FLE308 TEACHING ENGLISH TO YOUNG LEARNERS

Course Code:4500308
METU Credit (Theoretical-Laboratory hours/week):3 (3.00 - 0.00)
ECTS Credit:5.0
Department:Foreign Language Education
Language of Instruction:English
Level of Study:Undergraduate
Course Coordinator:Lecturer Dr. SEBAHAT YASEMİN TEZGİDEN CAKCAK
Offered Semester:Spring Semesters.

Course Objectives

At the end of this course, students will …

  • be aware of the theoretical and practical aspects of teaching English to young learners
  • know the difference between young learners and other age groups, and among different young learner groups.
  • know the theories of child learning, child language learning and children’s learning styles and strategies
  • learn a variety of teaching-learning activities, materials, syllabus types and assessment methods for young learners
  • use instructional techniques relevant for different young learner groups.
  • become familiar with the classroom management methods and techniques to be used when teaching English to young learners

Course Content

The learning strategies of young children and the acquisition of the mother tongue as well as the learning of a foreign language; the classroom methods and techniques to be used when teaching English to young learners; the development of games, songs and visual materials and their use in teaching.


Course Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course the students will be able to …

  • discuss the differences between learning and acquisition and its implications for language teaching
  • discuss the importance of input and exposure in language learning
  • refute the misassumptions of child language learning referring to research findings in the field
  • discuss the educational innovations on EFL teaching to young learners in the local and national context
  • distinguish among young learners and teenagers and adults in terms of their attitude towards learning and language learning, their language needs and language learning aims, and language development
  • distinguish among different young learner age groups in terms of their cognitive, affective psychomotor and moral development
  • comprehend basic theories of child learning, child language learning and different learning styles and strategies
  • compare and contrast different theories of child learning, child language learning and learning styles
  • discuss the theories of child learning, child language learning in terms of foreign language learning of young learners
  • discuss a variety of activities to teach and practice language elements (grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation) and language skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing)
  • analyze syllabus types designed for primary school learning and discuss their relevance to the EFL curriculum & the learners
  • recognise that there are several options in dealing with mistakes and assessment of learning in young learner classes
  • design motivating activities to promote effective learning in young learners
  • integrate a variety of instructional techniques such as games, songs, stories, visuals etc. to support young learners’ language learning in class
  • develop the confidence to become creative, flexible and adaptable in all classroom conditions and situations. 
  • list a number of classroom management options to manage students, time and the physical environment
  • discuss appropriate classroom configurations, student interaction patterns, optimal uses of time, mistake management, and assessment of learning

Program Outcomes Matrix

Level of Contribution
#Program Outcomes0123
1Make appropriate pedagogical decisions in accordance with their particular English teaching context (i.e. Age, setting, location, and learner background) based on a contemporary repertoire of language teaching approaches and methods.
2Critically analyze linguistic, literary, cultural, and historical issues when selecting, developing, and using course materials and assessment instruments.
3Based on their familiarity with educational sciences, literature, and linguistics, establish cross-disciplinary connections and develop critical intellectual curiosity.
4Identify and generate solutions for specific language-related problems which learners of English may face at different proficiency levels.
5Individually and collaboratively design, conduct, and report small-scale educational research projects by employing relevant research methods in the investigation of language with teachers from local, national or international contexts.
6Demonstrate awareness of individual, (multi) cultural, and psycho-social diversity in learning environments and adapt to different local contexts.
7Analyze and address professional challenges based on an awareness of global systems and comparisons of educational systems.
8Fluently and accurately use all receptive and productive English language skills at an advanced level for effective daily and academic communication.
9Effectively translate a diverse set of English and Turkish discourses considering context-specific elements.
10Utilize experiences of learning a foreign language other than English for developing an awareness of language learning processes.
11With self-confidence, effectively communicate with students and other stakeholders in educational settings.
12Engage in reflective teaching, self-evaluation, and ongoing professional development.
13Select and utilize appropriate instructional technologies and information literacy skills to increase the effectiveness of foreign language teaching.
14Promote creativity, understanding, cooperation, and equity to establish a positive classroom environment.
15Develop a critical and multicultural perspective to language and language-related issues emerging from global English contexts.

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