Course Title: Teaching English in World Contexts

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Teaching English in World Contexts

Credit Points: 12


Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

SOCU2062

City Campus

Undergraduate

365H Global Studies, Soc Sci & Plng

Face-to-Face


Course Coordinator: Dr. Shanthi Robertson

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 3773

Course Coordinator Email:shanthi.robertson@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 37.5.12


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

It is recommended that students take SOCU 1046 English in Global Perspective before taking this course.


Course Description

This course provides an introduction to Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) in world contexts, especially in the expanding circle of countries where English is required for business and international communication.

The course aims to develop an awareness of the socio-cultural and political factors that affect teacher and learner roles in various settings. Students will be introduced to current approaches such as communicative and task -based language teaching. They will develop the skills necessary to select and use appropriate teaching techniques relevant to local cultures and contexts.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Students will have:
• the ability to identify various teaching methodologies, approaches and techniques, and apply them critically in formal as well as in informal teaching and learning contexts
• an understanding of the teaching of English from a global/local perspective
• the ability to reflect on the teaching and learning process
• an understanding of cross-cultural differences in learning styles and strategies



Overview of Learning Activities

The course is delivered by face to face three hour workshops. There is also an online component to supplement in class activities. Additional content and links may be placed on the Online Blackboard.  Students will also have the opportunity to observe a language class, to reflect on their learning experiences and to plan and teach a language lesson.


Overview of Learning Resources

The set textbook is available from the RMIT Bookshop.

Candlin, C.N. & Mercer, N. (eds.) (2001).English Language Teaching in its Social Context: A Reader. Routledge: London & New York.

Additional readings will be listed on the Online Blackboard and available through RMIT library’s e-Reserve and e-journal databases.

Students are also expected to conduct independent research of the journals listed on the course guide.


Overview of Assessment

Students are expected to attend 80% of classes and to prepare for class activities and discussions. Assessments will be based on a combination of reflective writing tasks, practical lesson planning and implementation tasks, and tests on course content and teaching methodology.