Fall 2020 - EDUC 824 G001

Seminar in Second Language Teaching (5)

Class Number: 2686

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: Mon, 4:30–9:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Major trends in English as an additional language education theory and practice, current understandings of different aspects of language instruction and debatable issues prominent in teaching English as an additional language (TEAL) research.

COURSE DETAILS:

The purpose of this course is to provide an opportunity to explore major trends and issues in English as an additional language education theory and practice. Through readings, on line and in class discussions and small group presentations, we will focus on current understandings of different aspects of language instruction and debatable issues prominent in TESL/TEFL/TEIL research. Special emphasis will be given to situating the field of TEAL in its sociopolitical contexts. Students will consider course topics in relation to educational contexts they are familiar with.

This course will be delivered remotely and involves a combination of synchronous and asynchronous instruction.  Students are expected to be available for online weekly sessions on Mondays from 4:30 pm  till 6:00 pm Pacific time via BB Collaborate Ultra on Canvas. The instructor will be available for individual or small group consultations for the remaining time (6:20 pm – 9:00 pm) and small groups/pairs are encouraged to use this time slot to plan their presentations collaboratively.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Develop an understanding of relevant theoretical and methodological perspectives and issues prominent in the field of TEAL
  • Develop an awareness of the broader sociopolitical contexts that impact language teaching
  • Critically evaluate and respond to relevant course literature and identify implications for practice
  • Explore one’s own approaches and attitudes to language instructon

Grading

  • Online discussion on required readings 20%
  • Small group presentation on a course reading 25%
  • Final paper on a topic/topics drawn from the course themes 40%
  • Active in-class participation 15%

NOTES:

Further details of these assignments will be discussed on the first day of class.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Students should have access to a desktop, laptop or tablet and a fast enough internet connection to download and upload course files and assignments and participate in weekly sessions of about 1:30 hours on Canvas.

REQUIRED READING:

All required weekly readings will be made available on Canvas either for download via the SFU library or as PDF files.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Alsagoff, L., McKay, S., Hu, G., Renandya, W. (2012). Principles and Practices for Teaching English as an International Language. New York: Routledge. (available on line through the SFU library)

Most small group presentations will be based on chapters from this book and some will be available online through the SFU library or provided by the instructor as PDF files.


Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2020

Teaching at SFU in fall 2020 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).