Reading materials will be provided in class.

This class will be taught weekly in a digital format during our regular time slot. More information will follow soon.

At this stage it is unclear whether it will be possible to return to a format of classroom presence during the semester.

Foreign language teaching in primary school is based on communicative teaching approaches. Currently, a variety of different approaches are used in German primary schools, which include different forms of content-based, interdisciplinary learning. One of the teaching concepts which uses communicative approaches most rigorously is bilingual teaching.

In this course, we will explore research studies and results, and view and evaluate a number of illustrating concepts of bilingual teaching as an example for good practice of foreign language teaching in primary school. We will analyze videos, and learn about teaching principles and approaches used in regular EFL and in bilingual classrooms classroom alike. Course requirements are active participation, reading materials, a short group micro-teaching session and a final portfolio with reading notes and an analytical discussion.

Bilingual teaching in intensive bilingual programs is considered the most effective concept of foreign language learning world-wide. It refers to educational concepts which integrate language learning with learning content topics: Units, modules or whole subjects, e.g. maths, biology or general studies, are taught in the foreign language (L2). Forms of bilingual concepts are, for example, CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning, Marsh & Langé 2000), or immersion programs, where at least 50% of the curriculum is taught in the L2. Bilingual learning is increasingly promoted in Europe to foster foreign language learning. Research has shown that students learn both the foreign language and the subject content on a high level if certain contextual and methodological aspects are observed. These aspects do, however, not refer to bilingual programmes in particular, but are characateristic of every foreign language lesson.

This class is offered to students who are studying for primary school (GS), and to those Sek I (HS/RS) students who are taking part in the Certificate for Bilingual Teaching and Learning. All teaching approaches we are looking at are relevant for secondary classes, as well. Sek I (HS/RS) students who are taking the Certificate need to register with me personally (please send me an email indicating your student ID number). Sek. I students (HS/RS) who do not take part in the Certificate are referred to the "Realschule Didactics" class.

PLEASE NOTE: It is recommended to take this class in your FIRST OR SECOND MASTER SEMESTER and not during the practical phase.