Methods of Instruction will include the following: 
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1. Readings. The participants will be provided with readings from L2 teacher-reference textbooks and journal articles on the various topics highlighted in the course.  Generally, two full-length readings are scheduled for each seminar meeting.

2. Discussion. The participants will be expected to contribute and, at times, to lead seminar discussions focused upon assigned readings and activities. If there are a sufficient number of course participants (e.g., 15-20) discussion leader responsibilities will be structured around teams of two collaborators.

3. Group/pair discussion. The participants will be provided with frequent opportunities to work in small groups while describing, analyzing, characterizing, critiquing, and adapting particular aspects of L2 methods, techniques, principles, etc.

4. Demonstrations. The instructor and/or the participants occasionally will demonstrate particular methods, techniques, or principles while using the seminar participants as students. This is conventionally termed "micro-teaching" in a seminar setting.

5. Video recordings. Recorded samples of L2 teachers and students in action (representing both effective and ineffective, appropriate and inappropriate, classroom behaviors) will be used to help students develop critical skills in analyzing and evaluating potentially useful classroom activities.

6. Lectures & Elicitation. Lectures sometimes will be used to provide straight "input." More frequently, the instructor will work with the seminar participants and try to draw out opinions on specific points using question-answer, prompt-response, interactive, participatory techniques.

7. Classroom Visitations. The participants are encouraged, but not required, to visit actual ESL or MFL classrooms while enrolled in this TSLP course.  Classroom visitations provide invaluable opportunities for seeing L2 classroom dynamics through the eyes of an interested observer.  If you are interested in visiting an ESL class currently being offered at GSU, contact Dr. Sara Weigle and ask for copy of the ESL classroom visitation form that needs to be filled in and handed back to her well in advance of an actual class visit.  This quarter, Dr. Weigle will be keeping a list of teachers who are willing to have you come in a visit one of their classes.  You can always check with Dr. Weigle for an update on procedures you need to follow).


In sum, the course will include (1) in-class discussions and presentations, (2) out-of-class study, reading and practice, (3) In-class opportunities to develop critical and analytical skills, (4) In-class experiential opportunities such as microteaching, discussing video recordings, and peer teaching, (5) opportunities for L2 classroom visitations, etc.
 

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