EDUC 505 - Teaching English as a Second Language

Credit(s): 3
3 semester hours
This course introduces students to the historical, legal, theoretical and practical frameworks of teaching English to learners of English as a Second/Other Language, in pre-school through 12th grade classrooms, in the U.S.A. Course content includes language acquisition theories for children and adults, as well as for students with special needs, inclusive of considerations of Standard English as a second or third language for children who speak other languages, or dialects at home. Research and site-based observations of area ESL classrooms will help students acquire the background knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to effectively teach students who are learners of English as a Second Language. Student identification, academic placement, and a variety of successful instructional approaches & strategies, that motivate all students to learn, will be explored. Classroom discussion will address issues faced by professionals in the field of teaching English as a Second Language, effective instructional models, assessment materials, approaches and teaching practices used in teaching all language skills, and recognition of the psycho-social problems involved in second language acquisition and development. Ten hours of fieldwork required.