FL 497     Methods in Foreign Language Teaching

Instructors:            Dr. Robert Adler:  Wesleyan Hall 310

                              Dr. B. Lee Hurren:  Stevens Hall 502

1.      Course Description: FL 497 - Practical aspects of teaching and learning foreign languages at primary, middle and secondary levels.  Topics covered include foreign language curricula, preparation and presentation of lesson material, classroom management, professional organizations, discovery and use of resources and technology and professional behaviors.  Coursework include on-site class observations and practice exercises.  Does not satisfy requirements for foreign language major, minor or general studies component.

2.      Justification: To meet No Child Left Behind and State guidelines for secondary education foreign language programs.

3.      Outline of Course Topics:

I.         Learning to learn

II.       Maximizing potential

III.      Classroom management

IV.   Developing listening skills

V.     Encouraging more talk

VI.   Video use

VII.  Developing reading skills

VIII.Teaching and learning vocabulary

IX.   Wavelength (TV use)

X.     Planning, Evaluating, and Assessing Modern Foreign Language (MFL) learning

XI.   Broadening the content

XII.  Role Play

XIII. Beyond the Classroom

XIV. Observe a lesson taught by Dr. Adler and/or Dr. Hurren in a public classroom setting.  Participate in discussion and reflection of lesson.

4.      Activities Required of Students:  Interview a current secondary school foreign language teacher, read and summarize two articles from journals related to foreign language instruction, complete 15 hours of foreign language classroom observations and write reflections, write/create two detailed unit plans, teach at least one lesson.  Professor(s) will monitor students' on-site experiences, including observations, tutoring, and/or lesson demonstrations.  Therefore, students will submit monthly their on-site placements and schedules in advance to Dr. Adler and Dr. Hurren.

5.      Evaluation Procedures

Interview                                                                                   50 (CF 1, 3, 6)

Journal reviews (2)                                                                  50 (CF 1, 4)

Observations                                                                         100 (CF 1, 3, 5, 6)

Unit plans (2)                                                                         100 (CF 1, 2, 4, 5, 6)

Teach a lesson                                                                      100 (CF 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)

Mid-term exam                                                                      100 (CF 2, 6)

Final exam                                                                             100 (CF 2, 6)

Class discussion, attendance, and participation              200 (CF 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)

Swarbrick, A. (Ed.). (2002).  Aspects of teaching secondary modern foreign languages: Perspectives on practice.  New York: Routledge Falmer.

Learning Strategies: This course will be taught using diverse methods. Traditional reading of the text and lecture/discussion will be used; however, this will be done in a student-centered fashion so that both the students and the instructor are engaged in dialogue and a process of discovery.

Accommodation Statement

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the University offers reasonable accommodations to students with eligible documented learning, physical and/or psychological disabilities. Under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities as compared to an average person in the population. It is the responsibility of the student to contact Developmental Services prior to the beginning of the semester to initiate the accommodation process and to notify instructors within the first three class meetings to develop an accommodation plan. Appropriate, reasonable accommodations will be made to allow each student to meet course requirements, but no fundamental or substantial alteration of academic standards will be made. Students needing assistance should contact Developmental Services.

The following rubric will be used for grading journal reviews

50    Demonstrates exceptional degree of content understanding

      ●    outstanding grasp of main idea and significant supporting details

      ●    presents interpretations, generalizations, and/or predictions based on specific and compelling evidence

45    Demonstrates high degree of content understanding

      ●    thorough and accurate grasp of main ideas and relevant specific supporting details

      ●    presents interpretations, generalizations, and/or predictions based on specific and solid evidence

40    Demonstrates some degree of content understanding

      ●    indicates an understanding of main ideas and relevant specific supporting details

      ●    presents obvious interpretations, generalizations, and/or predictions based on adequate but not exhaustive evidence

35    Demonstrates inadequate degree of content understanding

      ●    correctly identifies some main ideas; focuses on isolated details or misunderstandings or omits some significant details

      ●    attempts to present interpretations, generalizations, and/or predictions; fails to provide adequate support

30    limited degree of content understanding falls below grade level:

      ●    shows a fragmented, inaccurate, or incomplete understanding; presents random, incomplete, or irrelevant evidence

      ●    fails to provide supported interpretations, generalizations, and/or predictions, or provides those that are not supportable.

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH ALABAMA

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

    CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

“Engaging Learners,

            Inspiring Leaders,

                        Transforming Lives”

The Conceptual Framework establishes a shared vision in preparing educators to work effectively in P–12 schools and provides direction for programs, courses, teaching, candidate performance, scholarship, service and accountability.  The Conceptual Framework is continuously evaluated in an outcome based system, and is knowledge-based, articulated, shared and consistent with the University of North Alabama’s institutional mission –

“Changing lives. Creating futures.”

The Conceptual Framework is designed to reflect current research-based knowledge and effective practices through professionalism, assessment, collaboration, technology, diversity and reflection. The UNA College of Education prepares

“Knowledgeable Practicing Professionals”

      who:

1.      Have content and pedagogical knowledge to demonstrate  professionalism through a set of beliefs, actions, dispositions and ethical standards that form the core of their practice;

2.      Have the knowledge and ability to use assessment strategies to guide teaching and learning, especially impact on student learning, and to strengthen instruction and increase professional growth

3.      Form communities of learners with other teachers, parents, and members of the community, through collaboration, teamwork, and research-based approaches;

4.      Use technology to support assessment, planning and instruction for promoting student learning;

5.      Value and plan for diversity in curriculum development, instructional strategies and in the promotion of social consciousness;

6.      Know and use self-awareness and reflection as decision-making tools for assuring student learning, professional performance and personal growth.

Graduates of the University of North Alabama’s College of Education are knowledgeable practicing professionals who are prepared as outstanding educators and leaders through achievement of the highest standards of knowledge and practice to assist all students to learn.

Name_______________________  Date of visit___________  Time_______________

School visited__________________________  Grade/class______________________

Observation notes _________________________________________________________  ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________

Reflections______________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________

Accommodations/modifications observed______________________________________

________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________

Student signature_______________________________________

Teacher visited______________________ Teacher signature______________________

UNA     University of North Alabama

   SINCE 1830

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

Florence, Alabama  35632-0001

College of Education

Department of Secondary Education

UNA Box 5046

(256) 765-4575

Fax (256) 765-4159

09 January 2008

Dear Principal

To meet accreditation standards set by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, our students enrolled in FL 497 (Methods in Foreign Language Teaching) must complete 15 hours of clinical observations in schools.  The observations do not have to be completed in the same classroom or even in the same school.  Because of differences in individual schedules, students will observe for different lengths of time during their visits.

Each student has been instructed to arrange his or her own clinical experiences with the principal and teachers involved.  Each student will check in at the office prior to each visit, follow the appropriate bell schedule to reduce distractions, and quietly observe the activities in the classroom.  The school and the teacher have no obligation to the UNA student, and his/her presence should cause no burden whatsoever.

The student and I will appreciate your allowing him/her to complete some or all of the observation hours in your school.  Please feel free to contact one of us for further information.

Sincerely,

Dr. Robert Adler  765-4687

Dr. B. Lee Hurren  765-4686