This course is for teachers interested in developing their understanding of practices and skills required for teaching English for Academic Purposes (EAP). It is primarily aimed at those who are entering the specialised area of EAP but will also be of interest to teachers who wish to explore the area in more detail.

Daytime or early evening sessions- 2 hours per week, 11 weeks

Students are required to complete pre or post-session tasks via the VLE/Moodle (online/e-learning tasks e.g. contribute to forum discussions)

Teaching English for Academic Purposes Online EAS5004E

None

3 assignments:

1. Research a specific academic discipline and produce a short summary report;1000 (25%)

2. Language analysis project: an analysis of the linguistic and rhetorical features of an academic text presented via poster; equivalent to 1000 (25%)

3. An investigation of a specific aspect of EAP or ESAP teaching; to include a background essay and be accompanied by an evaluation of teaching materials 2000 (50%)

This course aims to provide participants with a foundation in the principles and practices of teaching and learning in the field of English for Academic Purposes (EAP) and English for Specific Academic Purposes (ESAP).

Students will develop an understanding of the EAP context and its impact on teacher and learner roles and expectations. They will:

■ gain an understanding of academic contexts, academic discourse communities and practices and their relevance to EAP lesson and course design

■ investigate the role which learner needs, autonomy and criticality play in an academic context

■ investigate disciplinary differences (relating to language and genre)

■ study key features of academic discourse (specific genres and linguistic features)

■ apply knowledge of academic discourse in the analysis of language and skills related tasks and materials

■ enhance their skills in evaluating materials and planning lessons for students in an EAP context

■ study assessment and feedback practices. 

■ develop teacher research skills in academic practice (to better enable and support learners).

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ critically evaluate academic contexts and practices and relate these to teacher and learner roles in the EAP classroom

■ identify learner needs and select appropriate pedagogic frameworks

■ analyse and differentiate key linguistic and rhetorical features of academic discourse

■ apply theory to practice in selecting appropriate materials and frameworks for planning  EAP lessons

■ identify appropriate criteria for EAP assessment

■ apply theory to practice in assessing students and providing formative and summative feedback

■ investigate disciplinary discourse practices an area and present findings

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.