Course content

This course deals with issues relating to teaching and student learning in Spanish. There is a focus on the development of written and oral skills in Spanish, and development of students’ skills in the Spanish classroom. The cognitive and affective factors (e.g. motivation and identity) involved in the learning process are central considerations in the course. The course provides the foundation for planning, implementation, evaluation and reflection on one’s own teaching, as well as reflection upon one’s own language learning and foreign language acquisition in general. The course emphasizes knowledge and insight in pedagogical approaches and research within foreign language learning that can contribute to improvements in one’s own teaching practice.

Learning outcome

Learning outcomes after course completion are as follows:

Knowledge

The candidate:

• has knowledge of different theoretical perspectives and research related to foreign language teaching, learning and learning strategies
• has knowledge of how work with the development of basic skills can be integrated in a course
• has improved his/her written and oral skills in Spanish with a high degree of grammatical accuracy, which may be transferred to future students

Skills

The candidate:

• can apply and follow an applicable syllabus for planning and implementation of teaching
• can convey a solid understanding of concepts in teaching
• can plan and implement varied teaching, and analyze and develop his/her own praxis based on experience and research
• can reflect on factors that are important for language learning, and discuss pedagogical challenges related to the subject
• can apply digital tools for language learning

Learning methods and activities

The course is offered as online distance learning over approx. 13 weeks. The course has online lessons with assignments covering the different topics. The lesson of instruction is Spanish, and all coursework must be conducted in Spanish.

The are 3 to 4 online meetings in the course, in addition to online meetings relating to required activities. 75 % attendance is mandatory. Any absence over 25% requires documentation.

Obligatory activities cover various aspects of the course. Students are given feedback on obligatory activities and offered supervision. Assignments are assessed as approved/not approved, and all obligatory assignments must be approved in order for the student to qualify to take the exam. Two of the obligatory assignments are subject to revision based on feedback and will be submitted in the exam portfolio at the end of the semester.

This is a fully online course. Information pertaining to access to the course is sent to the email address registered for the student. All communication throughout the run of the course will take place on the course site and learning platform, and NTNU's student email. Students are required to follow all communication channels used by the course.

Students need access to an updated computer and a good internet connection. Students need access to the necessary equipment for online meetings and to record sound and video in an audiovisual presentation.

Compulsory assignments

• Assignment
• Assignment
• Assignment
• 75% attendance in online meetings

Further on evaluation

The course concludes with a portfolio exam, consisting of 3 elements (two of the obligatory assignments and a reflective text). The portfolio is given one overall grade, and all elements must be assessed as meeting requirements for a passing grade. This applies to postponed exams as well.

Students who fail must rewrite all the texts in the portfolio.

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

Teacher education. Good language skills in Spanish (reading, writing and oral language skills).

Required previous knowledge

30 ECTS in Spanish studies.