GERM/FREN 450: Practicum in Foreign Language Teaching
Prof. Katya Skow
Spring 2007
Office Hours: M-F 8:00-9:00 and by appt.
Tel: 953-6886;
Expected Results:
§ a brief overview of 20th-century foreign language teaching methodology.
§ an appreciation of how lessons are planned and carried out.
§ an understanding of how different methodologies can be combined effectively.
§ an overview of different teaching personalities and styles.
§ a practical experience in the classroom
Readings:
Hadley, Alice Omaggio. Teaching Language in Context. 3rd Edition (2000). Handouts
Long, James D. and Virginia Frye. Making it till Friday. 3rd Edition. Handouts
Requirements:
· 35 % Readings, question sets, and summaries: after each reading, you will complete in writing either a set of questions based on the reading, or a summary of what you have read.
· Regular weekly meetings during the first 2/3 of the semester to discuss readings and your teaching observations.
· 5 class observations: during the first 2/3 of the semester you will observe 5 different classes. Please visit at least three different professors. Check the schedule posted outside of the Modern Languages office. Find a German, French, or Spanish class (101-201) that you can attend. Contact the professor to find out when would be a good time (you don’t want to observe on test day). Observe the class. Schedule a short “post-observation” meeting with the professor.
· 35 % 5 class observation reports; written reports following a standardized format that include constructive comments.
· 30% teaching trials: towards the end of the semester, after you have completed the 5 observations, you will have 2 or 3 chances (depending on scheduling) to try out what you have learned. You will submit to me a lesson plan well in advance. I will complete class observation reports.