This module will examine how second language vocabulary is taught and which teaching approaches are recommended on the basis of research findings. It will initially examine what 'vocabulary knowledge' means and which factors facilitate or impede vocabulary learning. This theoretical knowledge will form the basis for the rest of the sessions, which will review the literature on vocabulary teaching. Most classes will examine methods of second language vocabulary teaching and practice, including how teachers can test their students' vocabulary knowledge.

Week 16 What is a 'word' and what is 'vocabulary knowledge'?
Week 17 What makes a word easy/difficult to learn?
Week 18 Choosing words to teach
Week 19 L2 vocabulary teaching I
Week 20 L2 vocabulary practice methods
Week 21 L2 vocabulary teaching II
Week 22 Fostering students' independent vocabulary learning
Week 23 Vocabulary tests for language teachers I
Week 24 Vocabulary tests for language teachers II
Week 25 L2 vocabulary and the four skills: implications for language teaching

By the end of the module students should:
a) be familiar with the principles underlying vocabulary selection for instruction
b) be familiar with various vocabulary teaching methods and able to form an opinion about the effectiveness of each method
c) be familiar with various tests of the vocabulary knowledge of EFL learners in various ways
d) be familiar with ways of promoting independent vocabulary learning in second language learners
e) be aware of the role that vocabulary knowledge plays in reading, writing, listening and speaking tasks