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Free University of Bozen-Bolzano

Didactics of English language 2

Semester 2 · 82040 · University course for initial training of secondary school teachers in the Italian language - 60CP · 3CP · EN


This English Language Teaching (ELT) course focuses on how to use art as a tool to teach English to Italian secondary school students. It aims to equip English teachers with methods to enhance language acquisition through the use of visual arts, museum resources, and creative classroom tasks. Participants will explore how art can support grammar, vocabulary, speaking, and writing skills in the English language classroom.

The course emphasises hands-on activities, museum visits, and collaborative work to develop art-based teaching units.

Lecturers: Cecilia Lazzeretti

Teaching Hours: 18
Lab Hours: 0
Mandatory Attendance: In accordance with the regulation

Course Topics
- The role of art in English language acquisition and intercultural competence - Exploring museums as a resource for English language teaching - Visual literacy and using artworks to teach grammar, vocabulary, speaking, and writing - Designing learning tasks and projects inspired by artworks - Collaborative workshops for developing and refining teaching units - Peer feedback and micro-presentations Activities include museum visits, group work on lesson plans, and presentations of final teaching units.

Teaching format
Blended format with short frontal inputs, hands-on workshops, group work, reflective discussions, and guided work sessions. Course activities are designed to be completed during class time.

Educational objectives
- Provide teachers with creative and flexible methods to teach English using art. - Encourage reflection on learner engagement and motivation. - Promote interdisciplinary and cross-curricular teaching approaches. - Provide ready-to-implement teaching materials. On completion of the course, participants will demonstrate: Knowledge and Understanding - An understanding of how visual arts and cultural artifacts can support language learning and intercultural competence. - Knowledge of strategies for integrating art-based materials into the English language classroom for students at A2–B1 level. Making Judgements - Ability to critically assess and select appropriate artworks and visual materials for different linguistic and pedagogical purposes. - Ability to evaluate the effectiveness of art-based teaching strategies in different classroom contexts. Communication Skills - Ability to clearly present and explain a teaching unit that integrates art into the English language classroom. - Ability to engage in professional discussion and collaboration with peers, giving and receiving constructive feedback on teaching materials. Learning Skills - Ability to autonomously design creative, interdisciplinary teaching materials and adapt them to diverse learner needs. - Development of reflective teaching practices, integrating insights from course activities and peer feedback into future planning.

Assessment
- Oral exam: presentation of a teaching unit based on an art-related topic - In-class participation and contributions to collaborative activities

Evaluation criteria
- Clarity and coherence of the teaching unit - Integration of art and English language learning objectives - Creativity and relevance of proposed activities - Active participation and collaboration throughout the course

Required readings

Grundy, P., Bociek, H. and Parker, K. (2011). English Through Art. Innsbruck: Helbling Languages.




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Sustainable Development Goals
This teaching activity contributes to the achievement of the following Sustainable Development Goals.

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