Teach English Now! Theories of Second Language Acquisition from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

The Swing of the Pendulum: A Brief Look at ESL History

In this course, learners are introduced to second or foreign language theories and practices for teaching and assessing English. Learners will also be introduced to basic studies in second language acquisition and their pedagogical implications. Teachers will be invited to recognize the importance of grounding their own teaching philosophy through an examination of purpose, content, and technique. In Week 1, learners are introduced to the concepts of purpose, content, and technique as they relate to language teaching, and to some of the themes that will be repeated throughout the course, such as the time machine analogy and the angel and devil debates.

A Study in Contrasts: The Grammar Translation and Direct Approach

Learners go back in time to visit 1880 and 1910 to speak with teachers from the Grammar Translation and the Direct approaches. In our “Angel and Devil Debate” videos, learners will examine each approach from different points of view and decide for themselves which they agree with, if any. Finally, learners will be introduced to a variety of teaching methods that are derived from the Grammar Translation and the Direct approaches.

A Study in Contrasts: The Reading and Audiolingual Approach

Learners go back in time to visit 1930 and 1940 to speak with teachers from the Reading and the Audio-lingual approaches. In our “Angel and Devil Debate” videos, learners will examine each approach from different points of view and decide for themselves which they agree with, if any. Finally, learners will be introduced to a variety of teaching methods that are derived from the Reading and the Audio-lingual approaches.

A Study in Contrasts: The Cognitive and Affective-Humanistic Approach

Learners go back in time to visit 1960 and 1970 to speak with experts from the Cognitive and the Affective-Humanistic approaches. In our “Angel and Devil Debate” videos, learners will examine each approach from different points of view and decide for themselves which they agree with, if any. Finally, learners will be introduced to a variety of teaching methods that are derived from the Cognitive and the Affective-Humanistic approaches.

A Study in Similarities: The Comprehension and Communicative Approach

Learners go back in time to visit the 1980s twice to speak with teachers from the Comprehension and the Communicative approaches. In our “Angel and Devil Debate” videos, learners will examine each approach from different points of view and decide for themselves which they agree with, if any. Finally, learners will be introduced to a variety of teaching methods that are derived from the Comprehension and the Communicative approaches.

Assessment

Each of the eight approaches covered in Weeks 2 – 5 will be summarized in preparation for the final quiz. Learners will have the opportunity to look at their graphic organizer and fill in any missing pieces of information as they review the principles taught in the previous weeks.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines ESL methodologies from 1880 to the present day, grounding learners in current teaching principles

In-depth examination of the history of ESL principles and practices

Explores teaching practices from each era, highlighting contrasts and similarities

Taught by experienced instructors: Jessica Cinco, Dr. Shane Dixon, Dr. Justin Shewell

Applicable to both ESL and foreign language teaching

Requires extensive background knowledge in linguistics

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! Theories of Second Language Acquisition with these activities:

Read 'Theories in Second Language Acquisition'

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This book provides a comprehensive overview of the major theories in second language acquisition, which will help you understand the theoretical foundations of the teaching methods and techniques you will learn in this course.

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Read the book's introduction and first chapter.
Read the chapters on the different theories of second language acquisition.
Summarize the main points of each theory.
Write a short essay comparing and contrasting the different theories.

Practice teaching listening and speaking skills

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This activity will help you develop the skills you need to effectively teach listening and speaking in a second language classroom.

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Find a partner to practice with.
Choose a topic to discuss.
Take turns listening and speaking.
Provide feedback to your partner.

Create a lesson plan for teaching listening and speaking skills

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This activity will help you apply the principles of second language acquisition to the development of effective listening and speaking lessons.

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Choose a topic for your lesson.
Identify the learning objectives for your lesson.
Select the materials you will use in your lesson.
Write a detailed lesson plan.
Teach your lesson to a group of students.

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Career center

Learners who complete Teach English Now! Theories of Second Language Acquisition will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Language Instructor

The in-depth coverage of language teaching methods and assessment techniques taught in this course can help language instructors be more effective in their teaching.

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Academic Researcher

Academic researchers in the field of language acquisition and pedagogy may find the theories and techniques discussed in this course to be helpful.

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Bilingual Teacher

Bilingual teachers bridge the gap between different cultures and languages. This course can support bilingual teachers with its focus on second language acquisition theories and practical teaching methods.

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Translator

Translators convert written or spoken words from one language to another. The theories and techniques taught in this course will be helpful to translators as they work to accurately convey meaning across languages.

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Interpreter

Interpreters facilitate communication between people who speak different languages. This course can help interpreters understand the principles of language acquisition and how to effectively convey meaning across languages.

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Language Specialist

Language Specialists put theory into practice and can offer guidance and support to those learning a new language. This course can help prepare aspiring language specialists for their roles by providing a foundation in applied linguistics and teaching methodologies.

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Curriculum Developer

Curriculum developers who specialize in language may be able to use the theories studied in this course to help shape and improve the educational content they create.

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Teacher

Teachers instruct and guide students in acquiring language skills. For those interested in getting into teaching, lessons on the history of ESL, pedagogical techniques, and language acquisition may help build a foundation for your work in the field. This course also offers examination of different approaches to language teaching and opportunities to debate theories which could make you a more thoughtful and informed teacher in the classroom setting.

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Educational Consultant

Educational consultants help educators and institutions to improve their teaching and learning practices. Those interested in moving into this role may find the background information on language acquisition and pedagogical techniques taught in this course to be beneficial.

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Instructional Designer

Instructional designers create and develop educational programs and materials. Language-related courses can help instructional designers create language-learning programs that are effective and engaging.

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Literacy Specialist

Literacy specialists provide support to individuals with reading and writing difficulties. Those interested in this role may find the principles of language acquisition and pedagogical techniques taught in this course to be beneficial as they work with students to improve their literacy skills.

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Education Program Manager

Those who manage educational programs may be able to use their knowledge of language acquisition and pedagogical techniques to improve the quality of their programs.

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Content Writer

Content writers create written content for a variety of purposes. This course can help content writers understand the principles of language acquisition and how to write in a way that is clear and engaging for second language learners.

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Linguist

Understanding language acquisition is valuable for those in the field of linguistics. The principles and theories taught in this course may be useful to someone who wants to study linguistics and offer a deeper dimension to your understanding of language.

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Speech Therapist

Speech therapists work with those who have difficulty with speaking, listening, or communicating. This course may be helpful to speech therapists as it offers insights into language acquisition and theories of second language learning.

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