Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Program
Program Introduction
The program in Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages (TESOL) provides students with the professional knowledge and skills necessary for teaching English as a second language in both domestic and international settings. While not a certification program, the TESOL program is useful for any undergraduate student whose future includes international educational experiences or work with English Language Learners domestically or abroad. The TESOL program also includes an introduction to linguistics, culture, and social interaction from multiple perspectives. Students are provided with an overview of current theories, programs, pedagogy, and effective practices in the teaching of English language and culture, as well as practical experiences in planning, delivering, and assessing the efficacy of instruction. These practical experiences can occur in domestic or international settings.
Mission Statement
Both the TESOL major and minor are interdisciplinary programs that provide students with an opportunity to study linguistics, culture, history, and pedagogy as they develop the knowledge and skills necessary to teach English Language Learners in multiple domestic and international contexts.
Program Objectives
This interdisciplinary program is guided by multiple objectives. The first objective of the program is to provide students with an overview of the educational contexts in which English is taught and learned. Second, the program providers seek to provide students with teaching and assessment strategies germane to the field of TESOL. A third objective of the program is to expose students to current and persistent issues in the fields of language acquisition, linguistics, bilingualism, cultural/historical studies, and educational programs for English Language Learners. Finally, the program is designed to provide students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and hone their skills in authentic domestic and/or international contexts through internship opportunities both local and abroad.
Program Objectives Assessment
The assessments of program objectives are conducted in the required and elective courses offered each semester by the respective programs. Evidence of successful support and completion of program objectives will be kept by the instructors of these courses in the departments of Education, History, and Latin American Studies/Modern Languages.
Student Learning Objectives
Completers of the TESOL major or minor will be able to 1) demonstrate proficiency in lesson planning, lesson implementation, and assessment practices in authentic contexts 2) demonstrate knowledge of the histories and cultures of other countries and peoples 3) demonstrate knowledge of the basic concepts of linguistics and describe the process by which first and second languages are learned 4) synthesize the required knowledge and skills developed in all required and elective courses into successful field experiences.
Student Learning Assessment
Student objectives are assessed through all assignments and exams completed in required and elective courses that constitute the TESOL major and minor programs. Successful completion of student learning objectives shall be evidenced by a minimum grade of C in all program courses as well as the completion of an international or domestic internship.
Course Descriptions
Other course descriptions can be found under each respective departmental text in this Bulletin.
This field-based course is intended to provide students aspiring to be teachers of English as a second language a clinical experience in domestic or foreign educational settings. Students will participate in classroom teaching and observation, planning and evaluation of instruction and other school-related experiences with guidance provided by the course instructor and/or approved international cooperating agencies. With approval of the Chair/program coordinator, the clinical experience can be structured as a variable credit hour course to meet the professional objectives of the TESOL candidate and may be repeated as requested to provide various clinical teaching experiences.
Majors and Minors
Major Minor
B.A. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Minor in Teaching English to Speakers of Other LanguagesCourses
Participants in this course examine the principles of teaching English to second language learners. Students explore the educational contexts in which English is taught and learned. Strategies for teaching language development and skills are explored as students develop lesson plans and practice a variety of teaching strategies. Current and persistent issues in the field of TESOL are also discussed and debated with the goal of producing program completers who can serve as agents of change. Participants explore culture in a comparative and global context as they seek ways to best provide equal access to not only the acquisition of language, but also to the development of skills across multiple subject areas.
Participants in this course examine the principles of rigorous, authentic course design and assessment principles. Students will develop proficiency in designing instructional materials and assessments appropriate for English Language Learners of varying language proficiency levels. As with all TESL courses, students explore the educational contexts in which English is taught and learned. Participants explore culture in a comparative and global context as they seek ways to best provide equal access to not only the acquisition of language, but also to the development of skills across multiple subject areas.
This field-based course is intended to provide students aspiring to be teachers of English as a second language a clinical experience in domestic or foreign educational settings. Students will participate in classroom teaching and observation, planning and evaluation of instruction and other school-related experiences with guidance provided by the course instructor and/or approved international cooperating agencies. With approval of the Chair/program coordinator, the clinical experience can be structured as a variable credit hour course to meet the professional objectives of the TESOL candidate and may be repeated as requested to provide various clinical teaching experiences.
This field-based course is intended to provide students aspiring to be teachers of English as a second language a clinical experience in domestic or foreign educational settings. Students will participate in classroom teaching and observation, planning and evaluation of instruction and other school-related experiences with guidance provided by the course instructor and/or approved international cooperating agencies. With approval of the Chair/program coordinator, the clinical experience can be structured as a variable credit hour course to meet the professional objectives of the TESOL candidate and may be repeated as requested to provide various clinical teaching experiences.