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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.
Read more
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.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause 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
Foundational principles for english language teachers
According to learners, this course offers a solid foundation in the foundational principles of English language teaching. Students found the course content to be clear and engaging, often highlighting the use of helpful metaphors and stories that made complex ideas easy to understand. Many appreciated the practical strategies and actionable ideas provided, particularly within modules covering teacher burnout prevention and the flipped classroom model. While overwhelmingly positive, some learners with prior experience noted that parts felt a bit basic and might serve best as a refresher or introduction, suggesting those seeking highly advanced techniques might need further study. Overall, it's seen as an excellent and valuable course for both new and experienced teachers.
Best suited for new teachers or those needing a refresh.
"Some parts felt a bit basic for me as I have some prior experience..."
"It's a decent introduction, but you'd need more advanced courses."
"I think it's best suited for beginners or those needing a refresh on theory."
"Experienced teachers might find some parts repetitive."
"This course is a game-changer for new teachers."
Offers useful strategies, but some found it too general.
"I particularly enjoyed the module on teacher burnout, which offered practical strategies."
"The concept of the 'flipped classroom' was introduced clearly and gave me actionable ideas for my own teaching."
"Some parts felt a bit too general. I was hoping for more detailed strategies rather than just principles."
"Translating it into classroom practice wasn't always clear."
"The practical application wasn't always explicit, sometimes requiring the learner to bridge the gap..."
"The practical techniques mentioned were helpful starting points."
Specific modules were frequently highlighted as valuable.
"I particularly enjoyed the module on teacher burnout, which offered practical strategies."
"The module on avoiding burnout resonated deeply."
"The advice on teacher burnout is invaluable."
"Module 5 on burnout prevention was particularly useful."
"The flipped classroom module was timely and relevant."
Uses helpful metaphors and stories to explain ideas.
"The metaphors were super helpful and made complex ideas easy to grasp."
"The distinction between learning and acquisition in Module 2 was well-explained."
"The skit in Module 1 on ‘language is cake’ was memorable and effectively conveyed the point."
"The metaphors and stories make it engaging and easy to remember."
"The principles are explained with good examples."
Covers essential principles clearly and effectively.
"This course was excellent! It really solidified my understanding of foundational principles in ESL teaching."
"Good overview of core concepts."
"Fantastic course for anyone serious about teaching English. The principles discussed are truly foundational..."
"Provides a solid framework for understanding language learning."
"Covers essential ground for ESL teachers."
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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.
Review materials from previous courses
Show steps
Review key concepts from your previous language learning courses to strengthen your foundation in the subject matter.
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
Connect with fellow learners to discuss course material, share experiences, and support each other's learning.
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
Expand your knowledge of language learning strategies by exploring online tutorials and resources.
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
Apply the principles of language learning to create a practical teaching plan that you can use in your own teaching practice.
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
Immerse yourself in a dynamic learning environment and gain practical skills from experts in the field of language learning.
Show steps
Show steps
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
School Psychologist
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.
Speech-Language Pathologist
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.
Librarian
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
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
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.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/n2fizg/teach
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.
Save
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.
Save
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.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/n2fizg/teach
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Effort
2-4 hours/week
Via
Coursera
Institution
Arizona State University
Instructors
Dr. Justin Shewell
Dr. Shane Dixon
Andrea Mürau Haraway
Emilia Gracia
Jessica Cinco
Language
English
Transcripts
Español
Français
Português
Deutsch
Italiano
中文
العربية
한국어
日本語
हिंदी
Nederlands
Svenska
Pусский
Türkçe
Polski
Ελληνικά
українська мова
magyar nyelv
Bahasa Indonesia
ไทย
қазақша
اُردُو,
فارسی
বাংলা
tiếng Việt
پښتو
آذربایجان دیلی
This course belongs to a
collection
called
TESOL Certificate, Part 1: Teach English Now!. It's comprised of four courses:
- Teach English Now! Lesson Design and Assessment
- Teach English Now! Theories of Second Language Acquisition
- Teach English Now! Foundational Principles (viewing)
- Teach English Now! Capstone Project 1
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