Didactics of English language - In-depth Analysis

Semester 2 · 82092 · University course for initial training of secondary school teachers in the Italian language - 60CP · 2CP · EN

The course is designed to provide insights that are aligned with the disciplinary content required for the competition class. It is divided into two modules entitled:
1) Sociolinguistics and Interculturality: Teaching English Variation and Cultural Competence in Secondary Education and
2) Storytelling with Young Adults as a Catalyst for Deeper Reflection on Language, Communication, Culture, and Global Issues

See the individual module sections below for details of the content of these two modules.

Lecturers: Martina Irsara, Maria Cristina Gatti

Teaching Hours: 12
Lab Hours: 0
Mandatory Attendance: In accordance with the regulation

Course Topics
- language varieties of English - English as a lingua franca - English for intercultural communication - storytelling as a pedagogical tool for teaching English to young adults - the role of storytelling in improving communication and encouraging critical reflection on global issues

Teaching format
Lectures

Educational objectives
Participants will be encouraged to work toward the following learning outcomes: - Develop awareness of the major varieties of English, particularly those from the second and third phases of the diaspora (e.g., American, Indian, and European Englishes); - Examine how English functions as a global medium of communication across diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds; - Encourage sensitivity to cultural differences and the dynamics of intercultural interaction in global contexts; - Define the concept of storytelling and its relevance to language learning for young adults; - Identify the pedagogical benefits and discuss the challenges of using storytelling with young adult learners; - Apply established criteria for selecting appropriate stories for use in the classroom; - Evaluate the potential of picturebooks as tools for engaging young adults in critical thinking, language and citizenship education. By the end of this course, participants will be able to: - demonstrate knowledge of linguistic features and sociolinguistic contexts of American, Indian, and European Englishes; - evaluate the use of English in global contexts and discuss its implications for language teaching and communication; - critically assess the implications of global English use in secondary education; - discuss different meanings and applications of the term storytelling; - demonstrate an increased awareness of the fact that storytelling is not a phenomenon confined to childhood, but rather extends into adolescence and adulthood; - engage in a critical discussion of the applications of storytelling in the secondary school context; - demonstrate an increased awareness of the ways in which storytelling can act as a catalyst for transcultural learning and critical thinking, to name but two of the key competencies in secondary education today.

Assessment
Written assessment consisting of open-ended questions

Evaluation criteria
In the written test, participants will be expected to demonstrate a clear understanding and critical reflection of the course content by providing thoughtful comments that consider both the benefits and challenges of the issues discussed, while also demonstrating an awareness of multiple perspectives. Assessment will focus on the participants’ use of language, including clarity, accuracy, and coherence, as well as the depth and relevance of their responses. Particular emphasis will be placed on the ability to present reasoned, reflective content that demonstrates critical engagement with the course topics.

Required readings

See the individual module sections below.

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

Modules

Semester 1 · 82092A · University course for initial training of secondary school teachers in the Italian language - 60CP · 1CP · EN

Module A — Sociolinguistics and Interculturality: Teaching English Variation and Cultural Competence in Secondary Education

This module provides an introduction to the sociolinguistic and intercultural dimensions of English language teaching in secondary education. It explores the global diversity of English, focusing on linguistic varieties that have emerged in the second and third phases of the English language diaspora, including American, Indian, and European Englishes. Special attention is given to the role of English as a lingua franca (ELF) and its implications for language use in international and multicultural contexts as well as how ELF can serve as a powerful tool for promoting intercultural learning.

Lecturers: Maria Cristina Gatti

Teaching Hours: 6
Lab Hours: 0

Course Topics
Varieties of English in the global context: American, Indian, and Australian Englishes: phonological, syntactic and lexical variations. Historical and socioolinguistic background of English language spread. Phases of the English diaspora and models for a (dynamic) classification. Concepts of culture and intercultural competence. The role of English in facilitating intercultural dialogue. Integrating intercultural objectives in the language classroom: an authentic experience.

Teaching format
Lecture

Required readings

Selected chapters from the following books:

Davies A. and Elder C. (Eds.) (2004) The Handbook of Applied Linguistics. John Wiley & Sons.

Fäcke C, Gao X, and Garrett-Rucks P. (Eds.) (2024) The Handbook of Plurilingual and Intercultural Language Learning. John Wiley & Sons.

Supplementary readings

Further readings will be provided during the course.

Semester 1 · 82092B · University course for initial training of secondary school teachers in the Italian language - 60CP · 1CP · EN

Module B — Storytelling with Young Adults as a Catalyst for Deeper Reflection on Language, Communication, Culture, and Global Issues

In order to deepen the understanding of key theories in second, further or foreign language learning, as well as different approaches and methods in language teaching, the course will explore some principles of storytelling for young adults. Storytelling will be examined within the broader framework of the communicative approach, as it offers opportunities for language development through conversation and critical discussion of narratives.

Lecturers: Martina Irsara

Teaching Hours: 6
Lab Hours: 0

Course Topics
Module B of the course will cover the following key areas: - An introduction to the concept of storytelling and its relevance in language learning for young adults; - Exploration of the pedagogical benefits and challenges of integrating storytelling into language teaching for young adults; - Discussion of established criteria for selecting suitable stories for classroom use; - Critical evaluation of picturebooks as educational tools to promote language development, critical thinking, and global citizenship among young adults.

Teaching format
Lectures that emphasise active participant engagement and discussion

Required readings

Selected extracts from the following source will be discussed, with additional references provided during the course:

Alter, G., & Merse, T. (2023). (Eds.), Re-thinking picturebooks for intermediate and advanced learners: Perspectives for secondary English language education. Narr Francke Attempto.