Bachelor 2020/2021

Techniques for effective language learning

Type: Elective course (Foreign Languages and Intercultural Communication)

Area of studies: Linguistics

Delivered by: School of Foreign Languages

Where: School of Foreign Languages

When: 1 year, 1-4 module

Mode of studies: offline

Instructors: Natalia Zakharova

Language: English

ECTS credits: 8

Contact hours: 24

Course Syllabus

Abstract

The course introduces students to the basics of English Language Learning and Teaching, allows to develop project work skills, gives an opportunity to experience and experiment with online apps and programs for language learners, and to select the most effective tools for self-development as language students. The following topics will be covered in the course: Focus on 4C: Communication, Collaboration, Cognition, Creativity (1)How communication and collaboration can help you become a professional (2)How to think like a scientist and create like an artist: project work skills Focus on activities and techniques: (1)How to train your memory for words: pelmanism games, disappearing text, jigsaw puzzles, etc. (2)Fun tasks for grammar practice: grammar mad libs, grammar snakes and ladders, collaborative stories, etc. Focus on methods: (1)Speaking naturally: Task-based learning (2)Listening attentively: Dogme (3)Reading with pleasure: Text-based learning (4)Writing like a writer: Lexical approach

Learning Objectives

• Students will have an opportunity to practice various techniques and methods of learning vocabulary and grammar. A range of tools for developing speaking, listening reading, listening and writing skills will be introduced for students to use them in individual and collaborative work.
• Students will be better aware of the modern methods of learning English and be able to try a range of off- and online resources.
• Students will be better aware of the psychological factors which inform a better individual choice of learning methods and techniques.
• Students will learn how to select effective resources and methods of learning English.

Expected Learning Outcomes

• Students will be better aware of the new methods and techniques of learning English.
• Students will be better aware of the psychological factors which may influence their individual learning style.
• Students will improve their skills of collaborative work in the online format.
• Students will improve their ability to evaluate the effectiveness of some techniques and methods of learning.
• Students will be better aware of the recent online resources for English learners and be able to select them according to their individual needs.
• Students will reflect on their individual psychological determinants and take them into account when selecting techniques and methods of learning.
• Students will have basic knowledge of the terms which are used in ELT.
• Students will improve their skills of project work (planning, selecting resources, visualizing information, presenting findings, assessing their work).

Course Contents

• Topic 1. Focus on 4C: Communication, Collaboration, Cognition, Creativity
  What psychological factors influence your learning style. What factors should be taken into account when learning a language.
• Topic 2-3. Focus on activities and techniques: learning vocabulary and grammar.
  How to train your memory for words. How to better understand and memorize grammar constructions.
• Topic 4-5. Focus on methods of improving skills: Speaking, Listening, Reading, Writing.
  How to sound authentic, to express your ideas clearly and not to be afraid of making mistakes. How to be an attentive listener and to identify important information. How to read quickly and effectively. How to improve writing skills.
• Topic 6-7. Focus of research skills: evaluating, selecting and using the right resources and methods.
  How to choose the technique or method you need. How to help others to find effective learning tools.

Assessment Elements

• Active participation during the lesson/ Активное участие студента в занятии
• Written feedback at the end of each lesson: there is a set of 2-3 questions after each lesson
• Проект
• презентация/ presentation

Interim Assessment

• Interim assessment (4 module)
  0.27 * Active participation during the lesson/ Активное участие студента в занятии + 0.27 * Written feedback at the end of each lesson: there is a set of 2-3 questions after each lesson + 0.19 * презентация/ presentation + 0.27 * Проект

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

• Anderson, G. (2019). Mastering Collaboration : Make Working Together Less Painful and More Productive (Vol. First edition). Sebastopol, CA: O’Reilly Media. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=2040637
• Formation of the Research Skills of Students during Studying the Foreign Language (English) at the University. (2019). Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsbas&AN=edsbas.A9A1DEF4

Recommended Additional Bibliography

• Ronald W. Langacker. (2008). Cognitive Grammar : A Basic Introduction. Oxford University Press.
• Rybold, G. (2006). Speaking, Listening and Understanding : Debate for Non-native-English Speakers. New York, NY: International Debate Education Association. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=171569