Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages (TESOL) and Computer Assisted Language Learning

Study Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages (TESOL) and Computer Assisted Language Learning and graduate with a university degree

Master's / MSc; Postgraduate Diploma; Postgraduate Certificate

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Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages (TESOL) and Computer Assisted Language Learning
  • Start date September

Tracy Hoggan
CELT Secretary
University of Stirling
Stirling
FK9 4LA
Scotland
UK
+44 (0) 1786 467934 www.celt.stir.ac.uk/

This course offers a thorough understanding of the principles and practice of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and CALL at a level appropriate to graduates who already have a sound academic training. The programme is taught by staff in the Centre for English Language Teaching, within the School of Education.

Course objectives

This course 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 course is taught by staff in the Centre for English Language Teaching, which is part of the School of Education.

The course 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.

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 and CALL.

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: Listening 23, Reading 23, Speaking 23, Writing 23.

Funding

information on possible sources of funding

Modes of study

Full-time
one year

Part-time
two years

Course start date

September

Structure and content

You will take four modules in each semester as outlined below. Those entering the course with a recent Cambridge DELTA or Trinity College London Licentiate Diploma can apply for accreditation for two of the three pedagogic modules:

Autumn Semester

  • 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
  • Technologies in the 21st Century Classroom: Provides an opportunity for students to create multimedia materials  and learn to use commonly available technologies such as smartboards to facilitate language learning.

Spring Semester

  • 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
  • Corpus Linguistics in Language Teaching and Research: Explores the ways in which computerised collections of spoken and written texts can be analysed and used in language teaching and research
  • Teaching English to Young Learners: Focuses on teaching English to primary-aged children and teenagers

The Postgraduate Certificate in TESOL and CALL is awarded upon successful completion of four modules, two of which are CALL. The Postgraduate Diploma in TESOL and CALL is awarded on successful completion of eight modules, three of which are CALL. The MSc in TESOL and CALL is awarded upon successful completion of eight modules, three of which are CALL, 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.

Preparation

Contact the School for information on your timetable and reading lists.

Recommended reading

This will be sent to you once you have completed the application process.

Example timetable

The timetable below is a typical example, but your own timetable may be different.

This will be available towards the end of the summer.

Module titles

  • TESP01 - Methodology I
  • TESP03 - Classroom Observation
  • TESP05 - Language Learning Theory and Research
  • TESP11 - Description of Modern English
  • TESP21 - Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL)
  • TESP23 - Concepts and Materials: Technologies in the 21st Century Classroom

Spring Semester

  • TESP02 - Methodology II
  • TESP04 - Microteaching
  • TESP06 - The ELT Curriculum
  • TESP10 - Teaching English to Young Learners
  • TESP12 - Discourse Analysis
  • TESP22 - Internet Applications in Language Teaching
  • TESP24 - Corpus Linguistics in Language Teaching and Research

Why study Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages (TESOL) and Computer Assisted Language Learning at Stirling?

Course Director

Anne Lawrie

RAE rating

The School of Education was ranked number 1 in Scotland in the Research Assessment Exercise.

Find out more

http://www.celt.stir.ac.uk/

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 and CALL, overseas graduates will be well prepared to sit all three modules of the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations TKT.