From 2018

This course is to explore the nature of language and its relationship to societies. Investigations into some of the ways in which language is actually used in context in different cultures are explored. Issues such as dialect, variety, pidgin, code-switching, and identity are investigated. The emphasis is on understanding and describing how people actually make use of the language and how this impacts on communication and miscommunication. Some of the theoretical and practical issues in the investigation of authentic language use are tackled. The practical implications for teachers and language curriculum developers are also examined.

Understanding the process of second language learning is the most crucial foundation for all practices relevant to language teaching, curriculum design, and learning support services. This introductory course on second language acquisition (SLA) aims to explore how languages are learned in both formal and informal contexts, and how first language learning is different from second or third language learning. Key issues that underlie English language acquisition, with special emphasis on those that are pertinent to English language teachers are examined. Affective factors contributing to the development, maintenance, and attrition of languages are analyzed and discussed to inform educational practices of how to best facilitate the language learning process. They include age, individual differences, aptitude, cognition, affect, motivation, and social dimensions of learning.

This course prepares fundamental principles and best practice of testing and assessment for English language teachers at the undergraduate level. It considers a range of concepts and skills of assessing learners’ English language proficiency. Issues such as testing methods, testing techniques, and evaluation measures are brought into class discussions and analyses. Students are required to work on different types of testing for different skills, including pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, and the four macro language skills. A critical perspective on common testing methods and procedures is employed for the exploration of their limitations on validity and washback effects.

Teaching practicum is an integral component of teacher education. This course provides the final year students with opportunities to make class observations and to practice teaching English as a Foreign Language in a real-life classroom. It is expected that student teachers are able to integrate theory and practice of teaching and learning English as a Foreign Language and their links. Through supervised teaching practice, student teachers will gain insight into the classroom teaching and learning, develop a range of teaching skills and understandings necessary to design lesson plans, conduct micro-teaching, actually deliver lessons as well as successful classroom management. Student teachers also have further ESP teaching practice.