Overview
Gonzaga University's MA/TESL degree is designed to prepare professional and knowledgeable ESL teachers as well as language specialists who help students develop competencies for participating in a pluralistic world. In addition to persons interested in pursuing TESL education preparation, current and future teachers of foreign languages are also invited to enroll in coursework dealing with language acquisition and language teaching methodology, which have broad applicability in a variety of settings.
MA/TESL at Gonzaga University offers a program of intensive studies and a practicum for students who are interested in the learning and teaching of English to speakers of other languages.
Theory is combined with practice as the MA/TESL degree candidate explores the philosophical, historical, and theoretical foundations of TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) learning and teaching. The MA/TESL degree candidate will receive training in the nature of first and second language learning and acquisition and its role in curriculum development, reform, and evaluation. Students, with faculty, conduct research into effective strategies for critical awareness and self-evaluation for those involved in second language teaching.
MA-TESL Graduates
Students in consultation with an advisor create individual programs of study. The program consists of:
- 36 credit hours of course work
- a minimum of three field-based experiences
- a practicum
- a Master's thesis or project
MA/TESL courses and experiences are rich and complex enough to support students from diverse backgrounds, with diverse goals, at varying stages of development. In addition, students from the diverse cultures and perspectives represented in the program are important resources, helping us to better understand issues of second language acquisition and learning and teaching in a pluralistic world. All members of the program are at once researchers, teachers, and learners. In consultation with a faculty advisor and peers, students select experiences and courses that will meet their own goals, the stated goals of the MA/TESL program, and the University requirements for a Master's degree.
Theory and practice are integrated rather than sequenced. Courses and projects aim to provide authentic, holistic, and integrated opportunities to plan, teach, reflect, research, and lead in the schools, community, and at the university. Through these opportunities, students refine and develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to create equitable learning environments for the students and provide leadership in helping others to do so.
Distinctive features of the MA/TESL program include a variety of pre-practicum and practicum experiences which include planning how to teach about language, language use and culture in an integrated fashion, language use and culture through peer teaching and student presentations, tutoring, assisting English Language Center faculty, and student teaching. Students will identify and select criteria for evaluating their practices based upon knowledge and use of existing tools for the evaluation of student progress in learning and use of language.
Philosophy
The MA/TESL degree is designed to prepare professional and knowledgeable ESL teachers as well as language specialists who help students develop competencies for participating in a pluralistic world. In addition to persons interested in pursuing TESL education preparation, current and future teachers of foreign languages are also invited to enroll in coursework dealing with language acquisition and language teaching methodology, which have broad applicability in a variety of settings.
The MA/TESL knowledge base examines these areas:
- Knowledge about language, language use and culture and their interrelationship; understanding of how the target language is taught
- Knowledge of both the theoretical and practical bases for language teaching and learning in schools and communities
- Knowledge of the process of language acquisition as it concerns first and subsequent language learning and an understanding of the principles of language pedagogy
Multilevel and Multicultural MA/TESL courses and experiences are rich and complex enough to support students from diverse backgrounds, with diverse goals, at varying stages of development. In addition, students from the diverse cultures and perspectives represented in the program are important resources, helping us to better understand issues of second language acquisition and learning and teaching in a pluralistic world.
The program encourages the students and faculty to engage in research and critical reflection on the form and substance of language learning and teaching in order to understand the factors of communication and community building. The MA/TESL knowledge base examines these areas:
In consultation with a faculty advisor and peers, students select experiences and courses that will meet their own goals, the stated goals of the MA TESL program, and the University requirements for a Master's degree. The program encourages the students and faculty to engage in research and critical reflection on the form and substance of language learning and teaching in order to understand the factors of communication and community building.
TESOL Summer Institute
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This intensive three-week course investigates current theories in second language acquisition and ESL/EFL methodology. While observing, assisting and teaching in MA/TESL Language Camp, students focus on their particular teaching situations, areas of interest, or research field.MTSL 480/580 Language Camp (1 Credit)
An integral feature of the Institute is a two-credit Language camp. In conjunction with Spokane Public Schools, the Camp provides a unique opportunity for its participants to work with ESL students of various ages, nationalities, and proficiency levels. Included in this enhanced hands-on experience are opportunities for observation, teaching, and participation in social activities with ESL students.
The Institute consists of coursework (MTSL 401/501) and a Language Camp for ESL students. Students receive a certificate of attendance at the completion of this institute. MTSL 401/501 Theory and Practice of Language Teaching (4 Credits)
For more information, contact:
Mary Jeannot, Ed.D
ph: (509)313-6559
email: jeannot@gonzaga.edu
Or
Amber McKenzie
Program Coordinator, English Language Center
ph: (509) 313-5560
email: mckenziea@gonzaga.edu