Presentation of course

The English language course for Escuelas Normales is designed to develop student´s ability to communicate effectively in English in contexts that will be important for them. As future teachers in a society where Englis increasingly important for engaging successfully with professional and social activities, it is essential that all students develop a good level of proficiency in Englis. Englis is growing in importance for accessing information, makin useful contacts, understanding other cultures and participating in cultural activies. As UNESCO has said: Linguistic competencies are fundamental for the empowerment of the individual in democratic and plural societies, as they condition school achievement, promote access to other cultures and encourage openness to cultural exchange. English is particulary important for students because of its role in multinational communicative settings.

From 202 onwards, the curriculum has included English language within the curriculum map of both undergraduate programs for Pre-school Education and Primary Education, in order to improve the communicative competency to trainee teachers.

From 2018 onwards, the English language course becomes part of the curricular map in every undergraduate program at Teacher Training schools.

This course has three main aims:

1).- Develop their ability to use English in personal and social communications, to develop relationships, complete transactions and carry meet everyday. needs.

2).- Increase their engagement with cultural and intercultural activies in English, in order to develop a better understanding of their own culture as well as other cultures around the world

3).- Develop their ability to teach in a school environment where English is an important aspect to the school´s approach. Schools are expected to use English increasingly for various teaching and learning activies, and future teacher need to be confident in using English in the school environment.

The English language course is based on the communicative approach to language learning in line with the Common European Framework of Reference from the Council of Europe. Morse specifically, there are five main principles of languages learning that underpin this curriculum:

1.- Focus on meaningful communication

2.- Teach authentic English

3.- Students learn most effectively through doing

4.- Students learn best when mitivated and engaged

5.- Differentiate the teaching according to different interest and needs among each group of students.

These principles, and the implications for teaching, are spelled out in more detail in the section on Teacher Guidelines.

 

 

Learning Unit 1: People, food and dishes

Learning Unit Objective: Describe peoples´s looks and physical appearance

 

Main competences for Learning Unit 1

a).- Describe people´s looks and physical appearance

b).- Give instructions to prepare dishes

c).- Order food and give opinions on dishes