126232 VK MEd 01A/B: VK Specific Issues in Language Learning and Teaching (2024S)

This course aims to increase awareness of the needs of students with specific learning differences when acquiring another language. It provides the necessary theoretical background to help you understand the nature of the various specific learning differences and neurodiversity as well as the underlying principles of effective instructional programs. The module equips you with a repertoire of practical teaching and assessment techniques for the inclusive classroom.

In the course you will also evaluate resources used in teaching languages to students with learning difficulties and design language teaching tasks that meet the needs of students with different ability profiles.
Planned topics:
1. Introduction and discourses of disability
2. What are Specific Learning Difficulties?
3. Identifying specific learning difficulties in multilingual contexts:
4. The impact of SpLDs on learning additional languages
5. General principles of inclusive education and multisensory structured learning
6. Using digital technology to teach students with SpLDs
7. Teaching spelling and pronunciation in an inclusive classroom
8. Teaching vocabulary and grammar in an inclusive classroom
9. Teaching reading and writing in an inclusive classroom
10. Adapting language teaching tasks and materials to meet the diverse needs of students
11. Teaching listening and speaking in an inclusive classroom
12. Fairness and universal design in language assessment
13. Supporting self-regulation of learning