Module Catalogue 2026/27

Pre Requisite Comment

None

Co Requisite Comment

None

Aims

- To develop participants' understanding of the principles of how children learn a second language.
- To develop participants’ abilities to evaluate the nature and/or effectiveness of teaching methods for young learners, in light of the above principles.
- To develop participants’ abilities to evaluate the nature and/or effectiveness of ELT materials, in light of recent literature.
- To develop the participants' critical awareness of global trends in language teaching.
This module is designed for those involved in TESOL for young learners in a range of contexts and focuses on developing knowledge and expertise of direct use to teachers. In addition to reviewing relevant theoretical aspects of TESOL for young learners, it provides an opportunity to consider ways of providing support for teachers to enable learners to develop their cognitive and linguistic abilities in English. These include analysing the specific needs of learners from a non-English speaking background (NESB), developing effective language education programmes, evaluating and developing materials and tasks for teaching, and assessing and evaluating recent trends in language teaching worldwide. The module provides an overview of current approaches to working with young learners, which participants relate to their own contexts. Participants explore and critique curriculum frameworks for teaching English to young learners, consider criteria for evaluating a range of teaching/learning materials and adapt and design teaching materials.

Outline Of Syllabus

This syllabus is designed to provide students with a strong understanding of key theories on child development and second language learning). The module then progresses to the practical application of these theories, with sessions focusing on teaching three key skills: speaking, vocabulary, and grammar. The module will then examine novel approaches to teaching English to young learners, such as storytelling and other global trends. The module concludes with a session preparing students for their assignment.
- Defining the concept ‘young learners’
- Theoretical Foundations: From Piaget to Vygotsky and beyond
- Learning Through Tasks: Sequencing the learning process
- Teaching communicative skills: Principles and tips to enhance student participation and engagement
- Storytelling and drama: Why? How?
- Global Trends and Future Directions
- Assignment preparation: Designing engaging slides, presenting our ideas, and writing critically.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

To explain key concepts in theories of cognitive development and second language acquisition relevant to young learners.

Identify and describe principles underlying how children learn a second language.

Summarise key issues in developing age-appropriate classroom methodologies for young learners.

Discuss recent literature on ELT materials and global trends in language teaching for young learners.

Intended Skill Outcomes

By the end of this module, participants will have:
- Analysed the effectiveness of teaching methods for young learners in light of principles of second language acquisition.
- Developed new or adapt existing teaching materials for young learners in various contexts.
- Compared and critique various strategies employed worldwide for young language learners.
- Identified global strategies and trends in TESOL for young learners.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lecture materials (readings, videos, etc.) provide an introduction to the weekly content, establish a basic level of understanding of the topic, and signal areas for individual further study and essential and further reading.

Lectures provide students with a deep theoretical understanding of principles, approaches, and methods to teach young learners. They also provide students with the opportunity to experience different teaching materials to work with young learners. Group activities and discussions allow students to share and engage through discussions.

Structured Guided Learning activities provide students with weekly opportunities to consolidate learning through guided tasks linked to the weekly topic (e.g. designing activities, completing weekly summary charts /questions and engaging in further reading).

Independent study will enable wider reading, further personal self-reflection and assignment preparation.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The skills developed in the module will be assessed through the recorded video presentation and the essay. Students will produce a critical evaluation of some aspect of thinking skills theory and how this relates to teaching practice.

General Notes

N/A