Hello dear readers,
I’m thrilled to unveil my latest project - a comprehensive course reader for English 6. Since beginning work as an English teacher in Sweden, I’ve discovered the need for an all-encompassing guide that encapsulates the English language’s charm, the beauty of its literature, and the richness of its historical and cultural context. The textbooks currently in print and digital form are not sufficient!
My travels have made me keenly aware of English’s pivotal role as a global lingua franca. It’s a language that connects cultures, facilitates international business, drives global politics, and contributes immensely to the realm of education and entertainment. My English 6 course reader aims to provide students with an appreciation for this global influence and equip them with the skills for effective interaction in our multicultural, multilingual world.
One of the core units explores the fascinating evolution of the English language. Tracing its journey from Old English roots to the modern day, in it students will examine the various influences and historical events that have shaped it. It’s my hope that this exploration will ignite curiosity and deepen understanding of the language I am so passionate about learning and teaching. This exploration wouldn’t be complete without delving into English literature and culture. Students journey through various periods and cultural backgrounds, engaging with works from British, American, and post-colonial authors. This study aims to understand how English literature reflects and shapes societal values, attitudes, and changes over time. The course reader also prioritizes building proficiency in the language itself. Students will tackle advanced English grammar and syntax, allowing them to master complex sentence structures, verb tenses, modal verbs, and idiomatic expressions. I, as all language teachers, also value practical communication skills, including effective public speaking in English. Students will learn how to prepare and deliver speeches, participate in debates, manage Q&A sessions, and more. It’s all about growing their confidence and competence in the English language. Lastly, there’s focus on English for professional purposes. From crafting professional emails, reports, and resumes to mastering oral communication in meetings and presentations, students will be geared up for their future careers. I’m particularly excited to delve into the nuances of cross-cultural communication in the workplace. This unit also has tailored flexibility depending on their programs (e.g. nursing, sales and services, economics, aviation, law, tourism etc.)
As for my pedagogy, I firmly believe in the power of active learning, where students participate, engage, and challenge themselves rather than merely absorbing information. That’s why each unit in this course reader includes a mix of individual, paired, and group assignments. I also believe in bringing authentic literature into the classroom to expose students to the genuine, unfiltered beauty of the English language.
In essence, this course reader is more than a teaching resource; it’s an interactive, comprehensive guide for English language learning. It’s my hope that it will inspire, engage, and equip students with the skills and understanding they need to navigate the world confidently with English.
Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this exciting journey together.
Until next time,
Jesper