Teaching of Listening & Speaking in L2 Contexts

This course will introduce TESOL-TFL MA candidates to the teaching of speaking and listening in second and foreign language contexts. Topics to be covered include factors that influence L2 listening, fluency, pronunciation, pragmatics, and helping learners overcome their anxiety about speaking and listening in their second or foreign language(s). The required textbook has been written specifically for this class. Although the book is written in English, it is intended for teachers of any language. TFL candidates are welcome to focus on teaching speaking and listening in their target languages.

Each participant is expected to attend all the class meetings, to participate regularly and actively in class discussions, and to complete the course projects in a timely and creative manner. In addition to course participation (in class and on our course Canvas), there are three main assignments: (1) an annotated bibliography on a topic to be negotiated with the professor, (2) practical presentations on the topics to be covered, and (3) a final term project. Results of the final course projects will be presented orally and shared with class members in a mock conference presentation and shared on the course Canvas.

This course is offered for either two or three units of credit. All students will participate in all meetings of the course. Those who enroll for two units instead of three will be excused from the annotated bibliography assignment.