Language 4044 Language Teaching Methods

Spring, 2007

(Prepared: December 26, 2006; Last Change: Jan 13, 2007)

Assignments

I. Class Topics - B. Student Learning

Introduction

As you read for each assignment, take notes of the main ideas. Be ready to lead and participate in discussion about these ideas, about what you like and don't like, about what you want clarified or what you question, about how to put the ideas into action. At times we will work in class applying the concepts to concrete teaching plans.

Subtopics

• Learning Styles
• Bloom's Taxonomy
• Motivation / Affective Filter
• Teacher-Centered / Student-Centered
• Second Language Acquisition (Bibliography)

Assignments

1. Teaching Language in Context, 3rd ed (pp. 51-80)
2. Languages and Children..., 3rd ed (pp. 1-23, 258-68)

Discussion

1. pp. 51-80

1. What are the main points or tenets of each theory?
2. How do the theories differ? To what extent are they similar?
3. What are the implications for your target language?
4. Other?

2. pp. 1-23, 258-68

1. How do children acquire language?
2. To what extent is language learning in the classroom different? similar?
3. What are key components of second language acquisition?
4. Explain the different presentations on learning styles.
5. What are different learning strategies?
6. Other?