The subject takes into consideration the knowledge and competences Early Child school teachers will need in order to use English effectively by focusing on the key skills and issues involved in learning and teaching English in the 21st century. Throughout the course students will play the role of learner and teacher with the aim of improving their English skills, learning about teaching through English and applying the knowledge acquired. During the first semester, students will work intensively on improving their English skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing), which will help them with the demands of other subjects taught through English. Students will also start training for the First Certificate exam (FCE) so that they can progressively learn about the exam and practise doing different parts. During the second semester, while students will continue working on their English skills and training for FCE, the focus will also be on the teaching of English as an additional language: what it takes to learn your first language and additional languages; teaching methodologies and approaches; how to teach listening, speaking, reading and writing to young learners; how to develop a lesson plan and how to assess young learners. 

 

Having a B1 level is a pre-requisite for this degree programme and the course will start at an inital B2 level. If you have a low B1 level, it is your responsibility to reach the level required through independent study and language support courses, either at the Instituto de Lenguas Modernas or other centres. The Instituto de Lenguas Modernas provides language support classes for those students who have not reached the required B1 level. Please speak to your lecturer regarding how you can enrol in these courses.

 

For some of you participating and using English in class may be a challenge. However, if you make an effort to participate using the English you have, your speaking skills will start to improve.

 

It is also highly recommended to take advantage of academic tutorial sessions regarding other resources and materials you can use to help you reach the required level.

 

Returning students (students who are repeating the course) must contact the lecturer by 16 September in order to arrange a tutorial and devise a study plan to help them deal with the

demands of the subject. Class attendance for returning students is compulsory (unless students can justify non-attendance) and students must submit the same continuous assessment assignments (individual work, group work, Written tests, ePortfolio) as new students. Any returning student must commit to attending at least 4 tutorials during the course (2 in the first semester and 2 in the second semester). It is the responsibility and obligation of the student to contact the lecturer and arrange times for tutorials. Students who do not attend tutorials or submit assessment tasks will not be able to sit the Final Exam.

Learning and teaching methodologies are based on a socio-constructivist approach in which learners construct and co-construct their understanding of the knowledge and concepts acquired. Classes will normally be based on a communicative approach with students interacting through a wide range of class activities, which will include problem-solving, debates, micro-teaching and role-playing some of the situations that may arise in the classroom. This approach enables maximum student participation and talking time in class. It also encourages cooperative learning and meaningful interaction between students and the development of the professional competences of this degree programme. The Learning Space will be used throughout the course to focus on those areas which are not covered in the syllabus but are considered to be relevant for improving English skills and teaching practice.

Students will notified at the start of the course regarding when we will be using the Learning Space and the activities we will focus on.

 

Tutorials

Students are encouraged to avail of tutorial sessions as during these sessions, students can ask questions, clarify concepts, ask for additional bibliography, etc. Some tutorial time will be devoted to assistance with group work. Your lecturer will inform you about tutorial times.