module
Postgraduate Module Descriptor
EFPM787: Teaching English to Young Learners
This module descriptor refers to the 2017/8 academic year.
Module Content
Syllabus Plan
8 weekly sessions of two hours each:
Week 1-2.
An introductory overview of the teaching of English to young learners. Including a critical introduction to the significance of age to teaching English as a foreign or additional language and the development of principles of teaching English to young learners informed by learning, development and second language acquisition theoretical perspectives.
Week 3.
A critical examination of different approaches to teaching English as a foreign or additional language. To include an exploration of how best to support and structure language learning and an examination of the relative merits of language-based versus activity-based approaches.
Weeks 4-6.
A critical examination of the different ways to address language skills in the young learner classroom. To include a consideration of the impact of educational and second language acquisition theoretical perspectives on the teaching of spoken language, grammar, vocabulary and literacy skills.
Week 7- 8.
A critical exploration of a range of issues relating to developing pedagogic practices in the young language learning classroom. To include an examination of ways to promote differentiation and assessment, and an introduction to appropriate ways of undertaking research into teaching and learning in the young learner classroom. Group presentations of activities for teaching specific groups of young learners.
Students will also be given the opportunity to undertake a primary school visit during the module.
Learning and Teaching
This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | 120 | 0 |
...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Learning and teaching activities | 15 | lectures, seminars and workshops |
| Learning and teaching activities | 15 | directed reading |
| guided independent study | 40 | assignment preparation |
| guided independent study | 80 | directed study |
Online Resources
This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).
http://www.cambridgeesol.org/exams/teaching-awards/celtyl.html (Sample young learner EFL language tests)
http://www.countryschool.com/ylsig2/index.php ( IATEFL Young Learner SIG webpage)
Other Learning Resources
Young learner EFL course books.