Learning outcomes

This is a laboratory-based course, which implies that the lessons will actively involve the students in practical tasks.
The course aims at strengthening and developing communicative competences in English starting from the analysis of essays, or parts of essays, concerning pedagogical and psychological themes written in English by influential authors the students may have already studied in their mother tongue.
Also online videoclips and European documents will be examined.
Prerequisite: English competence at A2 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference (here are some free online tests: http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/test-your-english/ (general English), http://www.examenglish.com/leveltest/ (listening + grammar and vocabulary).

Communicative and educational aims:
To be able to speak in English about a scholar’s personal and professional life
To be able to speak in English about the cultural context in which his/her thought has developed
To be able to understand short texts about pedagogical and psychological themes which are already familiar
To be able to speak in English about the topics developed in the course
To be able to layout a short book/essay review in English.

Program

22nd October: Key Data on Early Childhood Education and Care in Europe. 2014 Edition + vocabulary + functions (expressing uncertainty)
29th October: Key Data on Early Childhood Education and Care in Europe. 2014 Edition + vocabulary + functions (paraphrasing, defining)
5th November: Saluting Prof Stuart Hall + vocabulary + functions (narrating using passive form)
12th November: A tribute to Stuart Hall + vocabulary + functions (narrating past events, experiences)
14th November: My pedagogic creed + vocabulary + reading strategies
19th November: My pedagogic creed + vocabulary + functions (expressing obligation, giving suggestions)
26th November: In Search of Pedagogy. Volume I, The selected works of Jerome S. Bruner 1957-1978 (one chapter) + vocabulary + International Phonetic Alphabet
3rd December: In Search of Pedagogy. Volume I, The selected works of Jerome S. Bruner 1957-1978 (one chapter) + vocabulary + International Phonetic Alphabet
10th December: Interaction between learning and development + vocabulary + functions (exemplifying, listing, making hypothesis)
17th December: Interaction between learning and development + vocabulary + functions (making hypothesis)
7th January: Tips for the book/chapter review + reading of tips in American/British universities sites
14th January: Tips for the book/chapter review + reading of tips in American/British universities sites

Bibliography
Basic text:
Latham-Koenig C. & Oxenden C., English File Digital, Pre-intermediate Student’s Book & Workbook (with keys), third edition, OUP, Oxford 2012 (with online expansions)

Reference resources:
1.
Bruner J.S., In Search of Pedagogy. Volume I, The selected works of Jerome S. Bruner 1957-1978, Routledge, London & New York 2006. Free download from: http://bookzz.org/book/1010574/1691bc

2.
Dewey J., My pedagogic creed, first published in The School Journal, Volume LIV, Number 3 (January 16, 1897), pages 77-80. Free download from: http://infed.org/mobi/john-dewey-my-pedagogical-creed/

3.
Vygotsky L.S., Interaction between learning and development. From Mind and Society (pp. 79-91). Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press. Reprinted in: Gauvain M., Cole M. (Eds), Readings on the Development of Children, W.H. Freeman and Company, Mew York 1997. Free download from:
http://www.psy.cmu.edu/~siegler/vygotsky78.pdf

4.
Editorial, Saluting Prof Stuart Hall, Jamaica Observer, February 12, 2014. Free download from: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/editorial/Saluting-Prof-Stuart-Hall_16026243

5.
Gilbert J., A tribute to Stuart Hall, Our Kingdom, 10 February 2014. Free download from: https://www.opendemocracy.net/ourkingdom/jeremy-gilbert/tribute-to-stuart-hall

6.
European Commission/EACEA/Eurydice/Eurostat, 2014. Key Data on Early Childhood Education and Care in Europe. 2014 Edition. Eurydice and Eurostat Report. Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union. Free download from: http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/education/eurydice/documents/key_data_series/166EN.pdf

Other resources, including online videoclips, will be given during the course.

Examination Methods

Modalità d’esame
The examination consists of the presentation of the review of a book or an essay the student may have already read, even in Italian. The review has to be written in English and handed in far in advance. The examination will also cover the topics introduced during the lessons and/or in the platform. Further information will be given during the course.

How to get the credits
To get 3 CFU every student has to:
- attend the lessons
- take part in the online activities
- layout a short book review in English
- pass the oral exam (presentation of the review and conversation about the topics introduced during the lessons/in the online platform).