Applied Linguistics for English Teaching provides a theoretical and practical knowledge base for teaching English as a second or foreign language. Students will first read and discuss research from the fields of second language acquisition, applied linguistics, and second language pedagogy to become conversant with present and past issues in the field. Students will then learn best practices for assessment of second language speaking skills and create course plans for differentiated instruction in individual and group settings, using their own teaching materials and approach. They will observe group classes; present an assessment of the language needs of an individual adult English language learner, and develop and conduct group activities to peers and volunteer student learners. They will also complete 15-20 hours of training to become a certified SPEAK rater.
Who is eligible to enroll in LING 489? Students enrolled in the Linguistics (PhD), Communication Sciences and Disorders (PhD), and Speech-Language Pathology (PhD/Masters) programs may enroll in LING 489 with instructor permission. Graduate assistantships are available for PhD/MFA students to teach in Linguistics 380, 480, 482, and 483 (with recommendation from the Department of Linguistics and/or English Language Programs). PhD/MFA students in other programs with appropriate training and experience in language teaching may also be eligible for these opportunities. If space allows, undergraduate students who have previously taken Linguistics 350 may also enroll (with instructor permission).
By the time you complete this course, you will be able to:
- Certify as a SPEAK Rater.
- Recognize and critically evaluate the major models of SLA and TESOL pedagogy, and how they apply to the teaching we do in English Language Programs.
- Describe common English language proficiency measures and tests, including the ACTFL Proficiency Scale, SPEAK, and Versant tests.
- Describe the typical ELP student profile, common student goals, and how ELP services support students as they work toward achieving these goals.
- Collect and analyze speech and language samples from English learners , through the use of recognized assessment tools.
- Explain to English learners the theoretical background for observed linguistic patterns in their speech.
- Make data-driven recommendations for learning supports for individual learners.
- Design and lead group classroom activities.
For questions about LING 489, please contact Dr. Julia Moore (jmm@northwestern.edu).