Intermediate English

Teaching English Language Arts is complex in a world where students engage with a wide variety of information and communication technologies. Teachers wonder how they can direct the interest of their students toward reading or writing stories and how to teach them to be critical users of a wide range of media. In CONT 770, you will consider English Language Arts in light of current issues and trends with a view to responding meaningfully to students and exploring effective teaching practices. The course begins by asking you to reflect on the subject of English Language Arts and the role of the teacher and then moves to a consideration of the strands from the Language curriculum (for Grades 7 and 8) and from the English curriculum (for Grades 9 and 10) and some of the theories and issues that underpin those strands. At the end of the course, you will bring together theory and practice in culminating activities designed to prepare you for teaching Intermediate English Language Arts. Central to this course is the use of online collaborative learning that serves to create a community of learners and a culture of shared endeavour. Another key component is your growth through self-reflection. A large part of this process can take place in your course Journal. In this course you will have the opportunity to: assess current research and initiatives in the teaching of English and Language demonstrate your understanding of the four curriculum strands for Grades 9 and 10: oral communication, reading and literature studies, writing, and media studies explore the three curriculum strands for Grades 7 and 8: reading, writing, oral communication, and media literacy integrate the use of technology in your classroom promote equity and inclusion in your classrooms and lesson designs discover a variety of assessment and evaluation practices