Pronunciation Matters: Teaching English pronunciation communicatively
The importance of pronunciation is one of the few agreed upon aspects of English language teaching, both among learners and teachers. However, a closer look at classroom practices all too often reveals that pronunciation is a neglected language system, typically done on an unplanned basis where it is reduced to an inferior 'add-on' activity, rather than being viewed as an essential, pre-programmed component of an English language course. This continuous education course aims to correct this current state of affairs by demonstrating that pronunciation matters a lot in the classroom and plays an absolutely essential role in the learning process. With this in mind, course participants will explore the various ways that pronunciation impacts on everything we do in the classroom, including the serious effects it has on the four language skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening).
Participants will learn how to critically reflect on their own pronunciation goals and pronunciation teaching practices, and they will receive the necessary tools to develop pronunciation materials and implement contemporary pedagogical approaches to pronunciation teaching. Ultimately, participants will be equipped with the necessary theoretical and practical tools required to bring pronunciation into the very heart of their English language classroom in a meaningful and principled way.
Dirigido a
This course is open to new and experienced English language teachers of any educational context who want to innovate their pronunciation teaching practices within a contemporary communicative approach. The minimum English language proficiency level is B1+/B2, according to the Common European Framework (CEFR), since the course will be presented in English as well as all the content and resources provided.
Objetivos
During the course, participants will:
1)learn about the core pronunciation features of the English language.
2)acquire the pedagogical knowledge and practical techniques needed to teach English pronunciation in different teaching contexts.
3)create a variety of activities and materials for effective pronunciation teaching.
4)learn how to use technological apps, programs and useful websites available for pronunciation teaching.
5)Improve their English pronunciation.
Metodología
This course is presented within a flipped learning approach in which specific core explanations of the content will be assigned before class. Participants are expected to prepare and come to class ready to clarify doubts and apply what they have learned. Lessons will include individual and group work, pronunciation recordings, quizzes, hands-on activities, pronunciation practice, materials design, the use of tech tools, and presentations.
Participants’ main task will be to create pronunciation activities that include the concepts and strategies learned in the sessions as well as co-evaluate and reflect on their teaching practices.
20 horas sincrónicas 10 asincrónicas (5 semanas) – 30 horas en total
Contenido
- A History of English Pronunciation Teaching and Current issues in Pronunciation
- Segmental features of English Pronunciation (the vowel and consonant system)
- The vowel sounds
- The consonant sounds
- Suprasegmental Features of English
- Word and sentence stress
- Rhythm and intonation
- How to Teach English Pronunciation
- Implementing a pedagogical framework (communicative & flipped learning framework)
- Different Types of Pronunciation lessons and Lesson planning and materials design
- Using authentic materials in pronunciation teaching
- Teaching pronunciation to young learners (phonological awareness, phonics)
- Having fun with pronunciation
- Using the color vowel chart
Profesores
Condiciones
Eventualmente la Universidad puede verse obligada, por causas de fuerza mayor a cambiar sus profesores o cancelar el programa. En este caso el participante podrá optar por la devolución de su dinero o reinvertirlo en otro curso de Educación Continua que se ofrezca en ese momento, asumiendo la diferencia si la hubiere.
La apertura y desarrollo del programa estará sujeto al número de inscritos. El Departamento/Facultad (Unidad académica que ofrece el curso) de la Universidad de los Andes se reserva el derecho de admisión dependiendo del perfil académico de los aspirantes.
