ERIC Number: EJ997531
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012
Pages: 8
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1559-663X
EISSN: N/A
The Teaching Toolbox: Reconciling Theory, Practice, and Language in a Teacher Training Course
Vanderwoude, Amber
English Teaching Forum, v50 n4 p2-9 2012
Those who have had the opportunity to teach content-based courses to English language learners have likely experienced the satisfaction that arises from having clearly defined subject matter through which language can be taught, along with an added dimension of relevance that ties students not only to the language of the course, but to the topics under discussion. However, it is equally likely that this approach to language teaching has also presented challenges as the teacher strives to find the proper balance between the content and the language of the course. When the course in question consists of pre-service, content-based teachers who also happen to be language learners, the struggle to balance the instruction of content--including theory, subject matter, and practical skills--with language can be a daunting task. This article addresses some challenges inherent in conveying successful content language teaching methods and offers five sample activities that focus on making the methodology explicit, which will be invaluable when the students enter their future careers as language teachers. (Contains 6 figures.)
Descriptors: Teaching Methods, Second Language Learning, English Language Learners, English (Second Language), Teacher Education, Theory Practice Relationship, Language Teachers, Preservice Teachers, Reading, Trainees
US Department of State. Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Office of English Language Programs, SA-5, 2200 C Street NW 4th Floor, Washington, DC 20037. e-mail: etforum@state.gov; Web site: http://www.forum.state.gov
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: Teachers
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A


