Teach English Now! Second Language Reading, Writing, and Grammar

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/tesol-writing

Introduction

### Course Review: Teach English Now! Second Language Reading, Writing, and Grammar In an increasingly interconnected world, the ability to teach English effectively has become essential, particularly for those engaged in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). With its practical focus and comprehensive content, Coursera’s course titled **"Teach English Now! Second Language Reading, Writing, and Grammar"** delivers invaluable insights and methodologies necessary for nurturing proficient English language users. #### Course Overview The "Teach English Now!" course is structured to equip educators with strategies for teaching reading, writing, and grammar to ESL learners, making it a well-rounded option for both novice and experienced teachers. The course's cornerstone rests on understanding various reading challenges and equipping educators with effective reading strategies, alongside enhancing students' writing skills through a thoughtful approach to grammar. With a blend of theory and practical examples, this course stands out as an essential resource for anyone aspiring to improve their teaching techniques. #### Syllabus Breakdown The course is structured into five insightful modules, each addressing key components of reading, writing, and grammar instruction. 1. **Overcoming Reading Difficulties: Dorothy in the Land of Oz** In the first module, learners delve into foundational reading principles, exploring common reading issues faced by ESL students. The focus is on employing techniques such as prediction and involvement to facilitate comprehension, making it particularly relevant for teachers aiming to support students in overcoming reading obstacles. 2. **Reading Strategies: The Tortoise and the Hare** This module seeks to differentiate between extensive and intensive reading strategies. It introduces skimming and scanning as tools for efficient reading while encouraging teachers to foster a love for reading through pleasure-based approaches. The balance between efficiency and enjoyment is a highlight of this section, ensuring a holistic reading experience for students. 3. **Overcoming Writing Difficulties: Hansel and Gretel, or How to Literally Get Out of a Jam** Writing is often seen as a daunting task for learners. Here, educators explore the writing process, from pre-writing brainstorming to post-writing revisions, emphasizing recursion and appropriation. This comprehensive approach nuts and bolts how to guide students through their writing journey, nurturing their creativity and technical skills. 4. **Writing Techniques: Aladdin and the 1,000 Arabian Nights** The course does not shy away from the nuts and bolts of good writing. This module examines the interplay between reading, speaking, and critical thought, providing teachers with robust strategies that good writers employ. The introduction of the six traits of writing, including voice and audience awareness, offers actionable insights for enhancing student writing. 5. **The Princess and the Pea** This module presents an innovative method to integrate grammar instruction organically within reading and writing lessons. The principle of noticing—encouraging attentiveness to language features—becomes crucial for both teachers and learners. By enhancing input, teachers can facilitate a more in-depth language acquisition process. #### Assessment The course concludes with a final review video followed by a checkpoint quiz, allowing learners to consolidate their understanding and gauge their grasp of the content. This assessment not only reinforces learning but also promotes self-reflection on teaching practices. #### Recommendation "Teach English Now! Second Language Reading, Writing, and Grammar" comes highly recommended for educators at all levels interested in TESOL. Its comprehensive approach to teaching crucial aspects of English language acquisition, combined with engaging content and practical strategies, prepares teachers to effectively enhance their students' reading and writing proficiency. Whether you're teaching in a classroom or an online setting, the concepts learned can be immediately applied, making this course an invaluable addition to your professional development arsenal. Overall, what sets this course apart is its blend of theoretical foundation and practical application, ensuring that teachers not only learn but also apply these teaching strategies effectively. If you're passionate about empowering your students to become proficient English users, this course is a must-enroll.

Syllabus

Overcoming Reading Difficulties: Dorothy in the Land of Oz

In this module, learners are introduced to some of the basic principles of reading, as well as three basic types of reading problems common in TESOL. Learners will gain insight into how to overcome these basic types of reading problems through a careful understanding of principles such as prediction, involvement, and authenticity.

In this module, learners are introduced to two different types of reading strategies: extensive and intensive. Strategies for intensive reading, such as skimming and scanning, are introduced. Strategies for extensive reading, such as reading for pleasure and reading for connection are also discussed.

In this module, learners are introduced to the writing process, with attention paid to pre-writing, writing, and post-writing activities. Learners also explore the concepts of recursion and appropriation.

In this module, learners are given the opportunity to learn about strategies from good writers, in particular, how good writing is generated from reading, speaking, and critical thinking. Learners are also introduced to the six traits of writing, and the need to consider both voice and audience.

In this module, learners are given the opportunity to think about how to integrate grammar into a reading and writing class. Teachers are taught the principle of noticing, and the importance of noticing for both learner and instructor. Teachers are also taught about how to enhance input in order to help students notice, and hopefully, acquire language.

Watch the final review video to verify your understanding of the course material. Then proceed to the final checkpoint quiz.