School of Education
Teaching of English to Speakers of other Languages (TESOL)
TEACHING OF ENGLISH TO SPEAKERS OF OTHER LANGUAGES (TESOL) AND COMPUTER ASSISTED LANGUAGE LEARNING (CALL)
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) and Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) 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 School of Education.
PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES
The programme provides an advanced training and professional qualification for both experienced and inexperienced teachers of English as a second or foreign language. On completion, you should possess the knowledge and practical classroom skills to be a confident, critically reflective and enterprising teacher who can make appropriate use of technologies now commonly available in language classrooms.
STRUCTURE AND CONTENT
You will take four modules in each semester as outlined below. Those entering the programme with a recent Cambridge DELTA or Trinity College London Licentiate Diploma can apply for accreditation for two of the three 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
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 portfolio
Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) Concepts and Materials: Comprises a rationale for using CALL; background theory and research; consideration of how to choose and exploit web-based resources and general purpose software for EFL purposes
Multimedia Authoring for Language Teaching: Provides an opportunity for students to create web-based 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
Internet Applications in Language Teaching: Addresses the use of virtual learning environments, multimedia and web technologies in collaborative language learning
Plus two of the following options:
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
Teaching English to Young Learners: Focuses on teaching English to primary-aged children and teenagers
The Postgraduate Certificate in TESOL and CALL is awarded if four coursework modules are successfully completed. The Postgraduate Diploma in TESOL and CALL is awarded on the basis of successful completion of eight coursework modules. The MSc in TESOL and CALL is awarded upon successful completion of eight coursework modules plus a portfolio equivalent to 15,000 words.
DELIVERY AND ASSESSMENT
Delivery of modules is carried out mainly through seminars and workshops. Practical teaching skills are developed through videoed peer teaching sessions. Learning and professional development are facilitated by regular face-to-face and online guided group work tasks.
Progress is assessed by coursework assignments and, for the MSc, the portfolio. 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 facilitate 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 positions with the British Council or in the tertiary sector.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
Applications are welcome from people presently engaged in any area of English language teaching, 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 6.0 in each skill), or TOEFL 550/213/79 (Paper/
Computer/Internet) with a TWE of at least 4.
RAE RATING
The School 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