Teach English Now! Theories of Second Language Acquisition Course Syllabus

Overview: This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the theories and practices of second language acquisition (SLA), designed for aspiring ESL teachers and educators. Over approximately 84 hours of content (6 modules at 14 hours each), learners will explore foundational SLA theories, historical and modern teaching methods, and their practical applications in the classroom. The course concludes with a reflective project that integrates theory and practice, helping participants develop a personal teaching philosophy grounded in research. Modules are self-paced, with lifetime access upon enrollment.

Module 1: Introduction to Second Language Acquisition

Estimated time: 14 hours

• Foundational concepts of second language acquisition
• The role of input in language learning
• The importance of interaction in SLA
• The function of output in language development

Module 2: Language Teaching Methods

Estimated time: 14 hours

• Communicative Language Teaching (CLT)
• Task-Based Language Teaching
• Content-Based Instruction
• Best practices for teaching listening, speaking, and pronunciation

Module 3: Theories of Language Learning

Estimated time: 14 hours

• Behaviorism and language acquisition
• Cognitivism in language learning
• Constructivism and social learning theories
• Application of learning theories in the language classroom

Module 4: Historical Approaches

Estimated time: 14 hours

• Grammar Translation Method
• Audio-Lingual Method
• Evolution of language teaching methodologies
• Pedagogical implications of historical approaches

Module 5: Language Acquisition and Pedagogy

Estimated time: 14 hours

• Connecting SLA research to classroom practice
• Classroom methodologies informed by acquisition theories
• Designing instruction based on learner needs

Module 6: Final Project

Estimated time: 14 hours

• Develop a personal teaching philosophy
• Create a research-based language teaching strategy
• Justify instructional choices using SLA theories and course research

Prerequisites

• Basic understanding of English language structure
• Interest in teaching English as a second language
• No prior linguistics background required

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Define a personal teaching philosophy grounded in SLA theory
• Describe effective methods for teaching listening, speaking, and pronunciation
• Explain historical language teaching approaches like grammar translation and audio-lingual methods
• Understand key second language acquisition studies and their classroom implications
• Develop a teaching strategy justified by SLA research