English Language Teaching PGCert

Program Overview

---

The English Language Teaching PGCert is a part-time postgraduate certificate designed for professionals seeking a career in ELT. It provides a comprehensive grounding in the principles and practices of ELT, equipping learners with the knowledge and skills for effective language instruction. The program comprises five core modules delivered through a blend of online learning and in-person seminars, and employs a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning and understanding.

Program Outline

---

Degree Overview:

---

Overview:

The English Language Teaching PGCert is a part-time postgraduate certificate designed for both native and non-native English speaking professionals seeking to embark on a career in the field of English Language Teaching (ELT). The program offers a comprehensive grounding in the principles and practices of ELT, equipping learners with the necessary knowledge and skills for effective language instruction.

---

Objectives:

• Develop a strong foundation in the theories and methodologies of ELT.
• Gain a comprehensive understanding of the principles of language acquisition and learning.
• Acquire practical teaching skills for diverse language learning contexts.
• Enhance critical reflection skills and self-assessment capabilities.

---

Description:

The program comprises a total of 60 credits and is delivered through a blend of online learning, including video lectures and interactive activities, and in-person seminars. Participants engage with a range of topics, including:

• Professional development and ethics: Gain insights into ethical considerations in ELT, explore current trends and issues in the profession, and strengthen self-reflection and critical thinking skills for continuous professional growth.

---

Outline:

---

Program Content and Structure:

The English Language Teaching PGCert comprises five core modules delivered over two semesters:

---

Semester 1:

• Approaches and Methods in English Language Teaching:
• Explores different theoretical frameworks, methodologies, and approaches in ELT.
• Analyzes the strengths and limitations of various language teaching methods.
• Discusses the role of communicative language teaching, task-based learning, and learner-centered approaches.
• Introduction to Second Language Acquisition:
• Examines the principles of second language acquisition (SLA) theories.
• Explores the cognitive, social, and affective factors influencing language learning.
• Investigates the role of first language influence and individual learner differences in SLA.

---

Semester 2:

• Curriculum Design and Materials Development:
• Focuses on the rationale and principles for designing language learning curricula and materials.
• Explores different approaches to materials selection and adaptation.
• Teaching English for Specific Purposes:
• Examines the principles and practices of teaching English in specialized domains, such as academic, business, or professional settings.
• Explores the characteristics of different ESP learners and their specific language needs.
• Assessment in English Language Teaching:
• Investigates the principles and practices of effective language assessment.
• Focuses on designing, administering, and evaluating various types of assessment tools, including tests, portfolios, and projects.
• Explores the use of assessment for feedback, diagnosis, and program evaluation.

---

Course Schedule:

The program is delivered part-time over two semesters, with each semester lasting 15 weeks. The online modules are self-paced, allowing for flexibility in scheduling study time. In-person seminars are typically conducted on weekends and during the evenings to accommodate working professionals. The specific course schedule is subject to change and will be provided by the program prior to the start date.

---

Individual Modules:

---

Module 1: Approaches and Methods in English Language Teaching:

• Explores the history, principles, and key features of various language teaching methodologies such as:
• Grammar-translation method
• Direct method
• Audiolingual method
• Total Physical Response (TPR)
• Communicative Language Teaching (CLT)
• Task-based learning
• Project-based learning
• Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL)
• Language awareness approaches
• Analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of each approach.
• Helps students develop a critical understanding of how to select appropriate approaches for different learning contexts and learner groups.

---

Module 2: Introduction to Second Language Acquisition:

• Explores various theories of second language acquisition, including those proposed by:
• Stephen Krashen (Affective Filter Hypothesis)
• Michael Long (Interaction Hypothesis)
• Merrill Swain (Output Hypothesis)
• Rod Ellis (Implicit and Explicit Learning)
• Zoltán Dörnyei (L2 Motivation Theory)
• Discusses the role of input, interaction, motivation, and learner strategies in second language acquisition.
• Investigates the process of language acquisition in different settings, such as classroom learning and natural environments.

---

Module 3: Curriculum Design and Materials Development:

• Explores different frameworks for curriculum design.
• Discusses the importance of learner needs analysis, needs identification, and curriculum mapping.
• Investigates the role of course objectives, learning outcomes, and assessment criteria in guiding syllabus design.
• Examines different types of language teaching materials and their suitability for various learners and contexts.
• Provides practical guidance on materials development, adaptation, and evaluation.
• Offers opportunities to develop and present a sample syllabus and prototype teaching material.

---

Module 4: Teaching English for Specific Purposes:

• Investigates the characteristics of different ESP learners such as academic, business, medical, and technical audiences.
• Discusses the specific language skills and vocabulary required for different professional domains.
• Explores the principles and approaches to teaching ESP, including genre analysis and content-based instruction.

---

Module 5: Assessment in English Language Teaching:

• Explores the purposes, principles, and challenges of assessment in ELT.
• Discusses the different approaches to language assessment, including:
• Formative and summative assessment
• Diagnostic and achievement tests
• Performance-based assessment
• Portfolio assessment
• Provides guidance on developing assessment criteria, writing test items, and implementing feedback mechanisms.
• Explores the ethical considerations and potential biases associated with language assessment.

---

Assessment:

---

Assessment Methods:

The English Language Teaching PGCert employs a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning and understanding. These methods typically involve a combination of:

• Written assignments and essays: Students will produce written work that demonstrates their grasp of key concepts, theories, and methodologies of ELT.
These assignments may involve critical analysis of academic literature, development of teaching materials, and reflection upon practical teaching experiences.
• Online tests and quizzes: Online assessments are used to assess student knowledge and comprehension of module-specific content.
These assessments may consist of multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and true-false statements.
• Presentations and group discussions: Students will actively engage in class presentations and discussions, applying theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios, sharing insights, and providing constructive feedback to peers.
• Critical Analysis and Evaluation: Critically analyzing and evaluating different approaches, methodologies, and issues related to ELT.
• Application of Knowledge: Applying theoretical knowledge to practical teaching scenarios and demonstrating the ability to design, deliver, and assess language lessons effectively.
• Communication and Presentation Skills: Communicating knowledge, ideas, and insights effectively, both in written and oral form.
• Reflective Practice: Engaging in critical self-reflection and evaluating personal development and professional growth throughout the program.
• Originality and Creativity: Demonstrating original thinking and creativity in developing teaching materials and approaches to instruction.
However, the overall assessment strategy emphasizes both theoretical understanding and the practical application of knowledge and skills in the context of ELT.