| Master of Arts in TESOL Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages _________________________________________ Eastern Michigan University |
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The TESOL Program prepares candidates to teach English as a second language in the U.S.A. or as a foreign language in other countries. The program combines theory and practice from the fields of education and applied linguistics. The coursework provides a strong theoretical foundation to inform the multitude of practical choices that English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) teachers are required to make in the classroom. TESOL graduates possess:
• a knowledge of second/foreign language learner and teaching strategies;
• experience in applying theoretical knowledge to various teaching situations and settings;
• a working knowledge of the systems of the English language;
• an awareness of the realities of the cultural issues in the classroom;
• supervised teaching experience in an ESL classroom;
• an appreciation for continued professional development and growth.
A Brief Introduction to the MA TESOL Program
The MA in TESOL program began in 1980 with one faculty member, 6 core TESOL courses, and 8 students from the U.S. Over the years it has grown to 7 faculty members and 10 core TESOL courses. Each September we welcome 20-25 new students, 20-30% of whom come from various countries around the world. Fulbright-sponsored students frequently choose our program for their graduate studies. Students come with various future teaching goals: Community education, college and university-affiliated programs, and private language institutes. Most enter with some teaching experience; others do not. Some wish to teach ESOL in their home countries; others wish to teach overseas. The variety in student and faculty interests contributes to multi-faceted perspectives in the classroom. Our emphasis on practical applications of knowledge and group work builds a focused, cohesive and supportive study environment.
The MA TESOL faculty has years of experience in educating English-language students and/or English-language teachers in both the U.S.A. and abroad (in the Caribbean, South America, western Europe, the Middle East, central and eastern Asia). They are well versed in the cultural and linguistic issues that arise in both the U.S. and foreign settings.