Fundamentals of Second Language Acquisition (FSLA-35)

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The Fundamentals of Second Language Acquisition (FSLA) is a 35 hour pragmatic teacher training program that is designed to enhance the caliber of ESL / EFL teachers through an intensive, yet comprehensive, training program that links theory to practice. The FSLA teacher training program provides the essentials required for ESL / EFL teachers to operate an effective classroom that is conducive to second language acquisition to learners of English as a second / foreign language.

The FSLA program introduces ESL / EFL teachers to theories of second language acquisition, teaching methods, instruction techniques, and effective language learning approaches. It exposes ESL / EFL teachers to rich comparative research in the fields of second language acquisition and Applied Linguistics. Teachers will gain an in-depth knowledge of language pedagogy and the different approaches to teaching grammar to diverse learners in a multicultural classroom. Teachers working in higher education and post-secondary education settings will learn the principles of adult learning.

Teachers will learn about the impact of sociolinguistics and psycholinguistics on second language acquisition and how they contribute to the development of a foreign language. The program aims to equip ESL / EFL teachers with the knowledge and skills needed to implement the most effective practices to maximize learning and achieve desired learning outcomes. Teachers will be introduced to the essential elements of educational psychology, and acquire the fundamental tools to dealing with misbehavior and how to handle the most challenging discipline problems inside the classroom that can hinder language acquisition and learning in general, thus affecting the quality of education.

The FSLA teacher training program stresses equal emphasis on all four elements of the teaching and learning process; the teacher, the learner, the curriculum, and the environment that embeds all four elements. It includes effective individual and group work practical activities that allow teachers to actively participate in a collegial environment that is conducive to development.

Enrolment in one of our teacher training program entitles teachers to participate in an after delivery program that allows them to observe other teachers from different schools, collaborate and share expertise. It also includes an after training supervision service, where a multiple of classroom visits are conducted to evaluate teachers and provide them with evaluation reports and tips to make sure that they are implementing what they have learned.

CERTIFICATION

Upon completion of the course:

• Teachers receive a certificate of completion.
• Teachers will be registered in NABES’s database for future recruitment.
• Teachers will be enrolled in After Delivery Evaluation Program.
• Teachers will be enrolled in Peer-to-Peer Collaboration Program.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Introduction to quality education
• The learning cycle and the essential elements of education
• Introduction to quality teachers
• The varied roles of teachers in today’s diverse classroom
• The essential skills for ESL / EFL teachers
• Introduction to Second language Acquisition & Applied Linguistics
• The difference between learning a second language and a foreign language
• Theories of Second Language Acquisition
• Introduction to Sociolinguistics and its impact on language learning
• Laying the foundation for classroom organization & management
• The physical setting of an ESL / EFL classroom
• The essential elements for running an effective ESL / EFL classroom
• Principles of Adult Learning
• Instructional Methods and learning approaches
• Introduction to TTT & PPP approaches to teaching ESL / EFL
• Introduction to language pedagogy and teaching grammar
• Form-Focused instruction vs Meaning-Focused instruction
• Deductive approach vs inductive approach in teaching grammar
• Effective Planning and Preparation
• Introduction to Lesson Planning
• Introduction to curriculum design and development
• Laying the foundation for behaviour management
• Introduction to Psycholinguistics and its impact on language learning
• The psychological aspects that govern an effective classroom setting
• The essential elements for running a nurturing learning environment
• How to manage the classroom effectively
• Introduction to behaviour management
• The difference between behaviour management and behaviour modification
• Types of behaviors & reasons for misbehaviours
• Strategies and techniques to dealing with misbehaviour
• The implementation of rewards and punishments (consequences)
• Positive reinforcement vs. negative reinforcement
• Introduction to theories of motivation
• The Law of Effect, Edward Thorndike
• The Reinforcement Theory / Operant Conditioning, B. F. Skinner
• Methods of Conditioning
• The Drive Reduction Theory, Clark Hull
• The Equity Theory, J. Stacey Adams
• Self Determination Theory, Edward Deci & Richard Ryan
• Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory