English for Teaching Purposes

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/teaching-english

Introduction

## Course Review: English for Teaching Purposes on Coursera ### Overview In today's globalized academic environment, proficiency in English is increasingly essential for university lecturers, especially for those teaching in non-English speaking countries but looking to engage an international audience. Coursera's course, **English for Teaching Purposes**, is tailored for educators who find themselves in this very position: navigating the challenges of conducting classes in a language that is not their native tongue. This course addresses the pressing need for effective communication and pedagogy in English, aligning with university internationalization policies. It provides a comprehensive structure, ensuring that all learners, regardless of their original language, can develop the necessary skills to confidently deliver their subject matter in English. Additionally, the course fosters a sense of global collaboration, connecting participants with colleagues from various universities around the world who share similar educational goals. ### Course Structure and Syllabus The course is divided into four units, each focusing on different aspects crucial for effectively teaching in English. Here’s a breakdown: #### Unit 1: Implications for Lecturers Switching to English as the Classroom Language This unit serves as a foundation, analyzing the critical factors involved in switching to English as the primary language of instruction. It touches on contextual, linguistic, motivational, and methodological aspects. The unit emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s own level of English, managing any anxiety associated with teaching in a second language, and encouraging educators to rethink their teaching methods to enhance both their own and their students' learning experiences. #### Unit 2: Functions Related to Delivering Courses Through English (1) The second unit delves into the functional aspects of teaching in English, focusing on discourse structure. Lecturers will learn how to effectively start and conclude classes, as well as clarify complex concepts through examples, classifications, and definitions. This unit equips participants with the linguistic tools necessary for engaging and comprehensible instruction. #### Unit 3: Functions Related to Delivering Courses Through English (2) Continuing from the previous unit, this section addresses additional critical functions related to information management and evaluation in the classroom. Participants will practice techniques for describing processes, presenting evidence, and managing classroom interactions. This unit also promotes socialization skills, essential for fostering a participatory learning environment. #### Unit 4: Recording Your Class The final unit guides participants through the process of recording a class to analyze and reflect on their teaching practices. This component is valuable for self-evaluation and growth, allowing educators to identify strengths and areas for improvement in their delivery. ### Recommendation I highly recommend **English for Teaching Purposes** for university lecturers seeking to enhance their teaching efficacy in English. This course not only strengthens linguistic skills but also builds confidence and expands pedagogical techniques tailored for an English-speaking classroom. By the end of the course, educators will be better equipped to handle their classroom interactions and engage their students, regardless of language barriers. ### Conclusion With the ever-growing demand for English-taught programs worldwide, this Coursera course is an indispensable resource for any university educator aiming to broaden their instructional reach and international impact. Embrace the opportunity to enhance both your language and teaching skills within a supportive global community of like-minded professionals. Enroll in **English for Teaching Purposes** today and take a significant step towards enriching your teaching journey!

Syllabus

Unit 1. Implications for lecturers switching to English as the classroom language

Analysing the critical issues (contextual, linguistic, motivational and methodological aspects). Level of English. Managing anxiety. Improve through re-thinking your teaching to improve it. Teachers’ discourse. Analysing real practice and choosing a particular class as a basis for later course work.

Functions related to discourse structure: beginning and ending a class, concluding. Functions related to clarifying concepts for the students: giving examples, classifying, comparing and contrasting, defining.

Functions related to information management: describing processes, expressing cause and effect, describing graphs, helping learners to manage new information. Functions related to evaluation: expressing certainty, presenting evidence, giving one’s opinions. Functions related to induction: giving instructions, motivating learners. Functions related to socialisation: handling classroom interactions and questions in the learning environment.

Recording the class sequence analysed throughout the course.