• To introduce TEYL theory, research and practice to relatively inexperienced or unqualified teachers that is accessible and that is supported by a wide range of teaching materials, teaching ideas and classroom extracts.
• To encourage self-direction on the part of students through the provision of follow up resources and ideas.
• To develop the necessary knowledge, attitudes and skills to enable those students who desire it to go on to higher study.
• To present content through a range of print, audio and video media.
• To foster the development of higher level thinking skills such as the critical evaluation of pedagogical materials.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Teaching English to Young Learners Certificate program, students will be able to:

• Discuss the practical implications of learner characteristics at different developmental stages between birth and puberty.
• Discuss the effect of chronological age on second language acquisition.
• State key principles in the teaching of listening, speaking, reading, writing, vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation to young learners.
• Adopt, adapt or create a range of tasks for teaching listening, speaking, reading, writing, vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation to learners at different ages and stages of development.
• Discuss the teaching of styles to younger language learners.
• Articulate the importance of emotions in language learning.
• Suggest strategies for building parental relationships and educating parents about their children’s learning.
• Suggest techniques for creating a positive classroom atmosphere.
• State the benefits of realia and visuals in the language classroom.
• Explain a number of different models for using technology in the language classroom
• Describe the purposes of assessment, and say how the purposes will determine a range of other factors including techniques for assessment.