Foundations of Teaching and Learning Languages
Program Overview
The "A - Foundations of Teaching and Learning Languages" program, an 18-credit University Extension course, provides comprehensive training for future Spanish as a Foreign Language (SL) teachers. Combining online learning with collaborative interaction, it focuses on skill development, methodology, acquisition theory, and critical thinking to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for effective language instruction in various contexts.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The program, "A - Foundations of Teaching and Learning Languages," is a University Extension course (18 credits) offered as part of a larger interuniversity online program for training teachers of Spanish as a foreign language (Formación de Profesores de Español como Lengua Extranjera - FOPELE). This program is a collaborative effort between Spanish and Latin American universities, designed to address the growing global demand for Spanish language instruction. The program aims to create synergy by combining the existing capabilities of each participating institution. The training rewards learning autonomy while maintaining constant, flexible interaction tailored to the needs of teachers in training. Materials are designed for internet use within a purpose-built interface, focusing on virtual interaction through email, platforms, and chat. The overall objective is to provide comprehensive, updated training and develop the academic and professional skills needed to teach Spanish as a foreign language in various contexts. It aims to ground professional practice in current knowledge, provide insights into teaching and learning, and develop the perceptions, knowledge, resources, and practical skills necessary to complement theoretical foundations. The program emphasizes critical thinking, bridging theoretical training and practical application. Specific objectives include: providing a comprehensive understanding of the work of a Spanish as a foreign language (SL) professor and strategies for improvement; familiarizing professors with relevant methodological proposals and fostering understanding of language, its use, and learning; emphasizing individual professional development and innovation; and advising students on independent research into their teaching to advance professionally. The program encourages interpreting the theory-practice relationship, adapting new ideas to classroom situations, experimenting with teaching practices, applying analytical skills, critically evaluating literature and research, evaluating teaching strategies, and applying acquired knowledge for continuous improvement. The program focuses on a process of professional development directly related to current or future work.
Outline:
The "A - Foundations of Teaching and Learning Languages" course (18 credits) is structured as follows:
ACQUISITION AND LEARNING (6 credits):
- Second language acquisition (3 credits): Covers main models of second language acquisition and their classroom influence, considering first language acquisition and the influence of context. It analyzes factors affecting language acquisition in the classroom.
METHODOLOGY (15 credits):
Assessment:
The assessment aims to optimize academic achievement and teacher performance through examinations, papers, and parallel activities during tutorials for each subject. Candidates must pass a certain number of credits to obtain the corresponding degree. The credit distribution is as follows: A - Foundations of Teaching and Learning Languages (18 credits).
Teaching:
The program uses a collaborative training model based on dynamic and constructivist learning concepts. It stimulates critical insight into teaching practice and educational thinking, employing a research-action work method and interactive, multicultural groups. The faculty includes Dr. Jesús Arzamendi (Iberoamerican International University - FUNIBER), Dr. Jesús López Peláez, Dr. Antonio Bueno, Dr. Narciso Contreras, and Dra. Mercedes Roldán (all from European University of the Atlantic - UNEATLANTICO). Coordination is handled by Dra. Silvia Pueyo (Iberoamerican University Foundation - FUNIBER).
Careers:
The program prepares professors of Spanish as a SL in primary and secondary education (public and private institutions), adult education, and associate/bachelor degree graduates aiming to teach Spanish as a SL.
Other:
The program is described as an innovation in foreign language teaching, postgraduate education, and distance education. Its practical focus encourages pedagogical and critical thinking, stimulating adaptation of new approaches and strategies to specific contexts and evaluation of classroom practices. It provides a foundation for self-study of one's practice. Completion of the TPSSL Master (of which this is a component) grants access to a master's in TESL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language), with validation of common subjects. FUNIBER offers scholarships. The program content is subject to modification for updates or improvements.
The European University of the Atlantic (UNEATLANTICO) is a Spanish higher education institution dedicated to providing a comprehensive education grounded in academic excellence and practical skills. It offers official undergraduate and postgraduate degrees and operates within the Spanish university system. The university’s educational model emphasizes classroom-based learning, integrating information technology, communication, and hands-on training to prepare students for professional challenges. Additionally, it guarantees English proficiency and fosters teamwork, project management, and technological expertise.
UNEATLANTICO collaborates with industries and professionals to enhance students' readiness for the job market. Through real-world projects and partnerships, students gain practical experience and develop leadership and entrepreneurial skills. The university supports innovation and business initiatives by working with investment funds and providing resources for student startups.
The university boasts a diverse teaching faculty, including academics, researchers, and professionals from Spain and abroad. Its faculties cover Health Sciences, Social Sciences and Humanities, and Polytechnic studies, offering a variety of academic programs to meet students' needs. UNEATLANTICO combines personalized attention with a dynamic learning environment, preparing students for success in competitive and innovative fields.
Entry Requirements:
To access the Master in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language (81 credits) and the Specialization in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language (40 credits), applicants must hold a university degree or equivalent. Those with degrees in unrelated fields must take an entrance test. For the University Extension courses (A, B, and C), a university degree is not required.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
Applicants must demonstrate sufficient command of Spanish. This is automatically recognized for those who have completed an accredited university degree in a related area from a Spanish-speaking country (though this requires documentation review). Alternatively, proficiency can be shown with documents like the Higher Diploma of Spanish as a Foreign Language from the Cervantes Institute or equivalent certifications. If neither of these is available, an entrance exam is required. Placement tests are given after acceptance to determine the appropriate language course. Obtaining the final title is contingent upon reaching the required Spanish language level. A minimum of teaching experience in Spanish as a second language (SL) is recommended, though exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis.
