INTRODUCTORY COURSE DESCRIPTION

Instructor: Carlos Man Ospina Nova Day /Time: July 14, 28,29 2012 Location: University of Caldas email: cminnova@yahoo.com INTRODUCTORY COURSE DESCRIPTION Studying for a master’s degree is a demanding but gratifying experience. This is the opportunity to study a specific topic in depth in order to pursue an advanced level, to access skilled teaching and to acquire research support. This course provides participants with a broad overview of the main aspects to be considered in a master’s degree in the field of second language teaching. It will help participants to recognize their own needs and styles in order to organize ideas and reflect on the way they learn and the demands of studying a master’s degree. This module will address the following topics: 1) Teacher Quality. How could you become a highly-qualified teacher through this Master’s program. 2) Study Skills a. Flexible reading b. Improving concentration c. Managing time d. Preparing to study e. Procrastination f. Setting goals g. Study groups 3) APA Style 4) Preparing Presentations 5) Critical Reading 6) Research Using the Internet Critically 7) Writing argumentative essays COURSE OBJECTIVES: • Introduce, from the very beginning, a comfortable study environment. • Prepare participants face the demands of the master´s Program. • Help participants recognize the importance of some aspects while studying a master´s degree. • Improve the way that teachers research, read and write in order for them not to have difficulties carrying out assignments in other courses . • Provide participants with a space to reflect upon their practice MODULE REQUIREMENTS: • Read assigned articles for due date.

• Do homework and submit it on time. • Attend classes regularly and arrive on time. • Make regular and relevant contributions in class. MODULE ASSIGNMENTS AND ACTIVITIES 1. Essay - 50% 2. Round Table – 50% MODULE SCHEDULE: Session 1 July 14 - 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (1 hour break) July 27 - 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. July 28 – 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. ( 1 hour break) Methodology: Presentations by the instructor, reading discussions and round tables. Bibliography: BROWN, H. Douglas (2007) Teaching by Principles an Interactive Approach to Language Pedagogy, Pearson Longman REINER VILLEGAS (2003) , Eleonora. Teacher Professional Development. International Institute for Educational Planning. (E-book) MCGUINNESS, Marc. Time Management for Creative People. www.businessdesignonline.com (E-book) TOMAS, JON. 10 Tips and Techniques for More Effective Presentations www.presentationadvisors.com Apa style: http://www.slideshare.net/rchoquel/normas-apa-1430826 http://www.apastyle.org/learn/tutorials/basics-tutorial.aspx