ODU's MA degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Program Overview

Program Objectives Ohio Dominican University’s Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MATESOL) program will help prepare you to be a competent and caring teacher who is able to meet the needs of all your students, regardless of their cultural or linguistic background. The program also balances theory and practice, so you’ll be prepared to study, conduct and share unique research into the teaching and learning of English.

Graduates are able to: • Use research into the structure and acquisition of language to help English learners (ELs) develop language, literacy and content knowledge.

• Use research into the nature and role of culture and cultural groups to construct supportive learning environments for ELs. • Use evidence-based principles and practices to plan, implement and manage standards-based ESOL and content instruction.

• Understand assessment issues in TESOL and use standards-based measures with ESOL students.

• Use knowledge of TESOL, both past and present, to reflect on and improve professional practices.

Admissions Requirements • Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution • Undergraduate cumulative GPA of at least a 3.0 International Students In addition to the above requirements, international students must submit the following: • Official TOEFL or IELTS score where English is not the official language of native country • Comprehensive course-by-course report from World Education Services evaluating academic records (www.wes.org) • Declaration of Certification of Finance Form and evidence of financial support • International Student Advisor Form for students currently in F1 status at another institution

How to Apply • Submit a graduate application with a $25 application fee.

• Provide official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended.

• Submit an essay (500-700 words) that addresses your personal, academic and vocational history, career goals, and reasons for applying to Ohio Dominican University’s MATESOL program.

• Submit three letters of recommendation on official letterhead and attach them to completed reference forms. We recommend that one letter comes from an academic source.

Four Ways to Advance Your Career Master of Arts

Licensure

Endorsement

• Primarily for those seeking to teach English to adults in the U.S. or abroad • May qualify you for posts in teacher training, curriculum and materials development, and program administration • Prepares you for advanced work in the field • 33 semester hours (11 courses) • Can be completed in two years (summer or fall start) • All classes meet in the evening • Blend of theory (course work) and practice (140 field hours)

• For those seeking to teach children in Ohio and other states • Multi-Age (P-12) License • Based on national standards for P-12 ESL Teacher Education • 42 hours with MA, 36 hours without • Can be completed in two years (summer or fall start) • All classes meet in the evening • Blend of theory (course work) and practice (100 field hours, plus one full semester of student teaching)

• Teaching credential added to existing license • Multi-Age (P-12) • All courses count towards MA • 15 semester hours • Can be completed in one year • Available 100% online • Blend of theory (course work) and practice (60 field hours)

• Entry-level credential for teaching English abroad • Based on TESOL, Inc., recommendations • All courses count towards MA • 15 semester hours • Can be completed in one year • All classes meet in the evening • Blend of theory (course work) and practice (60 field hours)

• By passing TSL 590L, EDU 518 and the appropriate exams, you may qualify for the TESOL Multi-Age License in Ohio.

• Adult-friendly format: All on-campus courses meet during the evening.

Certificate

Program Highlights • Based on national standards (TESOL/NCATE standards for P-12 ESL Teacher Education).

• Blends theory and practice: Students do research and field work throughout the program.

• Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

CORE COURSES TSL 500 –TESOL Foundations This course is an introduction to TESOL, including its history, current research, and public policy issues and their relation to instructional practices.

Students also study partnerships and advocacy in TESOL, professional development through research, and collaboration. This course also considers issues such as partnerships and advocacy in TESOL, professional development through research, and collaboration. The course also serves as an orientation to the MATESOL program and includes portfolio development, NCATE standards and 40 hours of field experience.

TSL 510 – Descriptive Linguistics Students in this course study language and language systems, including phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics and pragmatics.

Students also discuss the nature and value of world Englishes, language variation and linguistic research.

TSL 550 – Research Methods in TESOL This course is an introduction to quantitative and qualitative methods of doing research in TESOL and helps students to become enlightened consumers of educational research and design their own research. Topics include common statistical tests, action research and case studies. Strengths and limitations of methods also are addressed.

Resources for TESOL research are also explored.

TSL 560 – Instructional Methods in TESOL* This course is an introduction to standards-based methods for planning, implementing and managing ESOL and content instruction. Topics include classroom organization and strategies for developing and integrating English language skills, such as listening, speaking, reading and writing, and for accessing core curricula. This course includes 40 hours of field experience.

TSL 570 – Resources for ESOL and Content Instruction This course analyzes the selection, creation and use of standards-based materials, resources and technologies. This course also pays attention to culture, language proficiency and age of ESOL learners. It includes the examination and use of various print and non-print resources, audiovisual materials and technological tools.

TSL 520 – Language Acquisition and Development* This course discusses theories of first and other language acquisition, processes of language and literacy development and their application to TESOL. Topics include language in the classroom and at home; cognitive, affective and personal variables related to language learning; and dimensions of language proficiency. This course includes 10 hours of field experience.

TSL 530 – The English Language* This course is an introduction to the sounds, forms, structures, meanings and uses of English. Topics include phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics and pragmatics. This course also includes application to teaching ESOL, both written and spoken, for a variety of settings and purposes.

TSL 540 – Cultural Diversity and Education* This course is a study of the nature, role and content of culture, especially in relation to education. Topics include major cultural concepts, interaction between language and culture, and multicultural education. This course also takes into consideration ESOL students’ cultural identities, language and literacy development, and academic achievement. Attention is paid to English instruction in the U.S., including relevant terminology, demographics and history, legal and ethical issues, and TESOL professional development. This course includes 20 hours of field experience.

TSL 580 – Assessment of ESOL Learners* This course is a study of assessment for ESOL, including language proficiency and classroombased assessment. Issues discussed include factors that affect ESOL student learning, special education testing and standards-based assessment. Students also study the development and use of tools and techniques to assess language proficiency and performance. This course includes 10 hours of field experience.

TSL 590M – TESOL Practicum This course addresses the practical application of standards-based methods for ESOL and content instruction. Students study the design of supportive learning environments for ESOL students, while accounting for their diverse backgrounds, developmental needs and English proficiency. Students also discuss the implementation of a variety of instructional and assessment techniques. This course is for MA candidates only and includes 60 hours of supervised student teaching and opportunities to reflect upon the experience.

TSL 590L – Student Teaching This course addresses the practical application of standards-based methods for ESOL and content instruction. Students study the design of supportive learning environments for ESOL students, while accounting for their diverse backgrounds, developmental needs and English proficiency. Students also discuss the Implementation of a variety of instructional and assessment techniques. This course is for licensure candidates and includes full-time supervised student teaching, and opportunities for candidates to reflect upon the experience.

TSL 600 – TESOL Research Project In addition to completing teaching/learning portfolios that they have developed in the program, candidates will complete the project that they proposed in TSL 550 – Research Methods in TESOL. Candidates will summarize research related to their topics, describe their methodology, conduct research, present their findings and identify outlets for their research.

TSL 699 – Graduate Thesis (Optional) In this course, candidates will write the thesis that they proposed in TSL 550 – Research Methods in TESOL. This optional course is recommended for those planning advanced study in TESOL. Candidates may register for this course twice for a total of six (6) credits.

EDU 518 – Content Area Reading and Writing: Instruction and Technology This course examines principles, strategies and methodologies that are designed to improve student achievement in the content areas.

Research, theory, and implications for instruction and technology will be examined and reviewed.

Topics include purposes and types of reading, including content reading learning design and delivery, methods of assessing reading strategies, and skills in student-centered reading instruction.

This course is for candidates seeking the TESOL Multi-Age License in Ohio. * Indicates required courses to complete TESOL Endorsement.

Contact Us

Office of Graduate Admissions 614.251.4615 I grad@ ohiodominican.edu I ohiodominican.edu/TESOL Ohio Dominican University I 1216 Sunbury Road I Columbus, OH 43219 Founded by the Dominican Sisters of Peace.