Course info

The module looks at the recent history of teaching the four skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking) in English Language Teaching (ELT) contexts. The module explores some of the different ways in which theories of reading, writing, listening and speaking have shaped pedagogy and classroom practice and materials development. The module will draw on different teaching and learning contexts within TEFL/TESOL to explore the four skills.

The module aims to explore the main debates that have shaped and informed the different approaches to the teaching of reading, writing, listening and speaking in TEFL/TESOL. In exploring these ideas students will have a better understanding of the different ways in which the four skills are understood and conceptualised. They will be provided with a theoretical platform from which to consider, and reflect upon, their own experiences and approaches to teaching these skills.

By the end of the module, students will:
* be able to critically discuss the different approaches to teaching reading and writing
* be able to critically discuss the different approaches to teaching listening and speaking
* be able to discuss their preferred approaches to the teaching the four skills
* be able to take a principled approach to evaluating and adapting course books and materials for reading, writing, listening and speaking in ELT