Teach English Now! Theories of Second Language Acquisition

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/language-theories

Introduction

# Course Review: Teach English Now! Theories of Second Language Acquisition on Coursera If you're an aspiring or current English language teacher seeking to deepen your understanding of second language acquisition theories and their practical applications, then the **Teach English Now! Theories of Second Language Acquisition** course on Coursera is an exceptional resource. This comprehensive course offers a blend of historical context, theoretical frameworks, and practical methodologies that can significantly enhance your teaching practice. ## Overview This course introduces learners to foreign language theories and practices essential for teaching and assessing key language skills such as listening, speaking, and pronunciation. It's designed not only for teachers but also for anyone interested in understanding how second languages are acquired. The course emphasizes the importance of establishing a personal teaching philosophy grounded in an examination of purpose, content, and teaching techniques. ## Course Syllabus Highlights The syllabus is thoughtfully structured, allowing learners to explore contrasting approaches and methodologies employed in language teaching over the years. Here is a summary of the main sections: ### 1. **The Swing of the Pendulum: A Brief Look at ESL History** In the first week, learners are introduced to foundational concepts around purpose, content, and techniques in language teaching. Engaging themes such as the time machine analogy and the "angel and devil" debates are interwoven, fostering critical thinking and lively discussions. ### 2. **A Study in Contrasts: The Grammar Translation and Direct Approach** Delving into the historical roots of ESL teaching, learners explore two traditional approaches: Grammar Translation and Direct Method. The course encourages them to engage with each approach's strengths and limitations through dynamic debate videos, stimulating self-reflection on their pedagogical preferences. ### 3. **A Study in Contrasts: The Reading and Audio-lingual Approach** Building on the historical focus, learners examine the Reading and Audio-lingual approaches, promoting an understanding of how these methods arose in response to previous teaching paradigms and their implications for present-day practices. ### 4. **A Study in Contrasts: The Cognitive and Affective-Humanistic Approach** This section centers on more modern approaches contrasting cognitive and humanistic perspectives. Teachers will appreciate the shift toward recognizing the student's emotional and cognitive needs in the learning process. ### 5. **A Study in Similarities: The Comprehension and Communicative Approach** Lastly, learners assess the similarities between the Comprehension and Communicative approaches in the '80s, emphasizing the role of interaction and meaning-making in language acquisition. ### 6. **Assessment** The course culminates in a comprehensive review, allowing learners to synthesize their understandings of the different methods and prepare for a final assessment, ensuring they leave the course with a clear grasp of the varying theories and practices. ## Why You Should Enroll 1. **Historical Context:** The unique time-travel format of analyzing historical approaches provides an engaging way to understand the evolution of language teaching methodologies. 2. **Critical Perspective:** The "angel and devil" debates challenge learners to critically assess different teaching methods, honing their ability to adapt techniques in real classroom contexts. 3. **Practical Applications:** With a strong focus on practical methods derived from each approach, educators will gain valuable tools to implement in their teaching practice, enhancing their effectiveness in the classroom. 4. **Community Engagement:** Coursera's platform encourages interaction with other educators and learners, fostering a community where participants can share insights, experiences, and challenges. 5. **Flexible Learning:** The self-paced format allows for flexibility whether you're a busy professional or a full-time student, making it accessible to all. ## Conclusion The **Teach English Now! Theories of Second Language Acquisition** course on Coursera comes highly recommended for current educators, prospective teachers, or anyone passionate about language learning and teaching. It offers a plethora of knowledge, a critical perspective on traditional and modern methodologies, and practical insights that can directly enhance your teaching practice. By the end of the course, you'll not only retain a well-rounded understanding of second language acquisition theories but also develop a personal teaching philosophy that embraces these diverse methodologies. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your teaching skills and make a meaningful impact in the world of English language education. Enroll today and embark on an enlightening journey through the rich landscape of second language acquisition!

Syllabus

The Swing of the Pendulum: A Brief Look at ESL History

In this course, learners are introduced to second or foreign language theories and practices for teaching and assessing English. Learners will also be introduced to basic studies in second language acquisition and their pedagogical implications. Teachers will be invited to recognize the importance of grounding their own teaching philosophy through an examination of purpose, content, and technique. In Week 1, learners are introduced to the concepts of purpose, content, and technique as they relate to language teaching, and to some of the themes that will be repeated throughout the course, such as the time machine analogy and the angel and devil debates.

Learners go back in time to visit 1880 and 1910 to speak with teachers from the Grammar Translation and the Direct approaches. In our “Angel and Devil Debate” videos, learners will examine each approach from different points of view and decide for themselves which they agree with, if any. Finally, learners will be introduced to a variety of teaching methods that are derived from the Grammar Translation and the Direct approaches.

Learners go back in time to visit 1930 and 1940 to speak with teachers from the Reading and the Audio-lingual approaches. In our “Angel and Devil Debate” videos, learners will examine each approach from different points of view and decide for themselves which they agree with, if any. Finally, learners will be introduced to a variety of teaching methods that are derived from the Reading and the Audio-lingual approaches.

Learners go back in time to visit 1960 and 1970 to speak with experts from the Cognitive and the Affective-Humanistic approaches. In our “Angel and Devil Debate” videos, learners will examine each approach from different points of view and decide for themselves which they agree with, if any. Finally, learners will be introduced to a variety of teaching methods that are derived from the Cognitive and the Affective-Humanistic approaches.

Learners go back in time to visit the 1980s twice to speak with teachers from the Comprehension and the Communicative approaches. In our “Angel and Devil Debate” videos, learners will examine each approach from different points of view and decide for themselves which they agree with, if any. Finally, learners will be introduced to a variety of teaching methods that are derived from the Comprehension and the Communicative approaches.

Each of the eight approaches covered in Weeks 2 – 5 will be summarized in preparation for the final quiz. Learners will have the opportunity to look at their graphic organizer and fill in any missing pieces of information as they review the principles taught in the previous weeks.