School of Education
Teaching of English to Speakers of other Languages (TESOL)
TEACHING OF ENGLISH TO SPEAKERS OF OTHER LANGUAGES (TESOL)
MSc/Postgraduate Diploma/Postgraduate Certificate
This programme offers a thorough understanding of the principles and practice of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) at a level appropriate to graduates with a sound academic training. The programme is taught by staff in the Centre for English Language Teaching, which is part of The Stirling Institute of Education.
PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES
The programme provides an advanced training and professional qualification for people presently engaged in any area of the teaching of English as a foreign or second language. It also offers professional development to people new to TESOL who are seeking a career change.
On completion, you should possess the knowledge and practical classroom skills to be a confident, critically reflective and enterprising teacher.
STRUCTURE AND CONTENT
You will take eight modules from the following, and those marked * are compulsory for students with less than 2 years’ full-time English language teaching experience in a formal classroom setting. Those entering the programme with a recent Cambridge DELTA or Trinity College London Licentiate Diploma can apply for accreditation for two of the four pedagogic modules:
Autumn: Semester One
> Methodology I*: Presents an overview of current theory and practice in the teaching of the four language skills: Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing
> Classroom Observation*: Develops critical awareness and theoretical understanding of current classroom practice through observation of experienced English language teachers
> Language Learning Theory and Research*: Gives an overview of the research necessary for understanding the processes involved in learning a second language, and introduces research methods relevant to the dissertation
> Description of Modern English: Explores English grammar and use with reference to the needs of learners and teachers
> Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) Concepts and Materials: Comprises a rationale for using CALL; background theory and research on how computers process text, images and sound; consideration of how to choose and exploit general purpose software for EFL purposes
> Multimedia Authoring for Language Teaching: Provides an opportunity for students to create multimedia materials using authoring programs for language teaching and learning
Spring: Semester Two
> Methodology II*: Provides an overview of current theory and practice in the teaching of grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation
> Microteaching*: Develops critical awareness and theoretical understanding of current classroom practice through planning, teaching and reflecting on lessons taught to peers
> The ELT Curriculum: The first part of this module provides an overview of the principles and practice of designing a curriculum and tasks for English Language teaching and learning; the second part focuses on testing and curriculum evaluation
> Discourse Analysis: Introduces different approaches and techniques for exploring and analysing spoken and written texts
> Internet Applications in Language Teaching: Addresses the use of virtual learning environments, multimedia and web technologies in collaborative language learning
> Teaching English to Young Learners: Focuses on teaching English to primary-aged children and teenagers
The Postgraduate Certificate in TESOL is awarded if four coursework modules are successfully completed. The Postgraduate Diploma in TESOL is awarded on the basis of successful completion of eight coursework modules. The MSc in TESOL is awarded upon successful completion of eight coursework modules plus a dissertation of 15,000 words.
DELIVERY AND ASSESSMENT
Delivery of modules is carried out mainly through seminars and workshops. Practical teaching skills are developed through classroom observation and videoed peer teaching sessions. Learning and professional development is facilitated by regular guided group work tasks.
Progress is assessed by coursework assignments and, for the MSc, the dissertation. The award with distinction may be granted to work of a very high standard.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
English is regarded as the most widely spoken language in the world and a qualification in TESOL can open up the opportunity of an English Language Teaching career, or, in the case of experienced teachers, can provide access to promoted posts and management positions within English Language Teaching.
On completion of the MSc in TESOL, overseas graduates will be well prepared to sit all three modules of the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations TKT.
Recent graduates have taken up teaching posts overseas, or in the field of ESOL in the UK. For more experienced teachers, the qualification has also provided access to teaching and management positions with the British Council or in the tertiary sector.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
Applications are welcome from people presently engaged in any area of the teaching of English as a foreign or second language, or those intending to join the profession. Entrance requirements are a university degree or an equivalent qualification appropriate to TESOL.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence of your proficiency such as a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 (minimum 6 in each skill), or TOEFL 550/213/79 (Paper/
Computer/Internet) with a TWE of at least 4.
RAE RATING
The Stirling Institute of Education was ranked number 1 in Scotland in the Research Assessment Exercise 2008.
FUNDING
Support for the Diploma element of the programme is available from the Students Awards Agency for Scotland for eligible Scottish and EU students on a quota basis. Details are available from www.saas.gov.uk
To be eligible for SAAS awards, applicants must be normally resident in Scotland or be non-British EC residents.
Information on other possible sources of funding can be found here: www.stir.ac.uk/postgrad/finance
MODES OF STUDY
Full-time: 1 year
Part-time: 2 years
PROGRAMME START DATE
September
PROGRAMME DIRECTOR
Ms Anne Lawrie
PROGRAMME CONTACT
CELT Secretary
Tel: +44 (0) 1786 467934
Fax: +44 (0) 1786 466131
Email: celt@stir.ac.uk