EDUC7306

Language Learners in Global Perspective

This course provides an overview of language learning and the situation of second language learners in schools. First, we review processes of language learning and the challenges language learners face when they must simultaneously learn a language and learn subject matter in that language. We do this from a socialcultural perspective, exploring language learning as embedded in sociohistorically situated activities. We develop and account of how learning language is also learning culture. Second, we study how these processes vary across cultural contexts. Because language learning is woven into social and historical contexts, processes of language learning and schooling vary around the world. The course develops several case studies from different areas of the globe in order to illustrate how language learning and schooling can intersect in different ways.

TESOL and Instructional Technology

This course will focus on innovative teaching strategies for English language learners, covering topics such as developing thematic units, methods of teaching ESOL, second language reading and writing strategies, assessments, and multicultural education. The goal of this course is to enable students to understand and respond to the diverse linguistic, cultural, and educational needs of ESLs/EFLs in K-16 classes. Each module will also equip students with strategies guided by principles of comprehensibility and cultural sensitivity to make teaching adaptations for ESLs/EFLs. To accomplish the course objectives, the instructor will work on developing a lesson plan, language objectives, and curriculum for an on-going capstone project, which can be available to implement in students’ current or future classrooms. As part of each of these course modules, students will also engage in activities and tasks online and in the field that will raise their awareness of the practical and philosophical issues involved in fostering optimal environments for language and content learning for ESLs/EFLs. This class will discuss some of the latest, most effective research methods and teaching activities, collaborate with peers, and discuss salient issues related to curriculum and instruction in supporting language and content learning for ESLs/EFLs.

Applied Linguistics

This course provides an introduction to the construction and use of languages, focusing on language structure (morphology, phonetics, phonology, syntax, and semantics), language use (discourse, pragmatics, and language variation), applied linguistics (L1 and L2), and English grammar. Students will compare English and other languages, exploring grammatical categories and processes. A wide range of topics are covered in the course, including grammar, syntax, semantics, sociolinguistic pragmatics (ex. body language), dialects, and computational linguistics. This course provides a solid foundation for future and current TESOL educators, language teachers, and language learners, as well as those pursuing advanced linguistics courses. There is no prerequisite or assumption of previous knowledge of linguistics for this course.

Innovative Teaching Practices for ELLs

With the development of computers, their relevance to TESOL education has increased. Although computers cannot replace the knowledge and skills of a qualified teacher, students and teachers can use computers to facilitate the language learning process. The internet offers many websites and software programs aimed at helping English language learners learn and practice their language skills. In addition, the internet provides teachers with access to a wide range of resources and teaching ideas. This course presents methods and materials useful in second language acquisition, and it also evaluates current technologies and their applications in the TESOL classroom. Emphasis is placed on interconnections among theory, procedures, and applications to address the different ways in which technology can be used to enhance second language acquisition. Through instruction and hands-on practice, students will learn the benefits of instructional technology for teaching English to speakers of other languages, overcome technophobia, and gain strategies to apply effective technologies to teaching ESLs/EFLs.