In this course learners are introduced to second or foreign language theories and practices for teaching and assessing listening, speaking, and pronunciation. Learners will also be introduced to basic studies in second language acquisition and their pedagogical implications. Teachers will be invited to recognize the importance of grounding their own teaching philosophy through an examination of purpose, content, and technique.
Offered By
Arizona State University
About this Course
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Learner Career Outcomes
45%
started a new career after completing these courses
40%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
11%
got a pay increase or promotion
Learner Career Outcomes
45%
started a new career after completing these courses
40%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
11%
got a pay increase or promotion
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
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Flexible deadlines
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Approx. 15 hours to complete
Suggested: 6 weeks of study, 1-2 hours/week
English
Subtitles: English, Spanish
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
2 hours to complete
The Swing of the Pendulum: A Brief Look at ESL History
In this course, learners are introduced to second or foreign language theories and practices for teaching and assessing English. Learners will also be introduced to basic studies in second language acquisition and their pedagogical implications. Teachers will be invited to recognize the importance of grounding their own teaching philosophy through an examination of purpose, content, and technique. In Week 1, learners are introduced to the concepts of purpose, content, and technique as they relate to language teaching, and to some of the themes that will be repeated throughout the course, such as the time machine analogy and the angel and devil debates.
2 hours to complete
6 videos (Total 21 min), 3 readings, 4 quizzes
6 videos
Video 1: Purpose, Content, and Technique5m
Video 2: The Time Machine: Visiting 8 Teachers throughout History4m
Video 3: The Angel and Devil Debates3m
Video 4: The Pendular Swing of ESL History4m
Video 5: Summary2m
3 readings
Welcome Guide to the Teach English Now! MOOC10m
Blank Graphic Organizer (Historical Approches)10m
Critical Thinking: A Skill for BOTH Teachers and Students10m
4 practice exercises
Welcome Guide10m
Checkpoint 110m
Checkpoint 210m
Module 1 Review Quiz20m
3 hours to complete
A Study in Contrasts: The Grammar Translation and Direct Approach
Learners go back in time to visit 1880 and 1910 to speak with teachers from the Grammar Translation and the Direct approaches. In our “Angel and Devil Debate” videos, learners will examine each approach from different points of view and decide for themselves which they agree with, if any. Finally, learners will be introduced to a variety of teaching methods that are derived from the Grammar Translation and the Direct approaches.
3 hours to complete
7 videos (Total 37 min), 1 reading, 4 quizzes
7 videos
Video 2: Angel and Devil Debate: Grammar Translation3m
Video 3: What have we learned?: Grammar Translation4m
Video 4: Back in Time: Direct Approach6m
Video 5: Angel and Devil Debate: Direct Approach4m
Video 6: What have we learned?: Direct Approach5m
Video 7: Summary5m
1 reading
The Berlitz Method10m
3 practice exercises
Checkpoint 110m
Checkpoint 210m
Module 2 Review Quiz20m
3 hours to complete
A Study in Contrasts: The Reading and Audiolingual Approach
Learners go back in time to visit 1930 and 1940 to speak with teachers from the Reading and the Audio-lingual approaches. In our “Angel and Devil Debate” videos, learners will examine each approach from different points of view and decide for themselves which they agree with, if any. Finally, learners will be introduced to a variety of teaching methods that are derived from the Reading and the Audio-lingual approaches.
3 hours to complete
7 videos (Total 39 min), 1 reading, 4 quizzes
7 videos
Video 2: Angel and Devil Debate: Reading Approach4m
Video 3: What have we learned?: Reading Approach4m
Video 4: Back in Time: The Audio-lingual Method6m
Video 5: Angel and Devil Debate: The Audio-lingual Approach4m
Video 6: What Have We Learned?: The Audio-lingual Approach6m
Video 7: Summary5m
1 reading
The Navajo Code Talkers10m
3 practice exercises
Checkpoint 110m
Checkpoint 210m
Module 3 Review Quiz20m
3 hours to complete
A Study in Contrasts: The Cognitive and Affective-Humanistic Approach
Learners go back in time to visit 1960 and 1970 to speak with experts from the Cognitive and the Affective-Humanistic approaches. In our “Angel and Devil Debate” videos, learners will examine each approach from different points of view and decide for themselves which they agree with, if any. Finally, learners will be introduced to a variety of teaching methods that are derived from the Cognitive and the Affective-Humanistic approaches.
3 hours to complete
7 videos (Total 40 min), 1 reading, 4 quizzes
7 videos
Video 2: Angel and Devil Debate:The Cognitive Approach5m
Video 3: What Have We Learned?: The Cognitive Approach7m
Video 4: Back in Time: The Affective-Humanistic Approach7m
Video 5: Angel and Devil Debate: The Affective-Humanistic Approach3m
Video 6: What Have We Learned?: The Affective-Humanistic Approach4m
Video 7: Summary5m
1 reading
Role Playing in the Classroom10m
3 practice exercises
Checkpoint 110m
Checkpoint 210m
Module 4 Review Quiz20m
Reviews
4.9
HIGHLIGHTS
"Applicable teachings" in 121 reviews
"Creatively designed course" in 270 reviews
TOP REVIEWS FROM TEACH ENGLISH NOW! THEORIES OF SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION
by SCMay 19, 2019
There's some unconfortable sexism in some of the lessons. They are dramatizations but still it's not welcoming or funny for female students and would not be considered ok if it was "jokes" about race.
by RRAug 26, 2019
Great content, reviews, and quizes. Dr. Dixon was ridiculous in the videos, which helped me retain the information, for which I'm not angry, but it made me cringe! Ha! I need to meet him in real life.
by NZJun 10, 2018
I'm really enjoying this course. I'm about half way through. I'm looking forrward to how the various courses in this series take me farther and farther into language learning theories and techniques.
by CSMay 14, 2017
All the theories are presented in an extremely organized way.\n\nThe dramatic representation has been rather memorable.\n\nSeeing myriad theories from the lens of time has helped my knowledge stick.
by AJDec 3, 2016
Great presentations on what language instruction approaches have looked like in the past and present. Each approach is discussed and evaluated so the "best of's" can be applied in your own teaching.
by MGSep 5, 2018
This was an entertaining way to learn the theories. Theories can be very dry and through the videos, I had a good visual of the different considerations when designing language learning experiences.
by ITAug 4, 2017
Awesome! Now, this IS a great course on Theories of Second Language Acquisition! Definitely totally recommended; especially to those who are not familiar with or very keen on theories and histories!
by MSOct 1, 2018
I just been in course 1 and 2. They are wonderful, i learned more useful information about teaching, history and so on. Thank you very much. I am going continue all courses. I enjoy it very much.
by ARMay 29, 2017
The Information in this course was very useful for me. I have used some of this technics before but did not understand them perfectly.This course helped me to learn new skills i can use in future
by LLSep 23, 2016
It's absolutely a fantastic course. I am an English teacher of ten years, but I still learn a lot from it. It has provided a great opportunity for me to look back and reflect on my own teaching.
by PFNov 13, 2017
I found this course to be extremely helpful in understanding how teachers should teach English as a second language. It also provided some much welcomed ideas on how I should teach English.
by DWJan 20, 2016
A bit more challenging than the first Module, bit with the same great methodology to deliver the information and keep students engaged. The course content is clear and concise. Thank you!
Offered by
Arizona State University
Arizona State University has developed a new model for the American Research University, creating an institution that is committed to excellence, access and impact. ASU measures itself by those it includes, not by those it excludes. ASU pursues research that contributes to the public good, and ASU assumes major responsibility for the economic, social and cultural vitality of the communities that surround it.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
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