MLG 453/5453: Methods and Field Studies of Teaching ELL
Department: Modern Languages
Class: MLG 453/5453
Credit: 3 credit hours
Prerequisite: instructor’s consent
Professor: Amy Burden, MATL
Phone: 601-467-5022
E-mail: aburden@mc.edu
Office Hours: by appointment preferred
Course Description:
I. Rationale:
The primary focus of teaching a second language is to acquaint students with a culture, a language, and a
literature other than their own. Since language is not only a vehicle of communication, but also an integral
part of culture, students who apply themselves in such a study broaden the scope of their understanding by
virtue of their contact with the spoken and written ideas in the language of their choice.
In addition to oral communication, students in this course will develop skills needed to function successfully
in the classroom, acquire methods and techniques for instruction, and prepare plans for specific grammar
and vocabulary activities, while using communicative methods.
II. Student Objectives and Outcomes:
In this course, students will:
 develop an understanding of different approaches used in L2 teaching
 learn how language is acquired both in L1 and L2
 apply the principles in receptive skills- reading and listening- and in productive skills- writing and
speaking
 study the role of grammar and vocabulary instruction in the language class
 develop methods of assessment in language testing
III. Academic Integrity:
Dishonesty, such as cheating or plagiarism, will be regarded as a serious offense subject to severe penalty,
including, but not limited to, loss of credit and possible dismissal from the University. See the Mississippi
College Tomahawk and/or University Policy 2.19 for specific information regarding penalties associated with
dishonest behavior at Mississippi College.
IV. Course Content:
This is a course designed for the development of teaching strategies in a second language setting. The
course will be devoted to theoretical presentations and discussion of principles of second language
acquisition, in addition to practical issues related to the daily classroom routine. Students will be required to
prepare lesson plans, demonstrate teaching ability using vocabulary and grammar in context, and develop
individual materials for the class (i.e. handouts, worksheets, communicative activities, testing). Students will
be using these materials with a “hands-on” approach to methodology.
V. Methods of Instruction:
The professor will instruct primarily in lecture format. Students will also interact with each other, discussing
topics based on assigned readings. The use of supplemental materials, such as the internet, music, and
videos, will also be used throughout the semester. Students will be provided with teaching methods to
enhance performance and effectiveness as ‘teachers’ of second language.
VI. Required Practices:
In this course, students will be expected to:
 Attend class regularly
 Complete all assigned oral and written activities as scheduled
 Participate in class discussions and activities
 Prepare and demonstrate lessons in vocabulary and grammar
 Keep a teaching journal/activities manual with observations and reflections
 Observe in a second language classroom (an ELL class, in the IEP program, or other L2 classroom)
VII. Instructional Materials:
Texts:
Making Communicative Language Teaching Happen, 2nd ed..
Lee, J. and B. VanPatten. McGraw-Hill,2003.
Teaching Writing in Second and Foreign Language Classrooms.
Williams, J. McGraw-Hill. 2005
VIII. Evaluation:
1. Evaluation:
Grades are derived from a series of evaluations. Full explanation of each area will be discussed in class
during the first week of school. Students will be evaluated on:
 Satisfactory completion of all class assignments, both in oral and in written form, and adherence to
class policy. Oral assignments will be an integral part of every class, and the student is expected to
participate. Written assignments include homework, quizzes, class activities, and exams.
 Presentations and demonstrations of assigned topics done in class
 A teaching journal and activities manual
 Textbook Evaluations
 Due to the nature of this course, only one exam will be given (a midterm)
 A final project based on the four areas of language teaching- reading, writing, speaking, and
listening. This project should include lesson plans, objectives, and all related supplementary
materials used
2. Grade Determination:
Daily work (class part., homework, reading quizzes) .…15%
Teaching Presentations in class ……………………….20%
Observations of Teaching …..…………………………10%
Journal and Activities manual……………………….…15%
Midterm Exam…………………………………………20%
Final Project ……………………………………………20%
---------100%
3. Grading Scale:
Undergraduate:
A………………..93-100
B………………..84-92
C………………..75-83
D………………..66-74
F……………….65 and below
Graduate:
A ………….94-100
B+ ………….90-93
B ……………85-90
C+ ………….81-84
C…………….76-80
D ……………65-75
F …………… below 65
IX. Attendance Policy:
 The student accepts the responsibility of attending all classes and completing all work required for
the course
 Due to the nature of this course (ADP schedule) and since the final evaluation is based in part on
class participation, absences will affect grades adversely. More than two absences is considered
excessive and will result in grade penalty. For each absence after the 2nd, the final course grade
will be deducted 2 points. Missing four (4) times will result in an F for the course.
 If a student misses more than the number of class periods specified by the university policy and feels
that there are reasonable explanations for the absences, he/she may file an appeal with the Dean of
Humanities and Social Sciences. Students may obtain a Student Absence Appeal Form from the
office of the dean. See the Mississippi College Undergraduate Catalog for more information.
X. Make-up Policy:
There is no make-up work for this course. No work will be accepted late and deadlines for all assignments
will be clearly announced. If a student misses a scheduled exam, reading quiz, and/or report a result of zero
(0) will be given for that assignment.
XI. Classroom Policy:
The student is expected to:
 Be on time for each class. You are expected to be punctual and come prepared.
 Bring his/her textbooks to class everyday
 READ Assignments for classroom discussion!
 Send in journals and observations in a timely manner
 understand and comply with the policy on cell phones. Phone usage will NOT be tolerated in
the classroom. If you have a cell phone, it must turned off and put away. Failure to comply
to the policy on cell phone usage will result in a student conduct sanction (see MC Policy
4.13) and possible suspension from the class.
XII. Support Services:
 Students with disabilities: Students should immediately inform the instructor of any disability that
might require special arrangements to maximize their learning and participation in the class. (See
note below)
Disabilities under the ADA are categorized as physical, mental, and learning disabilities.
In order for a student to receive disability accommodations under Section
504 of the Americans with Disabilities Act, he or she must schedule an
individual meeting with the Director of Student Counseling Services
immediately upon recognition of their disability (if their disability is
known they must come in before the semester begins or make an
appointment immediately upon receipt of their syllabi for the new
semester). The student must bring with them written documentation from a
medical physician and/or licensed clinician that verifies their
disability. If the student has received prior accommodations, they must
bring written documentation of those accommodations (example
Individualized Education Plan from the school system). Documentation
must be current (within 3 years). The student must meet with SCS face-to
face and also attend two (2) additional follow up meetings (one mid
semester before or after midterm examinations and the last one at the
end of the semester). Please note that the student may also schedule
additional meetings as needed for support through SCS as they work with
their professor throughout the semester. Note: Students must come in
each semester to complete their Individualized Accommodation Plan
(example: MC student completes fall semester IAP plan and even if
student is a continuing student for the spring semester they must come
in again to complete their spring semester IAP plan). Student
Counseling Services is located in Alumni Hall Room #4 or they may be
contacted via email rward@mc.edu. You may also reach them by phone at
601-925-7790.
Weekly Itinerary will be handed out in class.
Class will meet Mon. (1:30-3:30) and Wed. (1:30-3:30) afternoons.