[English] How to market English Language

[WHITBY, Linda]

I agree with the points made by the others - it's certainly not the easier subject and requires a lot of work from both the teacher and student.
 
Another approach you can use is that it allows students to develop an understanding of the English language in context which can assist kids in the 'real world'.  Students with an interest in journalism etc gain a great deal from the subject - especially if they combine it with English.  The students also tend to like that they can apply it to everyday life.
 
At present, there are very few new resources for the subject.  Many people are still using the Heinemann textbooks which were published in 2001 and correlate with the old study design.  The Macmillain CD ROM is good, but needs editing too. You may need to have this figured out for Curriculum, so best to be in the know about what's out there.  There's been talk of a new textbook now for 3 years.
 
Good Luck
 
Linda Whitby

________________________________

From: english-bounces at edulists.com.au on behalf of Cleary, Monica M
Sent: Wed 6/08/2008 5:46 PM
To: english at edulists.com.au
Subject: [English] How to market English Language


Hi,
 
I am currently teaching English at Patterson River Secondary College in Carrum.
 
I have a dozen students in my two Yr 10 English classes who have shown an interest in studying English Language. There are four or five other classes, and I presume that there are students in them who would also be interested.
 
I am able to take this to the Curriculum Committee at the college, but I would like to have some further details at my fingertips to demistify the subject.
 
At present, I find that there is a lack of interest among teachers, or they feel are afraid of the subject's potential for taking students away from mainstream English and Literature. One colleague was interested but pessimistic about the chances of success. He suggested that it could be promoted as a subject suitable for boys who are turned off by some aspects of mainstream English.
 
A major selling point will be that it is not 'a dry academic subject', that I will be able to fill a class with students and that other schools that fit our demographic are studying it. Is it seen as an exclusive subject.
 
All the students I have spoken to are very keen. They include a mix of readers, non-readers, writers, language fans, people who like to discuss accents and dialect differences, students with a more scientific bent and so on. A great mix! I do not want to poach students from Literature. It is probably unlikely that I would succeed. I spoke to one boy today, however, who would be keen to do both Lit and En Lang.
 
I hope there are some experienced English language teachers who can help with anecdotes, evidence, reasons...whatever, to help me to strengthen my case,
 
Regards,
 
Monica Cleary

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