Students

APPL8290 – Evaluating Language Classroom Practice

2021 – Session 2, Fully online/virtual

Session 2 Learning and Teaching Update

The decision has been made to conduct study online for the remainder of Session 2 for all units WITHOUT mandatory on-campus learning activities. Exams for Session 2 will also be online where possible to do so.

This is due to the extension of the lockdown orders and to provide certainty around arrangements for the remainder of Session 2. We hope to return to campus beyond Session 2 as soon as it is safe and appropriate to do so.

Some classes/teaching activities cannot be moved online and must be taught on campus. You should already know if you are in one of these classes/teaching activities and your unit convenor will provide you with more information via iLearn. If you want to confirm, see the list of units with mandatory on-campus classes/teaching activities.

Visit the MQ COVID-19 information page for more detail.

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Philip Chappell
Margaret Wood
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
(APPL600 or APPL6000) and (APPL601 or APPL6010) and permission by special approval
Corequisites Corequisites
APPL920
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

With the increased diversity of contexts for English language learning, language teachers need to develop competencies in evaluating and implementing appropriate language classroom practices for different contexts. This unit is a practical application of the content of APPL6000 and APPL6010. Learners complete classroom observation tasks of videorecorded lessons; evaluate a series of videorecorded lessons based upon principles of TESOL methodology, including planning and programming principles; and systematically compare and contrast different approaches to second language teaching and learning - all this across a variety of language teaching and learning contexts. The unit is aimed at students looking for a practical application of TESOL methodology without undertaking a Practicum. It is not intended as a replacement for the practical experience gained on a practicum such as APPL8220.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • ULO1: Critically evaluate language lessons taught by others, identifying the main elements that enabled and/or inhibited successful teaching/learning to be achieved.
  • ULO2: Analyse constituent parts of language lessons (tasks, activities, stages) for their structure and how they relate to other constituent parts.
  • ULO3: Compare and contrast language teaching approaches applied to a specific language learning context.
  • ULO4: Articulate a coherent language teaching philosophy appropriate for a particular learning and teaching context.
  • ULO5: Engage in online discussions of English language teaching issues in a range of contexts, comparing and contrasting issues within those contexts.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Observation and evaluation of video recorded lessons 30% No End week 11
Your personal language teaching philosophy 20% No End week 13
Analysis of language teaching methods and approaches 30% No End week 8
Discussion forum participation 20% No Ongoing

Observation and evaluation of video recorded lessons

Assessment Type 1: Report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: End week 11
Weighting: 30%

Observation of video recorded lessons and evaluation based on a series of questions about the lesson. There are six weekly tasks. Length: maximumum 12 pages using font size 12


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Critically evaluate language lessons taught by others, identifying the main elements that enabled and/or inhibited successful teaching/learning to be achieved.
  • Analyse constituent parts of language lessons (tasks, activities, stages) for their structure and how they relate to other constituent parts.

Your personal language teaching philosophy

Assessment Type 1: Report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: End week 13
Weighting: 20%

Write a statement of your personal language teaching philosophy. Use the following questions to guide your writing. Also use the Topics 12-13: Articulating your wisdom of practice (Assessment Task 3); to prepare for this task. Length: 750 words


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Critically evaluate language lessons taught by others, identifying the main elements that enabled and/or inhibited successful teaching/learning to be achieved.
  • Analyse constituent parts of language lessons (tasks, activities, stages) for their structure and how they relate to other constituent parts.
  • Compare and contrast language teaching approaches applied to a specific language learning context.
  • Articulate a coherent language teaching philosophy appropriate for a particular learning and teaching context.
  • Engage in online discussions of English language teaching issues in a range of contexts, comparing and contrasting issues within those contexts.

Analysis of language teaching methods and approaches

Assessment Type 1: Case study/analysis
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: End week 8
Weighting: 30%

Prepare a report that evaluates the suitability of Total Physical Response, the Audiolingual Method, and the Communicative Approach for your specific language teaching context. Length: 1500 words


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Critically evaluate language lessons taught by others, identifying the main elements that enabled and/or inhibited successful teaching/learning to be achieved.
  • Compare and contrast language teaching approaches applied to a specific language learning context.

Discussion forum participation

Assessment Type 1: Participatory task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 20%

Online learning should be an engaging and interactive experience. This is largely achieved through students actively participating in online discussions of topics that are set in weeks 1-4 and 11. Students are required to:

1) Post their responses to the task question 2) Discuss what others have posted in the forum

Note: To “discuss” is to consider views that are different to your own, making judgements about those views, and making a recommendation. 3) Return to the discussions throughout the semester and adding further thoughts. 4) Students must enter into discussion, as they would be required to do in face-to-face classes, to ensure a passing grade for this task. Length: variable


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Critically evaluate language lessons taught by others, identifying the main elements that enabled and/or inhibited successful teaching/learning to be achieved.
  • Analyse constituent parts of language lessons (tasks, activities, stages) for their structure and how they relate to other constituent parts.
  • Compare and contrast language teaching approaches applied to a specific language learning context.
  • Articulate a coherent language teaching philosophy appropriate for a particular learning and teaching context.
  • Engage in online discussions of English language teaching issues in a range of contexts, comparing and contrasting issues within those contexts.

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • the Writing Centre for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation

Delivery and Resources

All resources are available online in the iLearn unit. Weekly learning tasks and activities are required to be completed. 

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

All assessment tasks must be submitted to be eligible to pass this unit

Requesting an extension to assignment due date

On occasion, you may be in a situation when you aren't able to submit an assessment task on time. Extensions are only given in special circumstances, by completing a Special Consideration request. For more information on Special Consideration, see https://students.mq.edu.au/study/my-study-program/special-consideration  

Late submission of assignments

If you haven't been approved for an extension and you submit your assessment task late, penalties are applied. You should consult your unit convenor if you are in this position. Late submissions will receive a 5% per day penalty. If you submit the assessment task 10 days or more beyond the due date, without an approved extension, you will be awarded a maximum of 50% of the overall assessment marks. Weekends and public holidays are included. 

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to help you improve your marks and take control of your study.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Changes since First Published

Date Description
25/07/2021 Edit to lateness policy
19/07/2021 Added Melissa Reed

Unit information based on version 2021.01R of the Handbook