TESOL 377:  TESOL Methods and Materials

Winter 2002, Earl D. Wyman, Instructor

Catalog Description:   Survey of language-teaching trends, and approaches and methods, with emphasis on interactive, communicative approach.  Evaluation and adaptation of texts and materials development are also covered.  A portion of the course focuses on the role of current technology in language teaching.

TESOL 377 Objective:   At the conclusion of this course, students will be able to . . . .

1. sketch the history of language teaching methodology

2. state and defend a personal philosophy of language learning/teaching based on the Chapter One criteria in the Larsen-Freeman text

3. demonstrate the effective use of techniques encouraged in the field from different methods past and present

4. outline the characteristics of effective texts and materials

5. recognize and apply various types of adaptation procedures

6. explain the difference between a “true” and a “cop-out” eclectic

7. outline ways to continue to develop professionally

Textbooks

Larsen-Freeman, Diane.  Techniques and Principles in Language Teaching, Second Edition .  Oxford University Press, 2000. (Required)

Celce-Murcia, Marianne, Editor.  Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language, Second Edition.   (Required.  Assigned readings from the TESOL major core text.)

1. Celce-Murcia, Marianne. “Language Teaching Approaches:  An Overview”, p. 3*

2. Blaire, Robert W.  “Innovative Approaches”, p. 23*

3. Johns, Ann M.  “English for Specific Purposes”, p. 67*

4. Snow, Marguerite.  “Teaching Language Through Content”, p. 315

5. Eyring, Janet L.  “Experiential Language Learning”,  p. 346*

6. McGroarty, Mary.  “English Instruction for Linguistic Minority Groups: Different Structures, Different Styles”, p. 372

7. Enright, D. Scott.  “Supporting Children's English Language Development in Grade-Level and Language Classrooms”, p. 386*

8. Hilles, Sharon.  “Adult Education”, p. 402

9. Schreck, Richard and Janice.  “Computer-Assisted Language Learning”, p. 472

* Study sheets are available to accompany this reading assignment.

Textbooks (continued)

Richards-Amato, Patricia A.  Making It Happen: Interaction in the Second Language Classroom, From Theory to Practice, Second Edition .

Determination of Your Grade Value Due Date

Description of Assignments and Tests

Presentations on Assigned Methods (20%)

You will be assigned to present a chapter of the Larsen-Freeman text which focuses on a specific method or approach to teaching language.  On your assigned day you will cover that method in whatever way you choose.  You will be graded for your effectiveness in demonstrating good teaching techniques and in making the method understood by your classmates.  To earn top marks you will have to go beyond the content of the textbook alone to find supplementary explanatory material.

Quizzes Following Chapter Presentations   (10%)

Before each presentation on the different methods, you will take a 10-point quiz on that method.  All of these quizzes will be answered on the same answer sheet and will be scored at the completion of the course. 

Assignments on Methods   (10%)

After each presentation by your classmates, your instructor will give you an assignment to do that will require that you practice a particular technique associated with that method.  These will be due on the next class period following that presentation.

Textbook Assessment (10%) 

By referring to library and other sources, identify the criteria that are commonly used to assess an ESL textbook.  Cite your sources in the bibliography.  Then using one set of criteria (or a combination of lists) assess an ESL textbook that has been written for use in an ESL classroom. 

Adaptation Portfolio   (10%)

You will be given a handout which describes several reasons for adapting materials for use in the ESL classroom.  You are to create a portfolio of adapted passages or exercises which demonstrate the various types of adaptation.  For example, one reason for material needing to be adapted would be that it is too long.  The type of adaptation needed here is “reduction”.    Another reason why material might need to be adapted would be that the vocabulary is too difficult and needs to be simplified—simplification. Your portfolio must include examples of ten different adaptation techniques.   

Midterm Examination   (20%)

The midterm examination will be given in the Testing Center between Wednesday, February 23 and Saturday, March 3.  The test will be a combination of short answer (multiple choice, matching, definition, true/false) as well as paragraph and/or essay questions.  Details will be given as the test date approaches.

Critique Assignment (10%)

Write a 500-word critique of a video-taped or observed (EIL) class in which you discuss the ten questions on page 7-8 in the Larsen-Freeman text.  If you observe an EIL class, you should ask the teacher if you can interview him/her about the ten questions in addition to writing about your observations.  Be careful not to be distracted into writing a description of the class.  The focus must be on a consideration of the questions, not a report on what was done in the class.

Final Examination   (20%)

The final examination will be Friday, April 20 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in our classroom, GCB 143.  The nature of the examination will be announced later in the semester close to the examination day.  It will probably be comprehensive and include both short answer and essay questions.  As individuals, you may even have a choice of testing formats, meaning that each of you may choose and be given a short answer, essay, take home, oral, or combinations of these.  You will just have to wait and see about this.