Those following the thread about Bob Patrick’s upcoming classes on CI at the University of Georgia may be interested to see the course description. I made a category for it so we can keep up with how that develops, since it is probably one of the first of its kind at the university level in the United States:
Rooted in three decades of the research and work of Stephen Krashen and contemporaries like Jim Cummins, Virginia Collier and Frank Smith, the theory of comprehensible input creates an ever growing set of practices for the second language teacher to use enabling all kinds of learners to make progress in acquiring the language. In this course, we will read and discuss the work supporting comprehensible input as a theory; demonstrate, observe and attempt the practices that have been developed and which are developing in the field; reflect on the interface between theory and practices. The course will consistently inquire into the nature of vital second language programs as well as what constitutes equity in the language classroom. Class participants are expected to do the following:
1) complete all readings in a timely manner and bring reading notes to class discussions
2) create and regularly update a personal blog as well as comment on other members’ blogs
3) observe and engage in discussions of class demos and videos of teachers in the field
4) take assigned rotations trying CI methods in the classroom
5) and submit a final project applying CI theory and practice to an area of professional work relevant to the participant. Readings and focus of work will vary appropriately for graduate and undergraduate students including the negotiation of appropriate final projects.