MA Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) MA

About the course

The MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) at the University of Hertfordshire is a one year programme for graduates in English, with little or no teaching experience who want an initial preparation course in English Language Teaching at post-graduate level.

The programme gives an in-depth introduction to the teaching of English and provides a strong practical foundation for future development. A practical teaching element is a central feature of the programme; students will participate in practice teaching sessions throughout their study period. It is a twelve month full-time programme.

The two taught semesters (Semester A & B) are examined by coursework and lead to a Post-Graduate Diploma in the Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. These are followed by a dissertation in Semester C (June - September), successful completion of which will lead to an MA (TESOL).

The programme will cover the following areas:

• A practical introduction to the teaching of English
• A teaching and learning-focused study of the English Language, including grammar, pronunciation, vocabulary, texts, and genre
• Study of the extent and range of uses of English
• Theoretical insights into how languages are learned
• Methods of English language teaching and practical teaching sessions including needs analysis, syllabus design and materials production and evaluation, incorporating use of technology and testing
• Research methods - preparation for research and dissertation
• Dissertation - which will involve some collection and analysis of data

Why choose this course?

An intensive introduction to teaching English to adults, including innovative classroom modules and featuring teaching practice to overseas students right from the start. Contact Kerry Bannister for further details about this course.

Study routes

• Part Time, 2 Years
• Full Time, 1 Years

Locations

• University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Careers

Graduates of the programme will be qualified for jobs teaching English at a range of levels in most countries of the world. They will be able to take on positions of responsibility at course design, and course management levels.

Teaching methods

The programme content will be covered by lectures introducing the various topics. The lectures will be supplemented with workshops, out of class reading and seminar discussions. Practical tasks and assignments supported by relevant theory and discussion will also be used. In the Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages modules, demonstration lessons showing a range of English language teaching methodologies will be given. Students will also observe lessons, discuss and evaluate the teaching of peers and experienced professionals and take part in supervised lesson planning and feedback on their own planning and teaching.

Students will be required to work independently and as part of a group.

Structure

Year 1

Core Modules

• Approaches to Teaching & Learning Languages

  The module brings together two aspects of the study of second languages, how they are learned and how they are taught. It examines naturalistic methods of learning and classroom learning, distinguishing between the typical outcomes for the learner in each condition. It examines classrooms as teaching environments, showing how underlying assumptions become articulated in classroom practice. Assessment for the module allows students to develop a critique of a single approach to language teaching or to write synoptically on a set of approaches.

• Blended Learning in English Language Teaching

  The module introduces the various technologies available for use in English language teaching. It considers the concepts and theories used to justify the use of such technologies and the advantages and disadvantages of these. It provides practical hands-on experience of using these technologies and integrating them into teaching.

• Course & Syllabus Design in English Language Teaching

  The module introduces the various methods of designing course and syllabuses used in English language teaching. It considers the concepts and theories used to justify the various methods of course and syllabus design and the advantages and disadvantages of these. It provides practical hands-on experience of designing courses and syllabuses.

• Dissertation

  The dissertation is a triple module and constitutes 100% of all the work in Semester C. It involves students in carrying out a piece of research in one of the taught course areas. Students will be expected to draw on their experience of the formally taught modules and to develop in depth their ability to explore issues of a theoretical and practical nature. The research project will require students to identify a significant problem in the teaching of English in a particular part of the world, to examine some background issues and carry out appropriate research, including data collection and analysis. The results of the research will inform a well-founded dissertation.

• Linguistic Analysis for Language Teaching

  As communication in the world is changing so quickly, this module will give the students the knowledge and skills they will need to help them to continue to study use and teach English in the future. When they have finished the course, they will understand the linguistic foundations of effective communication in English. They will be able to analyse a range of oral and written texts and assess their effectiveness for language teaching. In this module, the students will be assessed by coursework, which will consist of short analyses of particular areas of communication.

• Methods and Materials in English Language Teaching

  The purpose of this module is for students to gain a thorough understanding of how to evaluate the effectiveness of teaching materials and how to create teaching materials. The module will enable students to develop critical awareness of applying these materials to a variety of teaching contexts. A thorough understanding of teaching methods will support the creation of the materials. The module will include theoretical background through lectures and seminars and practical creation of materials through workshops.

• Research Methodology and Academic Study Skills

• Research Methodology and Dissertation Skills

  The purpose of this module is to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills required to undertake a dissertation at Master s level. The module will cover research methods and data analysis techniques appropriate to the field of English Language Teaching.

• Teaching English as an International Language

  The purpose of this module is for students to understand how English is used world-wide and to apply their understanding to the practical planning, executing and evaluation of ELT programmes and individual English lessons. Critical awareness of World English(es) issues will be developed along with the ability to evaluate critically relevant published research and to apply relevant research findings to practical teaching concerns.

• The Practice of English Language Teaching 1

  The course will give students input and practice in language teaching which will enable them to work in a variety of learning environments and teach the English language effectively. The purpose of the module is for students to understand the principles of effective English language teaching and for them to learn to apply this knowledge in planning and delivering classroom lessons. Lectures will demonstrate the basic elements of effective language teaching, covering classroom management, planning, conveying and checking meaning and teaching phonology. Procedures for teaching speaking, listening, reading and writing will be shown, as well as correction techniques, assessment and the use of teaching materials. Students will be expected to implement these procedures and techniques during teaching practice with language learners and peers, and will also have the opportunity to observe experienced teachers in the classroom.

• The Practice of English Language Teaching 2

  The purpose of the module is for students to develop a critical awareness of a range of English language teaching methodologies and teaching contexts. Students will develop the ability to implement features of different methodologies and to adapt approaches to a variety of teaching contexts.

Optional

Fees & funding

Discounts are available for International students if payment is made in full at registration

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Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

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How to apply