This module aims to provide participants with an opportunity to review recent developments in approaches to language learning and teaching, and to examine critically your own professional experience and practices in the light of these developments.  Starting from a broadly communicative approach, the course sets out to investigate the theoretical and practical bases of the approach and to explore the implications for a number of key areas in language teaching.

(LO1) Students will be able to demonstrate familiarity with and understanding of the main current issues in the field of language teaching methodology

(LO2) Students will be able to analyse course designs, materials and activities critically and to identify the underlying methodological assumptions

(LO3) Students will be able to suggest ways in which their own current practices, and those embodied in existing textbooks, could be improved in a theoretically-informed manner

(S1) Knowledge and understanding of effective aspects of language teaching methods and their relation to second language acquisition and the ELT industry.

(S2) Ability to evaluate language teaching materials in relation to theoretical principles of second language pedagogy.

(S3) Effective academic writing and referencing.

(S4) Effective, targeted research with specific reference to communicative language teaching methodology.

1 Topics covered typically include: The communicative approach: definitions, development and characteristics.  The communicative approach: methods, materials and problems   Task-based approaches to language learning . The syllabus and course design English for Specific Purposes Teaching and learning grammar Literature and language teaching  Roles of teachers and learner Interaction between teachers and learners Defining language proficiency

This module will be delivered by weekly 2-hour seminars of no more than 25 students. The majority of teaching will be delivered face to face on campus. Online delivery will be used to complement the on-campus delivery and where technology affords a better learning experience.