TESL 5030 Linguistics for Language Learning and Teaching 

This course provides an overview of the field of linguistics and many of its subfields, including phonetics and phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, sociolinguistics, historical linguistics, corpus linguistics, and conversation/discourse analysis. More attention will be paid to applied linguistics (in contrast to descriptive linguistics) with a focus on linguistic knowledge that supports language learning and instruction. 

[Required course for K-12 ELL Emphasis, ESL/EFL Education Emphasis, and Missouri ELL Certification. Fulfills the elective for the TEFL Certificate.]

TESL 5040 Practicum in English Classrooms

The practicum is a culminating experience that provides students an opportunity to demonstrate proficiency in prior TESL coursework through differentiated curriculum development, demonstrated classroom teaching, and collaboration with other teachers and administrators. Students submit a unit portfolio of annotated lesson plans that demonstrate skills in lesson plan development, selection of strategies and materials, and language assessment practices that can meet the needs of diverse learners in today’s classrooms. May be taken for 1 to 3 credit hours near the end of the program. The Practicum requirement for the program (a total of 90 hours) may completed with 3 credit hours of TESL 5040 or in combination with TESL 5041 and TESL 5042 for a total of 3 credits.

[Required course for K-12 ELL Emphasis, ESL/EFL Education Emphasis, Missouri ELL Certification, and TEFL Certificate.]

TESL 5041 Tutoring in English

Tutoring in English may be taken to fulfill 30 hours (1 credit) toward the 90-hour (3-credit) program requirement for Practicum. This option is designed to be taken earlier in the program concurrent with one or more TESL courses. Students will log a total of 30 hours of tutoring (in person or virtual), write a two- to three-page reflection, and prepare at least three annotated tutoring worksheets or activities (original or modified).  In order to fulfill the program requirement in Practicum, students who take TESL 5041 must complete another 2 credits through completion of 2 credits in TESL 5040 or 1 credit in TESL 5042 and 1 credit in TESL 5040.

[Must be taken with TESL 5040.]

TESL 5042 Initial Practicum in English Classrooms

Initial Practicum in English Classrooms may be taken to fulfill 30 hours (1 credit) toward the 90-hour (3-credit) program requirement for Practicum.  This option is designed to be taken in the middle of the program concurrent with one or more TESL courses.  Students will log a total of 30 hours of observing an English language or ELL-designated classroom, write a two- to three-page reflection, and prepare at least one annotated “shadow” lesson plan.  In order to fulfill the program requirement in Practicum, students who take TESL 5042 must complete another 2 credits through completion of 2 credits in TESL 5040 or 1 credit in TESL 5041 and 1 credit in TESL 5040.

[Must be taken with TESL 5040.]

TESL 5139 Instructional Methods for Language Classrooms

This course provides an overview of instructional methods for more effective language classrooms with a focus on the “four skills” of reading, writing, listening, and speaking; the use of authentic materials; and the integration of technology. Students will learn to select research-based strategies and develop instructional materials to meet the needs of language learners while differentiating instruction and assessment to meet the needs of diverse learners.

[Required course for K-12 ELL Emphasis, ESL/EFL Education Emphasis, Missouri ELL Certification, and TEFL Certificate.]

TESL 5220 Lesson Planning and Curriculum Development for Language Classrooms

This course explores the literature on curriculum development and syllabus design, including the alignment of instruction to standards and objectives. Students will focus on lesson plan development and ways to plan instruction for different instructional types (in-person, videoconference, blended, etc.).  Students will also examine existing curricular materials to critique and propose modifications to meet the needs of diverse learners.

[Fulfills requirement for K-12 ELL Emphasis, ESL/EFL Education Emphasis, Missouri ELL Certification, and TEFL Certificate.]

TESL 5230 Theories of Foreign and Second Language Acquisition

This course explores theories and perspectives of foreign and second language acquisition. Students will analyze and compare first and second language learning and acquisition along with recent theories on multilingual learners and translanguaging.  Students will examine the identities of individual and groups of learners to explore how identity impacts language acquisition.

[Required course for K-12 ELL Emphasis, ESL/EFL Education Emphasis, Missouri ELL Certification, and TEFL Certificate.]

TESL 5311 Language Assessment

This course introduces and analyzes different formats and types of language assessments as a reflection of varied linguistic contexts, language teaching, and language acquisition goals. Assessment techniques, practices, and procedures are discussed in terms of test validity and reliability, in addition to formative and summative assessment practices. Students will learn to develop, critique, and modify testing items, procedures, and materials in order to benefit the diverse needs of English language learners.

[Required course for K-12 ELL Emphasis and ESL/EFL Education Emphasis. Fulfills the elective for the Missouri ELL Certification, and TEFL Certificate.]

TESL 5350 Sociolinguistics

This course explores various factors of language variation (location, gender, race, sexual identity, social class, etc.) and how the attitudes of language speakers lead to concepts such as “standard” and “non-standard.” This course will also examine individual and societal multilingualism (such as diglossia, codeswitching, and translanguaging).

[Required course for K-12 ELL Emphasis, ESL/EFL Education Emphasis, Missouri ELL Certification, and TEFL Certificate.]

TESL 5710 Teaching English Grammar 

This course introduces modern English grammar, as well as modalities of including it in the day-to-day language instruction. It is designed to provide the adult ESL/EFL teacher with a knowledge base of various English structures, with regard to syntax (i.e., form), semantics (i.e., meaning), and pragmatics (i.e., use). Special emphasis is given to the development of fun, communicative and interactive lesson plans and activities, which target specific grammar points while meeting various test standards (e.g., Show-Me and TOEFL). Theory and research is concentrated in the areas of SLA, Methodology, and Assessment.

[Required course option for the ESL/EFL Education Emphasis. Fulfills the elective for the K-12 ELL Emphasis, Missouri ELL Certification, and TEFL Certificate.]

TESL 5730 Materials Development for Language Classrooms

This course introduces digital literacy and its application in language teaching. It assists candidates to create hands-on teaching materials for both face-to-face and online courses in language classrooms. The course focuses on creating mini-lessons using handouts, descriptive packets, cartoons, animations, movies, video games, YouTube, Vimeo, mobile apps, social networking sites, and other web-enhanced materials. The main emphasis is on using new technologies to create engaging teaching and learning activities. Candidates will develop a digital portfolio, which will be useful for their job interviews and conference presentations. The course should benefit all TESL candidates, Communication Arts students, and foreign language education candidates.

[Fulfills the elective for the ESL/EFL Education Emphasis, K-12 ELL Emphasis, Missouri ELL Certification, and TEFL Certificate.]