common problem among teachers. Burnout can occur when teachers feel overwhelmed or stressed by their work. The course provides strategies for dealing with burnout, such as taking breaks, setting realistic expectations, and seeking support from colleagues.
"The course also addresses the issue of burnout, which is a common problem among teachers."
"Burnout can occur when teachers feel overwhelmed or stressed by their work."
"The course provides strategies for dealing with burnout, such as taking breaks, setting realistic expectations, and seeking support from colleagues."
The course materials are varied and engaging, and they include a mix of videos, readings, and activities. This variety helps to keep learners interested and motivated, and it also allows them to learn in different ways. For example, some learners may prefer to watch videos, while others may prefer to read articles or complete activities.
"The course materials are varied and engaging, and they include a mix of videos, readings, and activities."
"This variety helps to keep learners interested and motivated, and it also allows them to learn in different ways."
The course includes many opportunities for learners to practice and reflect on the concepts they are learning. This includes a variety of assignments, such as writing essays, creating lesson plans, and recording themselves teaching. These assignments allow learners to apply their knowledge and skills in a practical setting, and they also provide feedback to the instructors on how well learners are understanding the material.
"The course includes many opportunities for learners to practice and reflect on the concepts they are learning."
"This includes a variety of assignments, such as writing essays, creating lesson plans, and recording themselves teaching."
Scaffolding is a teaching technique that involves providing learners with temporary support while they are learning new material. This support can take many forms, such as providing clear instructions, breaking down tasks into smaller steps, or providing feedback. Scaffolding can help learners to feel more confident and successful in their learning, and it can also help them to develop the skills they need to learn independently.
"Scaffolding is a teaching technique that involves providing learners with temporary support while they are learning new material."
"This support can take many forms, such as providing clear instructions, breaking down tasks into smaller steps, or providing feedback."
"Scaffolding can help learners to feel more confident and successful in their learning, and it can also help them to develop the skills they need to learn independently."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Teach English Now! Foundational Principles with these activities:
Review materials from previous courses
Review key concepts from your previous language learning courses to strengthen your foundation in the subject matter.
Show steps
  • Identify relevant materials from previous courses.
  • Review lecture notes, textbooks, and assignments.
  • Complete practice problems or exercises.
  • Take practice quizzes or mock exams.
Join a study group or online forum
Connect with fellow learners to discuss course material, share experiences, and support each other's learning.
Show steps
  • Find a study group or online forum related to language learning.
  • Participate in discussions and ask questions.
  • Share your own insights and experiences.
Watch online tutorials on language learning strategies
Expand your knowledge of language learning strategies by exploring online tutorials and resources.
Show steps
  • Search for online tutorials on language learning strategies.
  • Watch the tutorials and take notes.
  • Apply the strategies to your own language learning.
Two other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all five activities
Develop a teaching plan for a specific language learning topic
Apply the principles of language learning to create a practical teaching plan that you can use in your own teaching practice.
Show steps
  • Choose a specific language learning topic.
  • Research effective teaching methods for the topic.
  • Develop a detailed lesson plan.
  • Consider how you will assess student learning.
Attend a workshop on language learning techniques
Immerse yourself in a dynamic learning environment and gain practical skills from experts in the field of language learning.
Show steps
  • Research and find a relevant workshop.
  • Register for the workshop.
  • Attend the workshop and actively participate.
  • Follow up with the workshop organizers or speakers to continue learning.

Career center

Learners who complete Teach English Now! Foundational Principles will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Teacher
This course, _Teach English Now_, provides you with vital strategies for success as a teacher. The techniques you will learn in this course, such as scaffolding language, improving teacher talk, and encouraging active engagement in language learning, will not only help you improve as an English teacher but also build a foundation for you to succeed as an expert in the field of education.
Educational Consultant
As an Educational Consultant, you may specialize in advising clients in the field of language learning. If you choose to do so, you will need to understand the fundamental principles of teaching English. _Teach English Now_ will provide you with a strong introduction to these ideas.
Program Manager
Program Managers who work with English language learning programs benefit from a deep understanding of how languages are acquired and taught. _Teach English Now_ will not only teach you the fundamental principles of language learning, but also introduce you to the concept of the flipped classroom. Being familiar with this instructional model is particularly valuable if you plan on working in education technology.
Language Arts Teacher
Many of the principles taught in _Teach English Now_ are not specific to English language learners, and serve as a great foundation for all language learning. This course can help you become a better teacher by improving your presentation skills and helping you understand the different modes of language learning.
Higher Education Administrator
Although Higher Education Administrators do not typically teach classes, the concepts taught in _Teach English Now_ will provide you with an understanding of foundational principles of education that can be valuable for working with college students, faculty, and staff.
Curriculum Developer
Many of the concepts introduced in _Teach English Now_ are relevant to the field of Curriculum Development. By taking this course, you can learn how to design learning experiences that help learners acquire new knowledge and skills. This course will also teach you how to effectively teach using different modes of learning.
Instructional Designer
The field of Instructional Design is based upon the principles of learning and education. _Teach English Now_ will give you a strong foundation for your work as an Instructional Designer, teaching you about how people learn best. You will also be introduced to the use of the flipped classroom, which is a valuable tool for instructional designers to understand.
Education Researcher
_Teach English Now_ is based on research, and will help you build a foundation for conducting your own research. By understanding the foundational principles of language learning, you will be better equipped to evaluate different approaches to teaching and learning.
Technical Writer
_Teach English Now_ may be helpful in your work as a Technical Writer by improving your presentation skills and your ability to explain complex concepts clearly.
Instructional Coach
_Teach English Now_ will help you develop as an Instructional Coach by introducing you to the foundational principles of language learning. This will help you understand the different challenges that students face in their English classes and have a better sense of how you can support teachers.
Speech-Language Pathologist
_Teach English Now_ may be helpful in your work as a Speech-Language Pathologist as it will provide you with a deeper understanding of the language learning process. This will help you work more effectively with clients with language disorders.
School Psychologist
_Teach English Now_ may be helpful in your work as a School Psychologist as it will provide you with a deeper understanding of how students learn. This will better equip you to work with teachers and students to solve learning challenges.
Librarian
_Teach English Now_ may be helpful in your work as a Librarian as it will provide you with a deeper understanding of the needs of language learners. This will equip you to better support English language learners in your community.
College Professor
_Teach English Now_ may be helpful in your work as a College Professor, particularly if you teach English language courses. This course will provide you with a deeper understanding of the foundational principles of language learning, which you can use to improve your teaching practices.
Career Counselor
_Teach English Now_ may be helpful in your work as a Career Counselor, particularly if you work with clients who are interested in careers in education or language learning. This course will provide you with a deeper understanding of the field of education and the skills needed to succeed in this field.

Reading list

We've selected 14 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Teach English Now! Foundational Principles.
This classic textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of teaching English as a foreign or second language. It covers a wide range of topics, including language learning theories, teaching methods, and assessment. It valuable resource for both new and experienced teachers.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of second language acquisition. It covers a wide range of topics, including the theories of second language acquisition, the factors that affect second language learning, and the methods that can be used to teach second languages.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the different theories of language learning. It valuable resource for teachers who want to understand the different ways that students learn languages and how to create effective learning environments.
Provides a practical guide to teaching English as a foreign or second language. It is based on the principles of communicative language teaching and provides a wealth of practical tips and activities for teachers.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of teaching English as a foreign or second language. It covers a wide range of topics, including language learning theories, teaching methods, and assessment. It valuable resource for both new and experienced teachers.
Provides a comprehensive overview of English grammar and its implications for teaching English as a second or foreign language.
Provides a practical guide to English grammar for teachers. It valuable resource for both new and experienced teachers who want to improve their understanding of English grammar and how to teach it effectively.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of second language learning and teaching. It covers a wide range of topics, including the latest research on second language acquisition, and second language pedagogy.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of language assessment. It covers a wide range of topics, including the different types of language assessment, the principles of good assessment practice, and the latest research on language assessment.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of teaching pronunciation. It covers a wide range of topics, including the different theories of pronunciation teaching, the different methods that can be used to teach pronunciation, and the latest research on pronunciation teaching.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of teaching vocabulary. It covers a wide range of topics, including the different theories of vocabulary teaching, the different methods that can be used to teach vocabulary, and the latest research on vocabulary teaching.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of second language acquisition. It covers a wide range of topics, including the latest research on second language acquisition, and second language pedagogy.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of applied linguistics. It covers a wide range of topics, including the different areas of applied linguistics, the different research methods that are used in applied linguistics, and the latest research on applied linguistics.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of language learning. It covers a wide range of topics, including the different theories of language learning, the different methods that can be used to learn languages, and the latest research on language learning.

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