Certificate in the Teaching of Community Languages

This 12-week part-time course provides a foundation in up-to-date methods for teaching community languages. It draws on Goldsmiths expertise in this area, as well as that of professional partners. A blended approach combining face-to-face teaching, supported self-study and classroom observation ensures flexibility in meeting individual needs and an ongoing integration of theory and practice.You are expected to be well-organised, open to new ideas and to develop a reflective stance towards your professional development. Assessment is based on a portfolio of evidence built up over the course including a report on a classroom project. The course involves 150 hours of learning time and leads to the award of a Goldsmiths’ Certificate with a value of 15 credits at Level 3 of the Higher Education framework. It provides excellent preparation for undertaking a PGCE course at a later stage.

Entrance requirements

Applicants for the course should:

• be a native speaker of the language they are teaching (in the case of Chinese, this may be either Mandarin or Cantonese) OR have an A level (or equivalent qualification) in the language
• be able to communicate clearly in spoken and written English on matters related to education
• be teaching or about to start teaching a class of at least 10 students (primary or secondary age) in a community based complementary school
• have support of Head Teacher in the school to undertake the course including willingness to arrange for a mentor

What you study

The course promotes a reflective, process-based and collaborative approach to professional development integrating theory and practice.

It is based on a combination of lecture workshops, self-study activities and classroom teaching, providing an introduction to:

• principles of effective second/foreign language teaching and learning with an emphasis on the particular needs of the bilingual community language learner
• creating a positive learning environment (ground rules, relationships, rewards and sanctions, involving parents)
• effective planning which builds insights into the language system and progresses from input and practice to meaningful use
• strategies for lively, interactive teaching
• developing intercultural understanding and skills and encouraging creativity
• catering for different needs in the classroom (differentiation)
• using textbooks and creating own resources (including E-resources)
• formative assessment and progression
• language learner strategies and developing the independent learner

Other course elements are:

• a visit to a mainstream school
• a special project which will be presented at the end of the course.

A trained mentor will also observe you teaching in your school at least once.

Assessment will be by portfolio, submitted at the end of the course.

Key dates for Chinese short course

Key dates for Portuguese short course

Enrolment

Please complete the Enrolment Form (E1) and send to Dr Jim Anderson, Course Convenor, with the following:

1. Reference from Head Teacher of complementary school, indicating support for applicant to undertake the course.
2. Evidence of being native speaker of teaching language (may be stated in Head Teacher's reference) or of having an A-level qualification or equivalent in the language (photocopy of certificate).
3. Five hundred word reflective report in English entitled ‘Teaching in my complementary school: personal reflections’.
4. Fee of £500. Please pay by cheque or credit card. Do not post cash.
   Note:
   Applicants from UKFCS member schools may apply for a bursary from UKFCS by completing the Bursary Form and returning to UKFCS

Address:
Dr Jim Anderson
Department of Educational Studies
Goldsmiths, University of London
New Cross
London SE14 6NW

Any queries should be directed to Dr Jim Anderson, e-mail j.anderson@gold.ac.uk

Please note: any enrolment form that is not completed in full or is returned without payment of tuition fee may not be processed.