Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/language-theories
Are you an aspiring English language teacher or an experienced educator looking to deepen your understanding of language acquisition? Coursera’s ‘Teach English Now! Theories of Second Language Acquisition’ is a course that promises to equip you with the foundational knowledge needed to excel in the classroom. This comprehensive course delves into the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of teaching English as a second language, focusing on listening, speaking, and pronunciation.
The course kicks off with ‘The Swing of the Pendulum: A Brief Look at ESL History.’ Here, you’re introduced to the core concepts of purpose, content, and technique in language teaching. The unique ‘time machine’ analogy and the engaging ‘angel and devil debates’ make learning about the evolution of teaching methodologies an interactive and thought-provoking experience. You’ll start to understand how different philosophies have shaped the way we teach English today, and importantly, begin to formulate your own teaching philosophy.
As the course progresses, it takes you on a historical journey through various approaches. ‘A Study in Contrasts: The Grammar Translation and Direct Approach’ and ‘A Study in Contrasts: The Reading and Audiolingual Approach’ bring to life the methodologies of the past. By virtually stepping into classrooms from different eras, you gain a practical understanding of how these methods were implemented. The ‘angel and devil debates’ are particularly effective in highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each approach, encouraging critical thinking and personal reflection.
Further exploration continues with ‘A Study in Contrasts: The Cognitive and Affective-Humanistic Approach’ and ‘A Study in Similarities: The Comprehension and Communicative Approach.’ These modules introduce more recent and influential theories, such as the Cognitive and Affective-Humanistic approaches, and the widely adopted Comprehension and Communicative approaches. The course skillfully illustrates the similarities and differences, allowing you to see the progression and convergence of ideas in language teaching.
Finally, the ‘Assessment’ module serves as a crucial review. It consolidates the knowledge gained from exploring the eight different approaches covered in the earlier weeks. The opportunity to revisit your notes and graphic organizers before the final quiz ensures that you have a solid grasp of the key principles and their pedagogical implications. This structured approach to learning makes the complex field of second language acquisition feel manageable and accessible.
Overall, ‘Teach English Now! Theories of Second Language Acquisition’ is an invaluable resource for anyone serious about teaching English. It provides a robust theoretical framework, a fascinating historical perspective, and practical insights that will undoubtedly enhance your teaching practice. I highly recommend this course for its clarity, engaging content, and its ability to foster a deeper, more informed approach to language education.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/language-theories