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.

 TESOL MINOR PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Students in the TESOL minor must complete a total of at least 15 credit hours.  All students must complete the three required courses (see below) as well as an additional six hours of approved electives.  The TESOL minor elective requirement may be satisfied by the completion of an international clinical practice internship OR by the completion of a local/domestic internship and one additional 3 credit hour elective course (see below for a list of required and approved elective courses).

Required Courses (nine hours):

• TESL 1101: Teaching English to Second Language Learners
• TESL 1102:  Testing and Assessment of English Language Learners
• LAST 1106:  Introduction to Linguistics OR LAST 2010:  Introduction to Second Language Acquisition

Elective Courses (six hours):

• Option 1: TESL 4495 International Clinical Practice Internship (3 – 12 credit hours depending on semester/term enrolled)
• Option 2: TESL 4496 Grades P-12 Advanced Methods and Materials & Domestic Internship
• PLUS one approved elective

Other electives subject to approval

In addition to this program of study, candidates must also meet the general education requirements outlined under ETHOS.