University of Essex
Department of Language and Linguistics
MA TEFL
LG 558 Teaching Practice 1
Module coordinator:
Dr. Helen Emery
Room: 4.121 email: hemery@essex.ac.uk
This module is for MATEFL students only.
Module description
This module aims to prepare participants for the classroom-based practice teaching in
the Spring term. It also aims to complement the Materials and Methods module by
focusing on the specific details of teachers’ classroom roles. Aspects covered will
include areas such as classroom management and instruction giving, conveying
meaning at different levels, dealing with learners’ language, and preparing lessons.
Since the Spring term teaching will be with adult learners, our main focus will
necessarily be on such students.
Anticipated module outcomes
By the end of the module, participants should be able to
 grade their language appropriately for teaching English through English
 prepare and deliver clear and effective classroom instructions
 make choices about patterns of classroom interaction and set up such
interactions in class
 understand the different teacher roles in relation to various teaching objectives
 understand the principles of dealing with the meaning of language in the
classroom
 respond appropriately to learner language
 make effective use of published classroom materials adapting as necessary
 make use of a range of classroom resources and teaching aids
 plan lessons and write useful lesson plans for a range of lesson types
Learning and teaching methods
10 two-hour seminar/workshop sessions as well occasional observation of
experienced teachers (separately scheduled).
Assessment
100% coursework assessment. This will consist of
Assignment: A 3,000 word assignment of a practical nature completed during the
term. The assignment topic will be set in Week 5. Deadline for submission of
papers is 12:00 on the last Friday of the term (Week 11).
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Useful texts and initial reading
Baker, J. & Westrup, H. (2000) The English language teacher’s handbook. VSO
Publications, Continuum.
Bowen T & Marks J (1994) Inside teaching: Options for English Language Teachers.
Oxford: Heinemann
Crookes G (2003) A Practicum in TESOL: Professional Development through
Teaching Practice. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press
Cross, D. (1995) A practical handbook of language teaching. Phoenix ELT.
Harmer, J. (1998) How To Teach English. Harlow: Longman
Harmer J (2001) (3rd ed.) The Practice of English Language Teaching. Harlow:
Longman
Hughes, J. (2005) Lessons in your rucksack: The complete TEFL survival guide.
Keyways publishing.
Gower, R., Phillips, D. & Walters, S. (1995) Teaching practice handbook. Heineman
McMillan.
Johnson, K. (2008) An introduction to foreign language learning and teaching. 2nd
edition. Longman
Kelly, G. (2000) How to teach pronunciation. Longman: England.
Nunan, D. 1995. Language Teaching Methodology: a textbook for teachers. NY:
Phoenix ELT.
Rinvolucri, M. (1984) Grammar games. Cambridge: CUP.
Scrivener J (1994) Learning Teaching: A Guidebook for English Language Teachers.
Oxford: Heinemann
Thornbury S (1999) How to Teach Grammar. London: Longman
Thornbury S (2001) Uncovering Grammar. Oxford: Heinemann
Thornbury, S. (2002) How to Teach Vocabulary. Harlow: Longman.
Ur, P. 1996. A Course in Language Teaching: practice and theory. Cambridge: CUP.
Ur, P. 1988. Grammar Practice Activities: a practical guide for teachers. Cambridge:
CUP.
Wajnryb R (1993) Classroom Observation Tasks: A Resource Book for Language
Teachers and Trainers. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press
Woodward T (2001) Planning Lessons and Courses: Designing Sequences of Work
for the Language Classroom. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press
Wright,A., Betterbridge, D. & Buckby, M. (1983) Games for language learning.
Cambridge: CUP.
A good reference book on grammar for English teachers:
Swan, M. (1995) Practical English Usage. Oxford University Press.
Lecture schedule.
Date
Topic
2
6 October
Introduction to the course
Classroom dynamics
13 October
Language practice and language use
Teaching grammar
20 October
Teacher language and giving instructions
27 October
Teaching listening and speaking
3 November
Teaching reading & vocabulary
Incorporating reading into the lesson
10 November
Incorporating writing into a lesson
Giving feedback
Dealing with student errors
Working with course books
The lesson plan
17 November
24 November
Planning lessons – what to teach and how
1 December
Using and creating authentic materials
8 December
Classroom resources and visual aids
Preparation for LG 658: Teaching Practice 2
3