Peter Beech - English Teacher & Teacher Trainer

I work with New York College in Athens lecturing on two University of Greenwich courses which are part of the BA in English Language Teaching.

Introduction to English Language Teaching

This course is specifically concerned to introduce students to ELT. The main purpose of this introductory course is to provide students with an understanding of aspects in which language learning takes place in classrooms, and an awareness of some aspects of the structure of contemporary English and the methodology used in teaching English as a Foreign Language.

By examining different methodologies and contexts students will be able to make informed decision about language teaching methods and techniques in ELT.

This course will lead up to and link with the Level 2 course The Methodology of Language Teaching.

Methodology and Practice of Language Teaching

This course examines current practice and developments in English language teaching, including communicative competence in language teaching and learning; teaching techniques; setting objectives; course design and mode of delivery; testing and assessment; language learners and the learning process.

This course is designed to build on the introductory ideas and methods introduced at Level 1 (Introduction to ELT) and look in more depth at the process of language learning and how to create the best conditions to promote and encourage the acquisition of language in the classroom.

When students have learnt essential techniques and methodologies in lesson planning, they will have the opportunity to observe classes, to teach classes, and finally to reflect on their experience.

I have worked for the UK Open University teaching numerous courses since 1998. The course I currently teach is a module of the MA in Education (Applied Linguistics).

This masters-level course is for people who are interested in exploring how linguistic theories can be used to engage with professional contexts and real-world problems in which language is implicated. You will develop your skills in analysing English texts from a range of different perspectives – functional, critical and ethnographic. Whether your interests lie in language education, the social sciences or arts, you will find interesting points of connection as you examine and reflect on the nature and use of language. Throughout the course you will become familiar with online forums and other uses of web resources.