This seminar provides participants with an understanding of basic principles of first- and second-language acquisition and the theoretical underpinnings of commonly used language teaching methods. It additionally offers in-service training in teaching, in creating and adapting instructional materials through the Discovery-based approach, and in designing tests for use in the Lower Division Program in French. The two-hour weekly meetings consist of lecture, discussion of readings and a focus on the practicum. GSIs are also required to attend a pilot class on select dates and as indicated on the lesson plans.
Enrollment in this course is required for GSIs in their first semester of teaching in the French Department. The course is also open to GSIs teaching other foreign languages and whose departments do not offer a pedagogy program, as it qualifies for the GSI Teaching and Resource Center's Certificate of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education.



Required Texts:

o Lightbown, P. and Spada, N. How Languages Are Learned, 4th edition. Oxford University Press.

o Additional select readings (to be found on BCourses)