Knowing the subject

Knowing the subject is one of the 12 professional practices in the British Council's CPD framework for teachers. It involves developing and demonstrating proficiency in the target language in order to provide a good model for learners, developing an awareness of language systems, selecting appropriate methodology and resources for introducing and practising specific areas of the target language and language skills, including grammar, lexis, phonology, speaking, listening, writing and reading skills, register, genre, communication strategies, sociolinguistic skills, learning strategies, varieties and standards of English, contrastive analysis with other languages. It also includes having an awareness of the range of reference materials relevant to the subject and using these to support teaching and learning and an awareness of theories of language acquisition and how these relate to specific teaching contexts.

Knowing the subject involves:
  • Developing and demonstrating proficiency in the target language in order to provide a good model for my learners.
  • Developing an awareness of language systems in my learners.
  • Selecting appropriate methodology and resources for introducing and practising specific areas of the target language and language skills, including:
    • grammar
    • lexis
    • phonology
    • speaking, listening, writing and reading skills
    • register
    • genre
    • communication strategies
    • sociolinguistic skills
    • learning strategies
    • varieties and standards of English
    • contrastive analysis with other languages
  • Having an awareness of the range of reference materials relevant to the subject and using these to support teaching and learning.
  • Having an awareness of theories of language acquisition and how these relate to specific teaching contexts.
  • Reflecting on my strengths and weaknesses in relation to my subject knowledge and its application.

 

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