ENC1501 Assignment 3
(Portfolio) Memo
(COMPLETE ANSWERS)
Due August 2025
For assistance contact
Email:
, 1.1 Standards for Graduate Teachers
Aitchison, Dixon, Pretorius, Reed, and Verbeek (2018) set out specific standards for graduate
teachers of a first additional language. These standards focus on what teachers need to know,
do, and be to be effective. In your own words, these standards mean that a teacher must not
only be an expert in the language they're teaching but also be skilled in the methods of
teaching it. They need to understand the psychology of language acquisition and the
different ways learners acquire a new language. Furthermore, they should be able to create a
positive and inclusive classroom environment that supports language learning. This means
they must know how to design effective lessons, use various resources and technologies, and
assess learners fairly and accurately. Ultimately, the standards emphasize that a good teacher
is a reflective practitioner who continuously improves their skills and adapts their teaching to
meet the diverse needs of their students.
1.2 Importance of a Speaking Component
Among the various speaking components, pronunciation is arguably the most important
when teaching learners a first additional language. While grammar and vocabulary are
essential, poor pronunciation can be a major barrier to communication. A learner with an
extensive vocabulary and perfect grammar might still not be understood if their pronunciation
is unintelligible. Effective pronunciation helps learners to not only speak clearly but also to
understand native speakers. It builds their confidence and encourages them to participate in
conversations without the fear of being misunderstood. Accurate pronunciation is the
foundation of successful oral communication, making it a critical component that should be
prioritized to ensure learners can effectively use the language in real-life situations.
1.3 Critical Engagement with Texts
The statement "One of the most essential skills a teacher needs to develop in the learners is
the ability to critically engage with texts to get meaning" means that teachers must equip
students with the tools to analyze and question what they read, rather than simply
accepting it at face value. This skill goes beyond basic reading comprehension. It involves
teaching learners to look for deeper meaning, identify the author's purpose, recognize
different perspectives, and make connections to their own lives and the wider world. For a
Grade 3 class, this could mean asking questions like "Why did the character do that?" or
"How would you feel if that happened to you?" By encouraging this type of thinking, you
help students become active, thoughtful readers who can draw their own conclusions and use
what they read to form their own ideas.
1.4 Notetaking and Summary Writing
(Portfolio) Memo
(COMPLETE ANSWERS)
Due August 2025
For assistance contact
Email:
, 1.1 Standards for Graduate Teachers
Aitchison, Dixon, Pretorius, Reed, and Verbeek (2018) set out specific standards for graduate
teachers of a first additional language. These standards focus on what teachers need to know,
do, and be to be effective. In your own words, these standards mean that a teacher must not
only be an expert in the language they're teaching but also be skilled in the methods of
teaching it. They need to understand the psychology of language acquisition and the
different ways learners acquire a new language. Furthermore, they should be able to create a
positive and inclusive classroom environment that supports language learning. This means
they must know how to design effective lessons, use various resources and technologies, and
assess learners fairly and accurately. Ultimately, the standards emphasize that a good teacher
is a reflective practitioner who continuously improves their skills and adapts their teaching to
meet the diverse needs of their students.
1.2 Importance of a Speaking Component
Among the various speaking components, pronunciation is arguably the most important
when teaching learners a first additional language. While grammar and vocabulary are
essential, poor pronunciation can be a major barrier to communication. A learner with an
extensive vocabulary and perfect grammar might still not be understood if their pronunciation
is unintelligible. Effective pronunciation helps learners to not only speak clearly but also to
understand native speakers. It builds their confidence and encourages them to participate in
conversations without the fear of being misunderstood. Accurate pronunciation is the
foundation of successful oral communication, making it a critical component that should be
prioritized to ensure learners can effectively use the language in real-life situations.
1.3 Critical Engagement with Texts
The statement "One of the most essential skills a teacher needs to develop in the learners is
the ability to critically engage with texts to get meaning" means that teachers must equip
students with the tools to analyze and question what they read, rather than simply
accepting it at face value. This skill goes beyond basic reading comprehension. It involves
teaching learners to look for deeper meaning, identify the author's purpose, recognize
different perspectives, and make connections to their own lives and the wider world. For a
Grade 3 class, this could mean asking questions like "Why did the character do that?" or
"How would you feel if that happened to you?" By encouraging this type of thinking, you
help students become active, thoughtful readers who can draw their own conclusions and use
what they read to form their own ideas.
1.4 Notetaking and Summary Writing
