Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2021 - EDUC 468 E100

Sociocultural Perspectives on Language, Cognitive Development and EAL Instruction (4)

Class Number: 6976

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Thu, 4:30–8:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    60 units including 6 units in Education courses.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Designed for prospective and beginning teachers to learn more about theory and research in language acquisition, sociocultural understandings of language development and thought, bilingualism and cognition, linguistic multicompetence. Exploring the implications of research and theory for the teaching and learning of EAL in classroom contexts.

COURSE DETAILS:

The course is designed for prospective and beginning teachers of English as a second/additional language. It offers a brief review of language acquisition theories and focuses in particular on bilingualism and cognition, sociocultural understandings of language development and thought, linguistic multi-competence. Through readings, online and in class discussions and small group presentations, we will explore the implications of research and theory in these areas for the teaching and learning of English as an additional language (EAL) in classroom contexts.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • To evaluate the relative merits of different theoretical perspectives on language development and thought and consider their applications to EAL curriculum and instruction
  • To explore one’s own attitudes (and approaches) to language learning and teaching
  • To begin to develop an awareness of the sociopolitics surrounding different perspectives on language, cognition and language learning as impacting language curriculum and instruction
  • To develop an understanding of how instructional structures and practices shape learning and participation of students who learn English in school

Grading

  • Online discussion on weekly required readings 15%
  • Small group presentation on weekly recommended readings 30%
  • Final paper on a topic of choice related to a course theme/themes 35%
  • Short weekly in-class quizzes 10%
  • Active in-class participation 10%

NOTES:

There is no final exam for this course.

Materials

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:

Readings for the weekly small group presentations will be available in the SFU library reserves or occasionally provided as PDF files on Canvas.

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 2021

Teaching at SFU in fall 2021 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with approximately 70 to 80 per cent of classes in person/on campus, with safety plans in place.  Whether your course will be in-person or through remote methods will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware 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.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the fall 2021 term.