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Learning to teach languages in primary schools (beginners’ French)

This module develops your confidence to speak and understand simple French in everyday contexts and is designed especially for Primary school teachers. You’ll explore life in French-speaking countries and communities and discover current thinking in the theory and practice of teaching primary languages. Throughout the module, you’ll learn the key concepts for embedding a new language in your classroom routine.

Modules count towards OU qualifications

OU qualifications are modular in structure; the credits from this undergraduate module could count towards a certificate of higher education, diploma of higher education, foundation degree or honours degree.

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Module

Module code

LXT192

Credits

Credits

  • Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.
  • One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.
  • You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.
  • For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
15

Study level

Across the UK, there are two parallel frameworks for higher education qualifications, the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Northern Ireland and Wales (FHEQ) and the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF). These define a hierarchy of levels and describe the achievement expected at each level. The information provided shows how OU module levels correspond to these frameworks.
Level of Study
OU SCQF FHEQ
1 7 4

Study method

Distance Learning

Module cost

See Module registration

Entry requirements

See Entry requirements

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What you will study

There are two elements to this module - language and pedagogy. The French language strand is undergraduate beginners’ level which is equivalent to level A1 of the Common European Reference Framework for Languages (CEFR). The module develops your confidence in listening, reading, writing, speaking and interacting in French in everyday contexts. You’ll enhance your skills for teaching your new language through the pedagogy strand and explore in more depth current thinking in theory and practice of primary languages teaching. Throughout your study, you’ll become familiar with key concepts around embedding language teaching in classroom routines.

Language strand

The French language element of the module develops the skills you need to speak and understand simple native French in everyday contexts.

This component of the module:

  • Explores life in French-speaking countries and communities, introducing you to a wide range of practical situations such as travelling, shopping, working and eating out.
  • Includes study resources such as module books in PDF format, digital audio recordings, a dedicated module website and online activities.
  • Teaches French at level A1 of the Common European Reference Framework for Languages (CEFR).

Teaching pedagogy strand

The module includes a Masters level pedagogy strand. This gives you an opportunity to develop your skills and knowledge to a postgraduate level in an undergraduate module. You’ll gain skills to teach your new language in your primary classroom and develops your pupils’ language and literacy skills, using a strongly reflective approach.

This element of the module:

  • Explores current thinking in theory and practice of primary languages teaching.
  • Familiarises you with key pedagogical concepts, developing reading and writing skills in another language.
  • Teaches content and language integrated learning (CLIL) and the concept of the multilingual classroom.
  • Uses multi-media to introduce you to teaching methods in and outside the classroom. Guides you in applying your new knowledge and skills in your own teaching context.
  • Includes course work through a dedicated course website and online tutorials. But you’ll also spend time with other students reflecting on what you have learned.

Vocational relevance

This module, part of the TEachers Learning to Teach Languages (TELT) programme, enables you to build foreign language learning into the primary school curriculum of your school. You'll develop expert skills in this area to enhance your employability through taking on leadership roles around primary languages. It also supports primary teachers in implementing primary languages policies.

Professional recognition

In Scotland, the TELT programme is officially approved by the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) with a Professional Recognition Award. Teachers in Scotland who sign up to the professional recognition element of this programme and complete it successfully can add this to their achievements with the GTCS stamp of approval.

Teaching and assessment

Support from your tutor

You’ll have two tutors - a language and a pedagogy tutor. They’ll help you by:

  • Marking your assignments (TMAs) and providing detailed feedback for you to improve.
  • Guiding you to additional learning resources.
  • Providing individual guidance, whether that’s for general study skills or specific module content.
  • Facilitating online discussions with your fellow students in the dedicated module and tutor group forums.

Your tutors also run online tutorials throughout the module. Where possible, recordings of online tutorials are made available. These tutorials won’t be compulsory for you to complete the module, but you’re strongly encouraged to take part in these learning events.

Assessment

The assessment details for this module can be found in the facts box.

Course work also includes:

  • 5 x 250-300 word forum posts highlighting successes and challenges you encountered when applying what you’ve learned in terms of pedagogy and language. Participation in a forum discussion with fellow students.

If you're based in Scotland and working towards the Professional Recognition Award from the General Teaching Council for Scotland, you will also submit:

  • 4 x 300-500 word formative reflective pieces in the form of blog postings on the discussions among the student cohort revolving around the application of the pedagogy and language studied in the classroom.
  • 1 x final written 500-800 word formative reflective piece that summarises the impact of the learning in the course blocks on your teaching practice, including a plan for further development of your own practice.

Future availability

Learning to teach languages in primary schools (beginners’ French) starts once a year – in October.

This page describes the module that will start in October 2023. We expect it to start for the last time in October 2024.

Regulations

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.

    Course work includes:

    2 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)
    2 Interactive computer-marked assignments (iCMAs)
    No examination
    No residential school


    Entry requirements

    You’ll need to be employed in a school/teaching setting to study this module.

    Whether you’re self-funding or sponsored by your employer, you’ll need the support of your employer to apply your new language teaching skills in a school setting. This is a core element of the programme.

    In Wales, this course is currently funded by Global Futures for eligible students.

    How to apply

    Registration is now open for modules starting in October 2023.

    Self-funding students will be asked to complete a short suitability check form. This is to ensure you will be able to apply your new skills in a primary classroom during your study.

    To apply, contact us using the details below for your country of residence. Please quote 'TELT' in the email subject line:

    *If you are an employer who seeks to sponsor places for students in England or Scotland, call us on 0300 303 5777 or email corporate-enquiries@open.ac.uk

    Register

    Start End England fee Register
    07 Oct 2023 Jun 2024 £866.00

    To register for this course - see 'Entry requirements'. Registration closes 07/09/23
    This module is expected to start for the last time in October 2024.

    To register for this module, please refer to the entry requirements and contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service (online registration is not available).

    Sorry, we’re experiencing technical issues – please try again later.

    In the meantime, explore our overview of Fees and funding.

    Can you study an Access module for free?

    In order to qualify, you must:

    1. be resident in England
    2. have a personal income of less than £25,000 (or receive qualifying benefits)
    3. have not completed one year or more on any full-time undergraduate programme at FHEQ level 4 or above, or completed 30 credits or more of OU study

    How to apply to study an Access module for free

    Once you've started the registration process, either online or over the phone, we'll contact you about your payment options. This will include instructions on how you can apply to study for free if you are eligible.

    If you're unsure if you meet the criteria to study for free, you can check with one of our friendly advisers on +44 (0)300 303 0069 or you can request a call back.

    Not eligible to study for free?

    Don't worry! We offer a choice of flexible ways to help spread the cost of your Access module. The most popular options include:

    • monthly payments through OUSBA
    • part-time tuition fee loan (you'll need to be registered on a qualification for this option)

    To explore all the options available to you, visit Fees and Funding.

    What's included

    Language strand

    The language component is based around a dedicated module website with the following elements:

    • Language learning units in downloadable PDF format.
    • User-friendly, ‘bite-sized’ information dealing with language and cultural aspects.
    • Gradual development of study and language skills.
    • Development of basic vocabulary, grammar and set phrases.
    • Audio material, featuring recordings by competent speakers of the chosen language and a wide variety of speaking activities.
    • Practice activities and self-assessment tests to monitor your progress.
    • Regular online video clips to support your practice activities.

    Teaching pedagogy strand

    The pedagogy component is based around a dedicated website with the following elements:

    • User-friendly, ‘bite-sized’ theory and practical information dealing with teaching languages at primary level.
    • Gradual development of study and language teaching skills.
    • Audio-visual material, featuring real-life classroom activities for critical reflection, as well as a range of community initiatives, such as outdoor learning, which can be incorporated into a wide range of primary school activities.
    • Guidance around interdisciplinary learning and engagement with the wider community.
    • Practice activities and self-assessment tests to monitor your progress.
    • Materials for your own further research in this area.
    • Regular online peer group discussions to support your study and practice activities.
    • A balance of theory and practice enabling you to engage with both in a professionally supportive environment. You’ll have the opportunity to apply your new language skills in your classroom, with your pupils. 

    Computing requirements

    You’ll need broadband internet access and a desktop or laptop computer with an up-to-date version of Windows (10 or 11), or macOS (11 'Big Sur' or higher).

    Any additional software will be provided or is generally freely available.

    To join in spoken conversations in tutorials, we recommend a wired headset (headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone).

    Our module websites comply with web standards, and any modern browser is suitable for most activities.

    Our OU Study mobile app will operate on all current, supported versions of Android and iOS. It’s not available on Kindle.

    It’s also possible to access some module materials on a mobile phone, tablet device or Chromebook. However, as you may be asked to install additional software or use certain applications, you’ll also require a desktop or laptop as described above.

    If you have a disability

    The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying LXT192 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.

    To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our Disability support website.