Language learning and English education

This course provides advanced knowledge of second language acquisition (SLA) and English language teaching, with emphasis on early childhood multilingual learners.

The course focuses on how language is used for communication and how languages interact in the language learning process, focusing both on language comprehension and production. The course will provide advanced subject-didactic and theoretical knowledge of a wide array of topics, such as discourse analysis, typology, intercultural communication, multilingual approaches to language learning, as well as foreign language anxiety and enjoyment.

Through the course the students will engage with a variety of research, as well as producing, implementing, and critically evaluating learning resources, both analog and digital, for a multilingual group of language learners. Here, there will be focus on acknowledging the learners’ existing linguistic skills for language learning, and how teachers can take advantage of these skills in the language learning process.

A central theme will be using current research for professional development of one’s own teaching practices in the English subject at one’s own school.

The course also focuses on design and execution of lessons in own teaching practice with planning as obligatory course work and implementation and reporting as final assessment.

Knowledge

The student has

• advanced knowledge of how children learn languages, with emphasis on young learners
• in-depth knowledge of the importance of safe and inclusive learning environments in the language learning process
• extensive insight into multilingualism as a resource in the classroom
• in-depth knowledge of language learning theories, strategies, and methods
• advanced knowledge of how language is used in communication
• extensive knowledge of intercultural communication and intercultural competence

Skills

The student can

• plan, lead, and critically evaluate teaching for a multilingual group of learners based on relevant research and own experiences
• use their knowledge of intercultural communication to foster learners’ intercultural competence
• utilize learners’ linguistic skills in the language learning process and facilitate a safe and inclusive learning environment
• convey subject knowledge to colleagues at own workplace

General competence

The student can

• read and understand relevant scientific articles and reflect upon, disseminate, and utilize the information for professional development
• create and critically evaluate learning resources for multilingual learners
• initiate processes for professional development at own workplace

The course will take place over two semesters with three meetings each semester. Between the meetings, the course presupposes self-study, work with different learning tasks and participation on the learning platform.

Teaching will include lectures, group work and discussions, practical learning activities, oral presentations and written work. A continuous aspect of the course is also the candidates’ own development of academic writing and reading skills.

Active participation is expected throughout the whole study process. All teaching and communication will be in English, and the candidates are expected to use the language actively during the meetings and in written and oral communication with peers and instructors.