6744 - Module 1: Second Language Acquisition (SLA) and Teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL)
Course information
Title
Module 1: Second Language Acquisition (SLA) and Teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL)
Course number
6744.24
Academic year
2024-2025
ECTS
10.00
Level
Bachelor
Faculties
Education
Educations
BEd in Primary and Lower Secondary Education
Prerequisites
Student in the University of the Faroe Islands
Language of instruction
The course is taught in Faroese.
Registration
Students on the second, third and fourth semester of Bachelor of Education in Primary and Lower Secondary Education.
Beginning date
Tuesday, August 27, 2024
End date
Friday, December 20, 2024
Academic content
Purpose
To give students an understanding of how second/foreign languages are learned, and to identify the differences between first and second language acquisition and their relevance to the Faroese context for English as a foreign language. To give students a working knowledge of the history and methodology of the Teaching of English as a Foreign Language.
Learning outcomes
On completion of the course, students must be able to: • Identify the principles of foreign language acquisition and explain its influence on foreign language learning. • Analyse the challenges involved in learning English as a foreign language in the context of the Faroese school system. • Analyse the validity of the various methods to English language teaching and use their characteristics as basis for syllabus and activity design. • Analyse how teacher cognition and teacher self-efficacy contribute to effective teaching in EFL.
Content
Definition and characteristics of foreign language acquisition & second language acquisition. Comparison of first language acquisition & foreign language acquisition. Critical periods for first language acquisition and the role of age in second/foreign language acquisition. The Methodology of Teaching English a Foreign Language – Theory, approaches, methods.
Learning and teaching approaches
Blended learning  Lectures by course instructor.  Peer teaching  Online discussion questions on Moodle to cover syllabus sections.  Pair student work designing toolboxes for peer learning.
Assessment
Assessment method
Formative assessment – Students should successfully complete: • Online discussion questions requiring application of language acquisition theories to the teaching of English as a foreign language in Faroese classrooms. • Student teaching of chosen topics from the syllabus. • Poster and video vignettes to demonstrate knowledge and application of concepts.
Examination (internal/external)
Internal
Grading scale
Passed/Failed
Exam date/dates
The exam is set for week 3, 2025.
Deadline for withdrawal from exam
Tuesday, August 27, 2024
Academic responsibility and teachers
Academic responsibility
Hanna Højbjerg Poulsen
Teachers
Hanna Højbjerg Poulsen
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