Course
English 1; English Teaching Methodology for Young Learners (5.-10.) (MGL2033)
The new national curriculum describes English as a school subject which should give learners the ability to communicate with others, to gain access to information and ideas beyond Norway and to have an intercultural understanding of themselves in the world in comparison with others. The subject should prepare learners for their life, both as pupils and later at their job so that they feel comfortable when they use English to read, write, speak and listen in communication with others both locally and globally.
Our courses on the Masters in Primary and Lower Secondary Teacher Education programmes aim to give our teaching students the skills, knowledge and understanding they need in order for them to effectively teach the new curriculum in a way which is creative and motivating for all their learners, whatever their abilities and interests.
Course description for study year 2022-2023. Please note that changes may occur.
Semesters
Facts
Course code
MGL2033
Credits (ECTS)
15
Semester tution start
Spring
Language of instruction
English
Number of semesters
1
Exam semester
Spring
Content
Learning outcome
Knowledge
At the end of the course the student will have knowledge of:
- How teacher beliefs can affect the decision making and roles that a language teacher has to play in the classroom and how the EPOSTL will help them to notice their teaching abilities.
- How children/ teenagers learn their L1 (mother tongue) and acquire a L2 (foreign/ additional language)based on current theories and practices. In connection to this, the use of L1 to support L2 development will be introduced.
- How learners differ in their strategies and abilities and the role that focused observation can make in understanding their needs.
- The various sections of the current English curriculum for schools and its connection to the Council of Europe's Framework of Reference for Foreign Languages and documents such as the Språkpermen.
- A variety of materials and resources (both traditional and digital), approaches and activities, ways of planning and strategies which can be used to create a motivating and creative classroom for all learners.
- A variety of methods of feedback and evaluation, including national and international examinations, self-, peer- and final assessment.
Skills
At the end of the course the students should be able to:
- Take on a number of different roles according to the nature of the learning aim and the background experiences of the learners, using the EPOSTL to support their development.
- Use the current curriculum, the CEFR and the European language portfolio as the basis for their learning aim/s and their lesson plans.
- Use a variety of methods, planning techniques, strategies and assessment procedures which are grounded in current theories and practices to create a creative and motivating language learning environment.
- Utilise a wide variety of resources, both traditional and digital, in order to offer all their learners a variety of activities to support the development of communication skills, basic skills, knowledge of the English language whilst supporting learners' autonomous development.
General competencies
The student:
- Can use relevant subject material and communicate in English at a level (B2 or above) which is both suitable for university and teaching their practice classes.
- Can reflect over their own learning by using the EPOSTL together with their logs so that they can chart their own development and progress.
- Can show and practically apply an understanding of the professional ethics and responsibilities for the individual learners development that being a teacher entails.
- Can work independently or together with a group to identify the challenges and offer possible solutions to create a good learning environment for all learners.
Required prerequisite knowledge
Exam
| Form of assessment | Weight | Duration | Marks | Aid | Exam system | Withdrawal deadline | Exam date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portfolio | 7/10 | Letter grades | Inspera assessment | — | — | ||
| Presentation | 3/10 | 30 Minutes | Letter grades | Power-point | — | — | — |
Portfolio and presentation:
The main aim of the portfolio is that the student will see the connection between the principles and practice of teaching English within the Norwegian context.
Elements within the portfolio will include:
- A Personal Statement of their current language background and beliefs together with their expectations of the course (1000 words).
- An Observation Assignment on a topic chosen by the students which extends their didactic knowledge of a particular element of language teaching as relevant to their practice context.
Before practice students will research and write a discussion about their chosen topic including both the principles and practices, which might be relevant in their practice context. They will then write a detailed observation plan where their knowledge can be tested whilst out in practice (to be completed before practice, 3500 words + lesson plan).
During their research lesson, pupils will be observed and interviewed. After practice the students will discuss the results and how this has helped them to develop their knowledge of pupil learning and EFL teaching (to be completed after practice, 2000 words).
NB this study will form the basis of their presentation to their peers after practice which is graded (A-F).
- A report in which students will self-assess their progress in the subject, giving examples of progress made and areas which they may need to improve in the future (1000 words).
(Students can vary their word totals by +/-10% for all written submissions.)
Grades (A-F) will be given on an individual basis. Both language use, presentation and content will be evaluated using criteria adapted from the CEFR scale. This will be made available on Canvas.
All parts must be passed to get a final grade.
Coursework requirements
- Students need to complete 2/3rds and/or pass their teaching practice (3 weeks) in order to be able to be examined.
- English is a communicative, wide-ranging and dynamic subject that is best learned in an environment which encourages socio-constructive learning. Students, together with their teacher, will need to discuss and argue critically all subject areas. Many of the practical activities that students will need to use in their own classrooms will also be demonstrated. These discussions are not only important for the building of knowledge in the students but in their practice and development of their own language abilities. It is, therefore, assumed that students will make every effort to attend all lectures and seminars. If, however, they are unable to do so, then a minimum of 70% attendance will be required for qualification. Students may be asked to cover any topics missed by completing additional course work requirements.
- Students will be expected to self-assess and to reflect on their progression in the subject by using the EPOSTL in weekly logs, (500 words, +/- 10%) posted on Canvas during the course. They will focus on the connection between and reflection on the theories and ideas presented in the course, in the assigned reading and experienced through their practice periods. These must be approved before the student can be examined.
All coursework and practice requirements must be completed and passed before the portfolio can be handed in for assessment.
Students who have one or more assignments not approved at first submission, will be given one more submission opportunity for a new and improved version.
Course teacher(s)
Study Adviser:
Kjersti GjedremPlacement coordinator:
Kitty Marie GarborgCourse teacher:
Anders Otterbech Jølbo MyrsetCourse teacher:
Milica SavicCourse coordinator:
Nina LazarevicCourse teacher:
Nina LazarevicMethod of work
This course will utilise a combination of lectures, seminars, discussions and demonstrations. The aim of this course is to give all students from both MGL 1 & 2 a good grounding in the principles and practices of English language teaching and learning. Much of the knowledge base of this course is not age- specific and for that reason the students in both groups will attend classes together. However students will be given the opportunity to contextualise this knowledge for pupil groups grades 5-7 &/or 8-10 as they choose to be most appropriate.
Suggested division of work:
Lectures & preparation for lectures: 33hrs + 33hrs = 66hrs
Seminar groups & preparation: 22hrs + 22hrs = 44hrs
Group meetings: 22 hrs
Lesson study project + presentation: 50 hrs
Log/EPOSTL/Diary: 24 hrs
School practice: 15days: 135 hrs
Self-study: 72 hrs
Total: 413hrs