MGUEN102 English 1, module 1 - English language with didactics

Contents and structure

This is module 1 of English 1 for teacher education, years 5 to 10 (GLU 5-10). For subject 2 (fag 2), English 1 consists of two courses with 15 credit points each: English language with didactics (this course: MGUEN102) and English literature and culture with didactics (MGUEN202).

This course description is based on the national guidelines for teacher education 5-10 (2016). The course is part of a 5-year teacher education program completed with a Master’s degree. The course is open to international exchange students.

The course gives an introduction to the English language based on insights from linguistics and language didactics. This includes knowledge about how the language is structured and used. The course has a comparative focus that highlights differences between English and other languages. The development of language skills and text competences is also central.

The linguistic component of the course introduces students to English phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics and pragmatics.

The language didactic component of the course includes a focus on basic language skills, multilingualism, knowledge of the English curriculum, and other didactic aspects relevant for learners in years 5 to 10. In addition, the course gives insight into methods for teaching English in lower secondary school.

Learning Outcome

Knowledge

The student

• has knowledge of how children and young people learn language
• has knowledge of the curriculum, national tests and teaching aids for the subject English
• has knowledge of how to acquire vocabulary and of the structures in English from sound to text level
• is familiar with research and development work that is relevant to the subject English for years 5-10

Skills

The student

• is capable of using English orally and in writing, confidently and independently
• is capable of planning and leading varied and differentiated learning activities, including digital activities, which promote in-depth learning and development of the basic skills
• is capable of identifying reading and writing difficulties and facilitating adapted education
• is capable of using midway and final assessment to guide pupils in English tuition
• is capable of identifying and explaining central elements of the grammatical structure and sound system of English
• is capable of obtaining and facilitating information on social issues and cultural topics for use in teaching

General competences

The student

• is capable of disseminating relevant subject matter and communicating in English in a manner adapted for pupils in years 5-10
• is capable of reflecting on his/her own learning and teaching practice in light of fundamental ethical values and the school’s responsibility for the personal growth of children and young people
• is capable of working independently and together with others on facilitating pupils’ learning and development
• is capable of maintaining and developing his/her own linguistic and didactic competence
• is capable of writing academic texts at beginner level

Entry requirements

None

Teaching methods

The course incorporates various ways of language learning and working with a foreign language, for example through the use of digital tools. It introduces students to academic writing.

Teaching methods include lectures on basic course content, discussion of the subject matter in class, exercises, group work, individual work, project work and presentations. The students will gain experience with teaching techniques that can be used in years 5 to 10. It is expected that the students participate in discussions during colloquium meetings and on the digital learning platform, in addition to the in-class activities.

All teaching in the subject English is conducted in English, and using the language is central in the students’ work. Studying English presupposes communication with other students and instructors about central challenges in the subject, the development of oral and written skills, and didactic competences. This part of a teacher’s competence cannot be acquired through reading alone but has to be developed in face-to-face interaction and by being present during classes. It is expected that the students attend all classes, participate actively and take over responsibility for learning activities, so that they contribute to a good study atmosphere. What is taught in class is additional subject matter to the reading list and is part of the knowledge relevant for the exams. Not all relevant subject matter can be covered in class, which necessitates a high degree of independent study work.

Teaching practice is an integral part of the course.

Compulsory learning activities

• The students submit a draft of their written language didactic assignment and receive feedback on their draft.
• One mandatory assignment connected to basic digital skills

The course plan provides more guidelines for the course requirements. The students are obliged to keep themselves informed and meet submission deadlines.

The mandatory obligatory requirements specified above need to be passed before a student can register for the exam. Students who fail to pass the obligatory requirements can get only one new attempt during the semester.

Assessment

Two-part exam, consisting of a written exam on English linguistics and a written assignment on a language didactic topic. The written exam counts 40% and the written assignment counts 60%. Both parts need to be passed to get a grade in the course. If one of the two parts has not been passed, only this part needs to be repeated.

Grade scale A to F, with F meaning fail.

Written exam in English linguistics, 3 hours

Time and place of the written exam will be published on Studentweb.

Written assignment on a language didactic topic

More specific guidelines for the assignment will be published at the beginning of the term.

Examination support material

Written exam: none

Written assignment: no restrictions

More about examination support material