EDUCATIONAL LINGUISTICS

The course is divided into three classes. Classes 1 and 2 are reserved for students enrolled in the Literary-Cultural and Political-International curricula (Class 1 for surnames A–L, Class 2 for surnames M–Z). Class 3 is reserved for students enrolled in the Linguistic-Philological-Language Teaching curriculum.

This is one of the characterising courses of the degree 'Languages, Civilisation and Language Sciences' where the student can acquire knowledge and understanding of the basic principles underpinning the field of Educational Linguistics and, more specifically, the field of foreign/second language teaching. The aim of the course is to develop knowledge of the basic principles underlying language acquisition/learning and the teaching of foreign/second languages, highlighting also the cultural aspects, and to develop the ability to understand their application. Additionally, the study will address the historical development of foreign language teaching methodology and pedagogy, as well as issues related to the assessment of language learning.

Knowledge and understanding:
Students will acquire basic knowledge and understanding of: theoretical principles of language teaching, theories of language acquisition and language learning; historical development of language teaching; psychological aspects in language learning; curriculum e learning unit design; language learning assessment.

Applying knowledge and understanding:
Students will be able to establish connections between theory and its implications for teaching practice through the analysis and evaluation of teaching materials, exercises and activities.

Making judgements:
Students will be able to interpret and evaluate the importance, for effective language learning, of various aspects dealt with on the course.

Communication skills:
Students will be able to communicate information, issues and solutions clearly and show mastery of the specific language of the field.

For this course, no prerequisites are required.

CLASSE 1 - studenti con cognome A-L iscritti ai percorsi Letterario-culturale e Politico internazionale

Theories of language acquisition.
Methods and approaches: historical development of language teaching.
Psychological aspects and learner autornomy.
Language skills.
The role of grammar in language teaching.
Culture in language teaching.
Evaluation and assessment.

-BALBONI P.E., (2023). Le nuove sfide di Babele. Insegnare le lingue nelle società liquide 2023 o successive, Torino, UTET Università
-MENEGALE M. (2015). Apprendimento linguistico: una questione di autonomia? Modelli di sviluppo dell'autonomia di apprendimento linguistico e prospettive educative possibili, Trento, ERICKSON
Further study materials will be indicated during the course and will be available on the Moodle platform.

IMPORTANT: Students who are unable to complete their preparation in class will be able to access the study materials on Moodle, which will be the same materials used by students attending the in‑class sessions.

A one-hour open-book written examination consisting of five open-ended questions (maximum 6 points each). Three questions assess knowledge and understanding of the course content, while two assess the ability to establish connections between theory and teaching practice. Appropriate use of subject-specific terminology will be assessed in all answers. Students may consult their own printed copies of the course readings listed above, but no electronic devices may be used, except in specific cases agreed upon in advance with the professor.

Final Grade:
The final grade is the sum of the points obtained in the written exam, plus 1 point awarded for the successful completion of at least 4 out of 5 online activities. These online activities are designed to promote discussions and reflections on issues related to language teaching and learning.

written

The instructor is responsible for ensuring the authenticity and originality of all examinations and coursework. In cases of suspected academic misconduct, an additional on-site assessment may be required during the exams, which may differ from the standard format.

Below 18: Insufficient or fragmented knowledge; difficulty understanding fundamental concepts and connecting them to teaching practice; inadequate use of subject-specific terminology.
18–20: Essential knowledge of the main theoretical content; basic connections between theory and teaching practice; generally appropriate, although not always precise, use of subject-specific terminology.
21–23: Fair knowledge and understanding of the fundamental concepts; ability to identify their main implications for teaching; reasonably accurate use of subject-specific terminology.
24–26: Good, clear and well-structured knowledge of the topics covered; ability to apply theoretical concepts to the analysis of teaching materials, exercises and activities; appropriate use of subject-specific terminology.
27–28: Solid and thorough knowledge; ability to establish relevant connections between theory and practice and formulate well-supported evaluations; precise use of subject-specific terminology.
29–30: Very thorough and well-organised knowledge; excellent ability to critically analyse the teaching implications of theories and justify one’s evaluations; accurate use of subject-specific terminology.
30 with honours: Excellent performance in all components of the examination, demonstrating full mastery of the course content, particularly effective and independent connections between theory and practice, rigorous argumentation, and confident and accurate use of subject-specific terminology.

The course is delivered in a blended format, comprising 10 face-to-face sessions and 5 online sessions, according to the schedule published on the course webpage.
The face-to-face sessions will combine lectures with students’ active participation in individual and group activities.
The online sessions will take place asynchronously during the scheduled periods through forum activities on the Moodle platform.

CLASSE 1 - studenti con cognome A-L iscritti ai percorsi Letterario-culturale e Politico internazionale

The medium of instruction is Italian. However, some materials used - posted on Moodle - may also be in English.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Human capital, health, education" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development