3. Competence and EIL

Competence and EIL
Competence is an essential concept in TEFL because it embodies what students are trying to achieve through learning, but it is far from easy to define. While EFL curriculum design has often been based on different aspects of so-called "communicative competence" this approach can be challenged as being too limited. When we consider the implications of teaching English as a means of international communication, a new paradigm seems to be required. EIL competence cannot be reduced to a single, limited, monolingual or mono-cultural concept. It is composed of a set of interlocking and interdependent competence's that sometimes compensate for each other, sometimes counteract each other and sometimes reinforce each other. Intercultural and pragmatic competence's are important components, but linguistic competence is also central.

Suggested reading:

Baker, W. (2003). Should culture be an overt component of EFL instruction outside of English speaking countries? The Thai context, Volume 5, Issue 4.
http://asian-efl-journal.com/dec_03_sub.wb.php
Kasper, G. (1997). Can pragmatic competence be taught? University of Hawai'i Second Language Teaching and Curriculum Centre. http://www.nflrc.hawaii.edu/NetWorks/NW06/
Nunn, F. (2005) The pragmatics of humour:
Representing communication problems in sitcoms for classroom teaching. Hwa Kang Journal of TEFL
http://hkjtefl.tesolteachers.org/2005-Nunn-Humor.html
Nunn, R. (2003) 'Cooperation and Relevance in Intercultural Conversation: the Influence of Background Knowledge on the Inferential Process' Vol.14 March 2003 Asian EFL Journal http://www.asian-efl-journal.com/march03.sub3.php

Module Statement of Purpose: Competence and EIL
The Competence and EIL unit has these general objectives:
a) to consider different components of competence for EFL teaching;
b) to examine critically the idea of teaching English as an international language;
c) to consider the importance of teaching (intercultural) pragmatics when teaching English for international communication.

Module Description: Competence and EIL
Competence is discussed in this unit in relation to EIL. Both the notion of "competence" and of "EIL" are critically examined both separately and in relation to each other. This unit can also be linked to the SLA module in that it is important to consider what we mean by competence at the same time as considering how it is acquired.

Module Goals: Competence and EIL
By successfully completing the unit you will have improved understanding in these areas:

1. An understanding that competence is a complex but essential concept for EIL teachers and students.
2. An awareness that the teacher must not neglect linguistic competence but that other competence's are also essential for language learners.
3. An awareness that teaching English for international communication is in its infancy and that teachers need to balance a critical approach to the subject with a need to consider new paradigms.

Instructional Methods: Competence and EIL
1. Students will read numerous academic articles by teachers and by leading authorities and critically examine and compare articles.
2. Most materials have been prepared by our own authors - these form the basis of the course. Students are encouraged to source widely.
3. Assessment is based on written work assessed by our Editorial group.

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