OVERVIEW

The course introduces the student to the Didactics of Modern Languages and provides the knowledge and skills necessary both to start working in the sector and to continue studying the discipline.

The teaching can be included in the plan for 6CFU or for 9 (see below, program and content) 

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

To know the main theoretical constructs second and foreign language  acquisition.
To link theories of language develoment with teaching methods
To analyse and critically use tools and technologies to support language teaching.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The aim of the course is to introduce the student to the fundamental themes of Language Didactics.
At the end of the course, the student will have acquired both theoretical knowledge relating to foreign language learning and the description of linguistic-communicative competence, and practical skills relating to the design and implementation of teaching interventions.
Specifically, the student will be able to:
-describe the main theories of foreign language learning;
-analyse the main factors influencing Foreign Language learning;
-describe the concept of Communicative Competence;
-describe the Common European Framework of Reference (principles, structure, descriptors, etc.);
-compare the main teaching methods;
-interpret teaching sequences by identifying objectives, methods and theories of reference;
-design and evaluate tasks and teaching sequences for the different language skills and for the different levels of the Framework;
-understand specialised literature (in its most general components);
-using various sources and aids, exercising critical thinking, and using, processing and evaluating information:
-developing one's imagination and creativity, critical reflection, strategic thinking in the design of educational interventions;

PREREQUISITES

Basic knowledge of general linguistics

TEACHING METHODS

The teaching is divided into lectures and exercises. The exercises, which aim to apply knowledge to concrete cases, will either be carried out independently and discussed during the lectures or conducted during the lectures themselves.

In addition to the exercises, activities will be organised around projects that will focus on the design, presentation and discussion of a learning unit and a task sequence.
Working groups will be organised which, in parallel with the lectures, will have to choose a topic and/or a language skill to be developed through the methods described in the lectures. At the end of the course, each group will present and publicly discuss their teaching project. This part includes activities such as peer evaluation; group work and discussion.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course programme includes the presentation and discussion of the following topics

General part (for 6 cfu)

    Learning theories of LS/2
    Interlanguage and factors influencing LS/2 learning
    Communicative Competence, Common European Framework and Communicative Approach
    Notional-Functional Syllabus
    Learning Units
    Language skills and their didactics

In-depth study of written production (for the 9 cfu)

    Approaches to the didactics of written production
    Written production tasks
    Teaching materials
    Assessment of written production

*The syllabus, bibliography, and arrangements for the final examination are valid and the same for both attending and nonattending students

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

–Chini M. e Bosisio C. (2014), Fondamenti di glottodidattica, Carocci. Solo cap. 2

Balboni P., (2019), Le –Sfide di Babele, UTET. Solo capp. 2, 3, 7, 8 e 9

–AA.VV. (2012), Sillabo di riferimento per i livelli di competenza in italiano L2: Livello A2, (https://www.unistrapg.it/sites/default/files/docs/certificazioni/sillabo-4-enti-A2.pdf) solo pp. 9-29

–Richards J.C., 2006, Communicative Language Teaching Today, https://bit.ly/2Gn8gIr

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

SIMONE TORSANI (President)

CATERINA BRAGHIN

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Lessons start:  02/10/2023

Timetable: monday 10-11, tuesday 17-19  room 15  "Albergo dei Poveri"

Class schedule

LANGUAGE TEACHING

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam is written and will be held on Aulaweb.
The test is divided into:
Starts from 6CFU (for all)
-12 multiple choice questions (4 answers, one correct)
-5 open questions
Starts from 3CFU (for those who have the 9CFU course)
-6 multiple choice questions (4 answers, one correct)
-2 open questions

NB. Exam methods may vary according to the University regulations.
The details of the different tests (as well as sample questions) will be published on the Aulaweb page of the course

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Multiple choice questions test knowledge of the concepts

The open questions require the candidate to argue, evaluate or plan didactic interventions (see training objectives)

For example, the candidate may be asked to design a lesson for a specific language skill held for a high level of the CEFR (see learning objectives "to carry out teaching activities and sequences ..."), or the candidate may be asked to illustrate the difference between two teaching methods by evaluating their pros and cons (see training objectives "compare the main teaching methods ...")

Open questions are rated on a holistic scale from 0 to 4 which takes into account the following criteria:

• execution of the required task (for example if the question asks to "illustrate and exemplify" a concept, it is necessary to explain it and provide examples to support it)
• completeness and correctness of the information
• quality of the language and organization of the text
• terminology

FURTHER INFORMATION

More details about the program and exam methods will be made available on the Aulaweb page of the course

Students with learning disorders, disability or other special educational needs are advised to contact the teacher at the beginning of the course to agree on teaching and exam methods that, in compliance with the teaching objectives, take into account the learning methods individuals and provide suitable compensatory instruments.