Second Language Teaching
A.Y. 2019/2020
Learning objectives
The course is aimed at analyzing the processes involved in the acquisition of a second/foreign language, the main teaching methods according to a linguistic and a communicative approach, and the practical aspects related to the planning and implementation of a teaching sequence (needs analysis, syllabus design, task implementation, testing and evaluation).
Expected learning outcomes
By the end of the course, students will demonstrate a clear understanding of the constructs related to:
- second language acquisition processes (input, output, interaction, feedback)
- the description of an L2 and the communication processes involved (language ability, communicative competence, communicative language activity, context of language use)
- the planning and implementation of an L2 teaching sequence (needs analysis, language aims, language levels, learning outcomes, approach, method, syllabus, procedure, technique, task, testing, assessment).
By the end of the course, students will be able to analyze (with the support of questions):
- L2 learning contexts
- the implementation of linguistic and communicative methods for L2 teaching
- tools for the identification of L2 language needs
- the implementation of techniques and tasks in L2 teaching materials
- types and formats of L2 tests and evaluation methods.
- second language acquisition processes (input, output, interaction, feedback)
- the description of an L2 and the communication processes involved (language ability, communicative competence, communicative language activity, context of language use)
- the planning and implementation of an L2 teaching sequence (needs analysis, language aims, language levels, learning outcomes, approach, method, syllabus, procedure, technique, task, testing, assessment).
By the end of the course, students will be able to analyze (with the support of questions):
- L2 learning contexts
- the implementation of linguistic and communicative methods for L2 teaching
- tools for the identification of L2 language needs
- the implementation of techniques and tasks in L2 teaching materials
- types and formats of L2 tests and evaluation methods.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
The main constructs related to the processes involved in the acquisition of a second/foreign language according to different theoretical frameworks, examples of teaching methods according to a linguistic and a communicative approach, the description of an L2 and the communication processes involved, and the practical aspects related to the planning and implementation of a teaching sequence.
1. L2 learning and use: main constructs (input, output, interaction, feedback)
2. L1 and L2 learning processes
3. L2 learning: theoretical perspectives and applications
4. The construct of 'method', linguistic methods (Grammar-translation, Oral Situational), communicative methods (Notional- Functional)
5. L2 description and communication processes (language ability, communicative competence, communicative language activity, context of language use)
6. The planning of an L2 course: learners' factors and needs
7. The planning of an L2 course: learning aims and outcomes, syllabus design
8. The planning and implementation of an L2 course: tasks, techniques, materials
9. L2 testing and assessment: test types, assessment criteria and methods.
1. L2 learning and use: main constructs (input, output, interaction, feedback)
2. L1 and L2 learning processes
3. L2 learning: theoretical perspectives and applications
4. The construct of 'method', linguistic methods (Grammar-translation, Oral Situational), communicative methods (Notional- Functional)
5. L2 description and communication processes (language ability, communicative competence, communicative language activity, context of language use)
6. The planning of an L2 course: learners' factors and needs
7. The planning of an L2 course: learning aims and outcomes, syllabus design
8. The planning and implementation of an L2 course: tasks, techniques, materials
9. L2 testing and assessment: test types, assessment criteria and methods.
Prerequisites for admission
The course can be complementary to the courses of Teaching English/French/German/ Spanish as foreign language. It is taught entirely in Italian. Some suggested reading materials are in English and require a C1 level.
Teaching methods
The course aims to combine theory and practice. Different methods will be used: lecturettes by the teacher and group tasks for the analysis of tools for the planning and assessment of teaching activities and materials.
Teaching Resources
Module A
- Ciliberti, A. (2012) Glottodidattica. Per una cultura dell'insegnamento linguistico. Roma: Carocci.
(Chapters 1-7)
- Lesson slides, handouts and short reading texts for Module A available on the course website (Ariel Platform).
Module B
- Ciliberti, A. (2012) Glottodidattica. Per una cultura dell'insegnamento linguistico. Roma: Carocci.
(Chapters 8-13)
- Lesson slides, handouts and short reading texts for Module B available on the course website (Ariel Platform).
The students who cannot attend classes regularly are requested to contact the teacher of the course before taking the exam. They are also requested to read six additional articles (available on the online library resources); the titles of the articles will be specified on the course website.
- Ciliberti, A. (2012) Glottodidattica. Per una cultura dell'insegnamento linguistico. Roma: Carocci.
(Chapters 1-7)
- Lesson slides, handouts and short reading texts for Module A available on the course website (Ariel Platform).
Module B
- Ciliberti, A. (2012) Glottodidattica. Per una cultura dell'insegnamento linguistico. Roma: Carocci.
(Chapters 8-13)
- Lesson slides, handouts and short reading texts for Module B available on the course website (Ariel Platform).
The students who cannot attend classes regularly are requested to contact the teacher of the course before taking the exam. They are also requested to read six additional articles (available on the online library resources); the titles of the articles will be specified on the course website.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of two written papers, each on the syllabus and reading list for modules A and B respectively. Each paper has three types of open-ended questions: extended definition of a key construct/concept; description of a process/ a tool/a technique/a strategy; material/task evaluation/ implementation. The exam is in English and lasts two hours. Dictionaries are not allowed.
Each exam paper is assessed with a mark out of 30, which is given by the sum of the marks of each answer. The pass mark for each paper is 18/30. The final mark of the written exam is given by the average of the marks students get in each paper.
The results of the exam will be posted on the notice board of the course website (Ariel platform). Students will be given the opportunity to see their exam papers during office hours.
The students who cannot attend classes regularly are also requested to take an oral exam on the additional reading list assigned. The final mark of their exam is given by the average of the marks they get in the written and oral exams.
Each exam paper is assessed with a mark out of 30, which is given by the sum of the marks of each answer. The pass mark for each paper is 18/30. The final mark of the written exam is given by the average of the marks students get in each paper.
The results of the exam will be posted on the notice board of the course website (Ariel platform). Students will be given the opportunity to see their exam papers during office hours.
The students who cannot attend classes regularly are also requested to take an oral exam on the additional reading list assigned. The final mark of their exam is given by the average of the marks they get in the written and oral exams.
Unita' didattica A
L-LIN/02 - EDUCATIONAL LINGUISTICS - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica B
L-LIN/02 - EDUCATIONAL LINGUISTICS - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor(s)