Students

APPL8290 – Evaluating Language Classroom Practice

2022 – Session 2, Online-flexible

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Melissa Reed
melissa.reed@mq.edu.au
Philip Chappell
philip.chappell@mq.edu.au
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
Analysis of language teaching methods and approaches 30% No Week 8
Discussion forum participation 20% No Ongoing
Observation and evaluation of video recorded lessons 30% No Week 11
Your personal language teaching philosophy 20% No Week 13

Analysis of language teaching methods and approaches

Assessment Type 1: Case study/analysis
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: 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.

Observation and evaluation of video recorded lessons

Assessment Type 1: Report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: 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: 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.

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

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.

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/

The Writing Centre

The Writing Centre provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.

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

Student Services and Support

Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:

Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via AskMQ, or contact Service Connect.

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.

Unit information based on version 2022.02 of the Handbook