COURSE DESCRIPTION
This introductory course in foreign languages offers students a foundational understanding of the processes involved in acquiring a second language. It introduces various language learning methodologies and explores bilingualism’s cognitive, personal, and professional advantages. The course emphasizes language structure, focusing on effective techniques for learning and teaching languages.
Students will be exposed to different approaches to second language acquisition. They will develop an awareness and appreciation for the perspectives, cultures, and experiences of individuals who speak the target language. In addition, a thorough review of sentence structure and grammar will be integrated to enhance comprehension and facilitate the mastery of the new language. The course will also examine the broader benefits of second language learning, highlighting its capacity to enrich personal growth and professional opportunities.
Key Topics Covered
- Overview of Various Language Teaching Methodologies: Examination of a range of approaches such as communicative language teaching (CLT), task-based learning, direct methods, and the grammar-translation method.
- Identifying Effective Teaching Methodologies: Assessing and selecting the most appropriate teaching methods based on learner profiles, goals, and contextual factors.
- Critical Evaluation of Current Language Teaching Methods: Analyzing the effectiveness of modern techniques and trends in second language instruction, including technological integration and learner autonomy.
- Development of Activities for Second Language Acquisition: Creating instructional activities that facilitate language acquisition, focusing on real-world communication and linguistic competence.
- Reflection on Observed Teaching Techniques: Engaging in reflective practice by observing and analyzing teaching methodologies in classroom or instructional settings.
- Enhanced Understanding of Grammar and Language Construction: Strengthening knowledge of grammatical structures and their role in language acquisition to better support teaching practices.
- Acquisition of Knowledge Related to Language Learning and Teaching Strategies: Gaining insights into the learning process and effective instructional strategies to support second language learners.
REFERENCE MATERIALS for Full-CLC Students
“A full CLC award signifies that the student has attained the knowledge, through either prior education or experience, equivalent to or greater than what would be learned in a traditional college course. Physical attendance is not required; however, successful completion of a final exam for each course is mandatory.”
Reference Materials
- (2011) Techniques and Principles in Language Teaching. Larson- Freeman, D. & Anderson, M. Oxford: Oxford University Press
- (2013) Reading with My Eyes Open: Embracing the Critical and the Personal in Language Pedagogy. Quist, Gerdi. University College London.
- (2012) 22 Tips for Learning a Foreign Language. Manson, Mark (PDF)
- Four Reasons to Learn a New Language.
- What You Didn’t Know About Language Barriers.
- One Simple Method to Learn Any Language. Young, Scott & Jaiswal, Vat, TEDxEastsidePrep
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Additional Resource Materials:
USILACS is committed to the success of its students. For those needing a knowledge refresher or wishing to expand their understanding of the subject, it is recommended that they review some of the online education resources below:
FREE Online College Courses:
- Khan Academy Link
- edX Link
- Coursera Link
- Open Culture Link
- MIT Link
- Carnegie Mellon Link
- Stanford Online Link
Tips for Success
Some reference materials are extensive books with hundreds of pages. To quickly find answers within these books, follow these steps:
- Use the Table of Contents: Start by reviewing the table of contents to identify relevant chapters or sections that pertain to your topic of interest.
- Utilize the Index: The index at the back of the book can be an invaluable tool. Look up specific keywords or topics to find the exact pages where they are discussed.
- Perform a Keyword Search: If the book is in a digital format (PDF, eBook, etc.), use the search function (often accessed with Ctrl+F or Command+F) to find specific terms or phrases within the text.
- Read Summaries and Abstracts: Focus on chapter summaries or abstracts, which often provide concise overviews of the main points covered.
- Skim Strategically: Skim through headings, subheadings, and highlighted or bolded terms to quickly locate sections that are likely to contain the information you need.
- Consult Study Guides or Companion Materials: If available, use any study guides, companion materials, or outlines that accompany the book to direct you to key information.
By employing these strategies, you can efficiently navigate extensive reference materials to find the answers you need.