LING 416: Managing Innovation in Language Teaching
Course Aims and Objectives
This module takes the view that the lack of success of many recent language education projects is due to a tendency to overlook the findings of innovation studies, regarding the characteristics of successful innovations and how the innovation process can be managed as effectively as possible. The overall aim is therefore to introduce you to aspects of up-to-date theory and practice from innovation studies, and consider how they can be applied to language education innovation design and management.
Content
The course will cover the following topics (though please note that the timings indicated are only approximate). Each of them will be handled via a blend of input and workshop activities. There will be frequent use of case studies, and participants' own experiences will be drawn on as much as possible.
- Course orientation (week 1)
- Innovation roles (week 2)
- Innovation characteristics (week 3)
- Innovation contexts (weeks 4 & 5)
- Change strategies (week 7 & 8)
- Rationales for change (week 8/9)
- The transition process (week 9/10)
- Course conclusion (week 10)
Assessment
A 5,000 word written assignment.
Recommended Reading
Fullan, M. G., (2001) The New Meaning of Educational Change. Routledge: Falmer.
Markee, N., (1997) Managing Curricular Innovation. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Kennedy, C. J., P. Doyle & C. C. M. Goh (eds.) (1999). Exploring change in English language teaching. Oxford: Macmillan.
Rogers, E. M. (2003) Diffusion of Innovations (5th edition), The Free Press
Additional Information
This course is taught in Term 2