English Language Teaching
The Faculty of Education and Language Studies (FELS) is in the process of establishing a programme of English Language Teaching. This programme will ultimately serve the needs of Open University students as well as those outside of our community whose access to education is dependent in some way on the English language. There are three broad strands to this programme:
- English Language Enhancement for Teachers and Students of English
- Professional Development for English Language Educators
- Academic and Professional Communication through the medium of English
FELS is building on existing partnerships and continuing to seek new ones, to deliver the programme in China, Europe, Asia and South America.
Learning and Teaching English (E591)
Learning and Teaching English (E591), to be published by Oxford University Press in 2006, is aimed at teachers in a wide range of countries overseas. With an emphasis on the acquisition of practical skills through classroom-based case studies and an integrated programme of English Language Enhancement, it will be of particular interest to those with underdeveloped professional and English language skills, principally at primary and junior secondary levels.
The content will match the requirements of the new Teacher Knowledge Test (TKT) launched by Cambridge ESOL (UCLES) in 2005. Learning and Teaching English comprises a book and audio CD for self- study. It does not at present offer any built-in assessment scheme or teacher support.
World Class: English for Business (L550)
World Class: English for Business (L550) is a course which integrates language and professional development and is aimed at people studying or working in a business context who want to improve their English language skills in this particular field.
New Millennium English
New Millennium English is an adult beginner’s English Language course, commissioned by the China Central Radio and Television University (CCRTVU) for presentation within China. The course runs from ‘false beginner’ (those with a little knowledge) to intermediate levels. It has been structured to prepare students for the China Public English Test System, a system of levels devised by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate for the National Education Examinations Authority of the P.R of China. This system of assessment adopts criteria that are standard throughout the ELT world and the course can therefore easily be used elsewhere.
The OU has since adapted this course for use in Cuba and is exploring other markets including Ex-Soviet Asia, Africa and South America.