Teaching
"To give, to educate, to inspire, to be democratic."
– Jan Blommaert
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Applied Linguistics Courses
Applied Linguistics Courses
EDMSP6014 Applied Psycholinguistics (S1 2024)
This course introduces students to foundational theories of psycholinguistics and methodological training in experimental research. It focuses on the psychology of language, and how this relates to language education and speech pathology. Students are equipped with knowledge about language acquisition, language processing, speech production/perception, models of the mental lexicon and grammar. This course has a strong emphasis in experimental research design.
EDMED6114 TESOL Methodology, Language Teaching and Technology (S2 2023)
This research-oriented course introduces students to methodologies and theories for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. Students will examine contemporary theories of TESOL pedagogy, including research findings from technology assisted language learning (CALL). The courses consider major approaches to TESOL including Corpus linguistics, English for Academic Purposes, Sociocultural Theory, Content and Language Integrated Learning, Translanguaging Pedagogy, etc..
EDMED7056 Research Methods (S1 2023)
This research methods course introduces students to epistemologies and research methodologies in applied linguistics and language education. Topics covered include quantitative methods (descriptive statistics, correlation, chi-square, t-test, ANOVA, experimental design) and qualitative methods (narrative/discourse studies, case studies, ethnography, action research, mixed methods). Students are encouraged to develop their own research projects and consider issues related to research design, methods, data analysis and ethics.
EDBSP1023/EDMST 6113 English Phonetics and Phonology (S2 2022/S2 2023)
This course introduces students to the sounds of Australian Standard English. Key topics include vowels, consonants, stress, intonation, speech sound disorders, acoustic phonetics, socio-phonetics, and sound variations. Students learn about research into how oral language supports literacy development, and evidence-based practices such as phonics instruction.
EDBSP1013/EDMST6010 Language Acquisition (S1 2022/S1 2023)
This course introduces students the major theories of first and second language development and research-based best practice for supporting the language needs of diverse learners. Topics include the acquisition of grammar, vocabulary, phonology and phonetics, semantics and pragmatics, the development of reading and writing, and the differences between adults and children learning a second language.
LING90039 Concepts in Applied Linguistics, Spring and Fall 2021
This postgraduate subject introduces students to key concepts and current issues in applied linguistics. These include language ideologies, blended learning, communicative competence, task-based approach, language ecology, and discourse. The aim of the subject is to prepare students for more advanced studies in language teaching and learning, language testing and assessment, language policy and planning, world Englishes and sociolinguistics. I assisted with assessing and providing feedback for students.
LING90007 Language Curriculum Design, Fall 2020
This subject examines a range of theoretical and practical approaches to designing a second language curriculum, including Corpus Linguistics, Genre Theory, and Systemic Functional Linguistics. Students are invited to collect interview data and analyse teaching materials to research the needs of learners and design teaching activities that align with the practices in academic and workplace contexts. I was involved in the coordination and designing of learning and assessment tasks for online students enrolled in this postgraduate subject.
LING90008 Language Program Evaluation, Fall 2019
This subject equips students with the knowledge and skills to evaluate school or university language programs using an argument-based approach (Kane, 2006; Chapelle 2013). Its main emphasis is on evaluating English as a Second Language programs in the language education contexts across different countries, and evaluating the integration of educational technologies in language teaching classrooms. I was the teaching assistant for this subject, responsible for the design of seminar discussion activities and coordination of group assignment tasks.
LING10001 The Secret Life of Languages, Fall 2017
This subject enables students to explore the general nature of human language, learn how language can be described and analysed, gain a theoretical framework for conceptualising and discussing language, and develop phonetic, morphological and syntactical skills for analysing language. I organised the tutorials for this introductory linguistics subject at Ormond College, the University of Melbourne.
Teaching Philosophy
Teaching Philosophy
Inspire confidence
In my class, each student will be guaranteed the opportunity to express him or herself to the best of his or her abilities. The key to inspire confidence in students is to create a learning environment where students are respectful for one another and everyone’s ideas are listened to and discussed equally. I give affirmative feedback to students and follow up with open-ended questions to prompt further discussion and thinking. I also extend classroom discussion to the online forum of learning management system, where everyone feels comfortable expressing themselves without suspecting an ironic smile or harsh criticism behind one’s back.
Foster critical thinking
I aim to facilitate student learning by encouraging them to think logically, analyse issues critically and construct valid arguments. When students have problems with framing the essay topic, I help them situate the course material within a specific context, ask them to synthesise various concepts, and apply these ideas to discussing real world examples. This often involves a reflection and critical evaluation of the strengths and drawbacks of different approaches to problem solving. I also engage students in conversations with each other as I see peer work as an important activity to foster the acquisition of critical thinking.
Generate enthusiasm for scholarly inquiry
Postgraduate courses often require students to research and apply established theories to a body of knowledge or practice in their field of study. My approach to stimulating curiosity and learning is linking course material to students’ existing knowledge and experience. Many students had experiences of learning or teaching languages at secondary school or university settings in their respective countries. I thus supplemented lectures with structured discussions, self-assessment quizzes, or cooperative learning activities that encouraged students to think actively about the material and relate to it personally and practically.
I am happy to share my course syllabus/outline. Please get in touch at xiaofang.yao@hku.hk should you be interested in my teaching areas!
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