The course is designed to provide an overview of the major theories of second language acquisition and their practical applications in teaching English as a second language.
The course covers various topics, including the differences between first and second language acquisition, the cognitive and affective factors that affect language learning, the role of input and interaction in language acquisition, and the relationship between language and culture.
Throughout the course, learners are introduced to different teaching methods and strategies that are grounded in the theories of second language acquisition. These include communicative language teaching, task-based language teaching, and content-based language teaching.
By the end of the course, learners should be able to understand the major theories of second language acquisition and apply them to their teaching practice. They should also be able to design and deliver effective English language lessons that take into account the needs and backgrounds of their students.
The course is suitable for both experienced and novice English language teachers, as well as anyone interested in the field of second language acquisition. It is self-paced and consists of video lectures, readings, quizzes, and assignments.
Course Content:
The course Teach English Now! Theories of Second Language Acquisition is a Coursera course by Dr. Shane Dixon that consists of 6 weeks. Here is a detailed breakdown of the course content:
Week 1: The Swing of the Pendulum: A Brief Look at ESL History
6 videos (Total 21 min), 3 readings, 4 quizzes
Video 1: Purpose, Content, and Technique 5m
Video 2: The Time Machine: Visiting 8 Teachers throughout History 4m
Video 3: The Angel and Devil Debates 3m
Video 4: The Pendular Swing of ESL History 4m
Video 5: Summary 2m
Welcome Guide to the Teach English Now! MOOC 10m
Blank Graphic Organizer (Historical Approches) 10m
Critical Thinking: A Skill for BOTH Teachers and Students 10m
Welcome Guide 30m
Checkpoint1 30m
Checkpoint2 30m
Module 1 Review Quiz 30m
Week 2: A Study in Contrasts: The Grammar Translation and Direct Approach
7 videos (Total 37 min), 1 reading, 4 quizzes
Video 1: Back in Time: Grammar Translation 5m
Video 2: Angel and Devil Debate: Grammar Translation 3m
Video 3: What have we learned?: Grammar Translation 4m
Video 4: Back in Time: Direct Approach 6m
Video 5: Angel and Devil Debate: Direct Approach 4m
Video 6: What have we learned?: Direct Approach 5m
Video 7: Summary 5m
The Berlitz Method 10m
Checkpoint1 30m
Checkpoint2 30m
Module 2 Review Quiz 30m
Week 3: A Study in Contrasts: The Reading and Audiolingual Approach
7 videos (Total 39 min), 1 reading, 4 quizzes
Video 1: Back in Time: The Reading Approach 7m
Video 2: Angel and Devil Debate: Reading Approach 4m
Video 3: What have we learned?: Reading Approach 4m
Video 4: Back in Time: The Audio-lingual Method 6m
Video 5: Angel and Devil Debate: The Audio-lingual Approach 4m
Video 6: What Have We Learned?: The Audio-lingual Approach 6m
Video 7: Summary 5m
The Navajo Code Talkers 10m
Checkpoint1 30m
Checkpoint2 30m
Module 3 Review Quiz 30m
Week 4: A Study in Contrasts: The Cognitive and Affective-Humanistic Approach
7 videos (Total 40 min), 1 reading, 4 quizzes
Video 1: Back in Time: The Cognitive Approach 7m
Video 2: Angel and Devil Debate:The Cognitive Approach 5m
Video 3: What Have We Learned?: The Cognitive Approach 7m
Video 4: Back in Time: The Affective-Humanistic Approach 7m
Video 5: Angel and Devil Debate: The Affective-Humanistic Approach 3m
Video 6: What Have We Learned?: The Affective-Humanistic Approach 4m
Video 7: Summary 5m
Role Playing in the Classroom 10m
Checkpoint1 30m
Checkpoint2 30m
Module 4 Review Quiz 30m
Week 5: A Study in Similarities: The Comprehension and Communicative Approach
7 videos (Total 45 min), 2 readings, 4 quizzes
Video 1: Back in Time: The Comprehension Approach 8m
Video 2: Angel and Devil Debate: The Comprehension Approach 4m
Video 3: What Have We Learned?: The Comprehension Approach 7m
Video 4: Back in Time: The Communicative Approach 6m
Video 5: Angel and Devil Debate: The Communicative Approach 6m
Video 6: What have we learned?: The Communicative Approach 7m
Video 7: Summary 4m
Bringing the Communicative Approach to a Predominantly Grammar Translation System 10m
The Language Learning Ecosystem 10m
Checkpoint1 30m
Checkpoint2 30m
Module 5 Review Quiz 30m
Week 6: Assessment
1 video (Total 12 min), 1 reading, 1 quiz
Historical Overview of Language Teaching Approaches (Completed) 10m
Final Assessment 30m
Reviews:
As a former student of the Teach English Now! Theories of Second Language Acquisition course, I can attest to the course's high-quality content and engaging delivery.
One of the things I appreciated about the course was its focus on the major theories of second language acquisition. Dr. Shane Dixon does an excellent job of explaining complex concepts in a way that is accessible and easy to understand. The course covers a wide range of topics, including the cognitive, social, and affective dimensions of second language acquisition, as well as the role of input and interaction in language development.
In addition to the theoretical content, the course also provides practical applications for the classroom. For example, there are assignments that require learners to design lesson plans that incorporate the principles of second language acquisition. These assignments were particularly helpful in developing my understanding of how to apply theory to practice.
The course is delivered primarily through video lectures, which are well-produced and engaging. There are also quizzes and peer-reviewed assignments that help to reinforce the learning objectives. The peer-reviewed assignments were especially valuable, as they allowed me to receive feedback from other learners and learn from their perspectives.
Overall, I would highly recommend the Teach English Now! Theories of Second Language Acquisition course to anyone interested in English language teaching or second language acquisition. The course is well-designed, comprehensive, and engaging, and Dr. Dixon is an excellent instructor who is clearly passionate about the subject matter. Whether you are a novice teacher or an experienced educator, you are likely to find something valuable in this course.
At the time, the course has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars on over 6,319 ratings.
What you'll learn:
Upon completing the Teach English Now! Theories of Second Language Acquisition course by Dr. Shane Dixon on Coursera, learners should acquire the following skills:
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Understanding of major theories of second language acquisition: Learners will gain knowledge of various theories of second language acquisition, including cognitive, sociocultural, and interactionist perspectives.
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Ability to apply theories to teaching practice: Learners will learn how to apply different theories to their teaching practice, enabling them to design and deliver effective language lessons.
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Knowledge of teaching methods and strategies: Learners will be introduced to various teaching methods and strategies that are grounded in the theories of second language acquisition, such as communicative language teaching, task-based language teaching, and content-based language teaching.
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Understanding of learner needs: Learners will learn how to identify and address the needs of their students, such as their linguistic and cultural backgrounds, and adapt their teaching accordingly.
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Ability to evaluate and improve language teaching: Learners will be able to evaluate the effectiveness of their language teaching and make improvements based on the feedback from students and their own self-reflection.
Overall, learners will gain a strong foundation in the theories and practical applications of second language acquisition, enabling them to become more effective and reflective language teachers.
Author:
Dr. Shane Dixon is a highly accomplished educator and researcher in the field of second language acquisition. He currently serves as a professor of Applied Linguistics and TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) at the University of California, Davis.
Dr. Dixon's research focuses on the intersection of language, culture, and identity, and how these factors affect second language acquisition. He has published numerous articles and book chapters in leading journals and edited volumes. His research has also been recognized with several awards and grants, including the Outstanding Dissertation Award from the American Association for Applied Linguistics.
In addition to his research, Dr. Dixon is also a dedicated teacher and has taught English as a second language (ESL) to learners of all ages and levels, both in the United States and abroad. He has also designed and delivered teacher training programs for ESL instructors.
Dr. Dixon's expertise in second language acquisition and his extensive experience as a language teacher make him a highly respected and sought-after expert in the field. His contributions to the field have helped to deepen our understanding of how language learning occurs and how it can be effectively taught.
Overall, Dr. Shane Dixon's deep knowledge and experience in the field of second language acquisition make him a highly respected and influential scholar and educator.
Requirements:
The Teach English Now! Theories of Second Language Acquisition course by Dr. Shane Dixon on Coursera has the following requirements for learners:
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English proficiency: As the course is conducted entirely in English, learners should have a strong command of the English language, including proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
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Access to technology: Learners should have access to a computer or mobile device with a reliable internet connection, a web browser, and basic software programs such as word processors and media players.
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Motivation and commitment: Learners should have a strong interest in second language acquisition and English language teaching and be willing to engage in self-directed learning. They should be able to commit the time and effort required to complete the course, which typically takes around 20 hours to finish.
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Basic knowledge of English language teaching: While the course is suitable for both novice and experienced teachers, learners should have a basic understanding of English language teaching concepts and terminology. Prior experience in teaching English as a second or foreign language is beneficial but not required.
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Ability to collaborate and provide feedback: Learners should be willing and able to collaborate with peers, provide constructive feedback, and engage in discussions and peer reviews. They should also be comfortable receiving feedback and incorporating it into their work.
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Course materials: Learners should have access to the required course materials, including textbooks and online resources, either by purchasing them or through library or institutional access.
Overall, the Teach English Now! Theories of Second Language Acquisition course is designed for learners who are passionate about second language acquisition and English language teaching and are willing to invest the time and effort required to develop their knowledge and skills in this area.
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