Course Content and Format

Lectures and Workshops on Language Teaching

This comprises about half the course time, with about 3 hours a day devoted to the basic principles and methods of language learning and teaching.  Topics include:

Learners

• Cultural and individual needs of learners
• Approaches to learning difficulties
• Motivation of adult learners

Language Awareness

• The English language: form, function, meaning and phonology
• Analysis of the English language for teaching purposes

Materials

• Course books, supplementary materials and special interest texts
• Reference works for teachers and students

Classroom Management and Lesson Planning

• Creation of a suitable learning environment and atmosphere
• Planning appropriate individual lessons and series of lessons for a range of levels

Introducing and Practising New Language

• Selection of language items suited to students' needs and levels
• Presentation, practice, checking learning, error analysis and correction

Developing the Skills of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing

• Use of a wide range of techniques to develop the 4 skills individually and in an integrated fashion 

Teaching Practice

Teaching practice accounts for approximately 2 hours per day, with trainees teaching graded classes of volunteer students under trainer supervision.  One trainer is assigned to each group of a maximum of 6 trainee teachers.  Teaching practice also includes analysis of and reflection on teaching practice sessions; and individual and group tutorials to monitor progress of participants.  Trainees teach at 2 distinct levels during the course. 

Observation

Six hours per course are devoted to observation.  As part of the course, trainees observe classes taught by experienced teachers. 

Preparation and Assignments

This consists of background reading, four written assignments, lesson preparation and preparation of teaching and learning materials.  There is no final examination. 

Assessment

Assessment is continuous throughout the course and is based on performance in teaching practice, the quality of lesson plans and accompanying materials, and the quality of the four written assignments submitted.