The University Senate of Michigan Technological University

Proposal 14-11
(Voting Units: Academic)

“Proposal for an Undergraduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages”

 

OBJECTIVE

To enable and encourage undergraduate and graduate students at Michigan Technological University to take courses related to teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL). A formal credential—"Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages"—will enhance the career options of graduates.

BACKGROUND

Many universities now recognize the need to prepare graduates not only in teaching English to native speakers but also in teaching and/or communicating with the many speakers of other languages within and outside the United States. Increasingly, professional preparatory programs are adopting a global perspective. A certificate program in TESOL is an additional means to encourage Michigan Tech graduates to become professionals with expertise that fits international demands.

Michigan Tech has been admitting larger numbers of international students, many of whom need language support. This has direct consequences for our diversity and retention goals. A TESOL certificate will expand opportunities for Michigan Tech’s international students by creating a larger pool of qualified TESOL professionals on campus to teach, tutor, and support both students and faculty. TESOL courses may also attract more students to Michigan Tech.

Finally, a TESOL certificate program will enhance teaching and research opportunities for faculty interested in global studies, literacy, and applied linguistics. The certificate will therefore integrate TESOL/ESL into the academic life of the Department of Humanities.

BENEFITS

A study in fields related to the teaching of English to speakers of other languages can:

·         Enhance the development and implementation of Michigan Tech’s Peace Corps Master’s International programs

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Two classes and a sequence of five courses for a total of 21 credits are required for this certificate.

Initial Courses

HU2910 Language and Mind (3 credits)

HU3605 Grammar and Usage in Society (3 credits)

 

TESOL Course Sequence

HU 3241: Theoretical Foundations of TESOL (3 credits)

HU3242: TESOL Methods and Materials (3 credits)

HU3243: Assessment and Testing in TESOL (3 credits)

HU3244: Cross-Cultural Aspects of TESOL (3 credits)

HU4241: Practicum in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (minimum 3 credits)

 

Specific Course Requirements

Students pursuing the TESOL certificate may only take the TESOL Course Sequence after taking HU2910 and HU3605.  Courses should be taken in the order in which they are listed, though Cross-Cultural Aspects of TESOL may be taken before the Assessment and Testing course if approved by an advisor.

The last five of these courses (the TESOL course sequence) are new offerings at Michigan Tech. These courses have been submitted to the binder process. Their course descriptions are as follows:

HU3241 Theoretical Foundations of TESOL

Course Description: Introduction to key concepts and issues in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. Topics covered include nature of first- and second-language acquisition, role of input and instruction in language learning, and evaluation of approaches to teaching and research.

 

HU3242 TESOL Methods and Materials

Course Description: Enhance understanding and awareness of the developmental stages and needs of English language learners in various learning contexts. Show how to adjust, modify, and manipulate instructional techniques and materials to accommodate the linguistic and cognitive needs of English learners.

 

HU 3243 Assessment and Testing in TESOL

Course Description: This course covers basic principles and approaches in the assessment and testing of English as a second or foreign language in various instructional contexts.  Topics covered include test construction and adaption and the application of this knowledge to evaluating tests.

 

HU 3244 Cross-Cultural Aspects of TESOL

Course Description: Course examines those places where language and culture come together to affect our interactions, concentrating on areas particularly important to language teaching, learning, and usage. Topics include introduction to pragmatics, politeness theory, and conversational politeness strategies.

 

HU4241: Practicum in TESOL (1-6 credits)

Observation, case studies, tutoring, instructional assistance, and supervised teaching experience in English to Speakers of other Languages.

Prerequisite: HU3242 - TESOL Methods and Materials (3 credits)

 

COSTS

There are two courses on the books that will be part of the 21-credit-hour certificate sequence. These courses are HU2910 Language and Mind (an introduction to descriptive linguistics) and HU3605 Grammar and Usage in Society.  Beyond those two courses we have developed the following courses :

·         HU 3241: Theoretical Foundations of TESOL (3 credits)

·         HU3242: TESOL Methods and Materials (3 credits)

·         HU3243: Assessment and Testing in TESOL (3 credits)

·         HU3244: Cross-Cultural Aspects of TESOL (3 credits)

·         HU4241: Practicum in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (a 1-6 credit class, taken for a minimum of 3 credits)

The Theoretical Foundations course will generally be taught by tenure-track faculty; the rest of the courses can be taught by lecturers in the ESL program.  Supervised certificate candidates who are fulfilling the practicum requirement will be tutors, teachers, and teacher’s assistants in the lower-level ESL courses.  This will free lecturers to teach in the TESOL courses listed above. 

ADMINISTRATION

One member of the Humanities faculty with interest in TESOL or Applied Linguistics will be appointed to administer this program.

ADVISORY COMMITTEE

An advisory committee will be set up to assist the administrator with the development of operating procedures and to deal with any specific problems. This committee should be charged with evaluating the effectiveness of the Certificate Program and recommending improvements. The committee will consist of one representative from Michigan Tech’s Peace Corps Master’s International programs, one representative from the Department of Humanities, one representative from the Department of Cognitive and Learning Sciences, and one representative from the Office of International Programs and Services. Over time the makeup of this committee will adjust according to the needs of this and related programs.

AWARDING OF THE CERTIFICATE

Michigan Technological University will award the certificate to students who have fulfilled the specific course requirements. The certificate will also be noted on students' transcripts.

PLANNED IMPLEMENTATION DATE

Fall 2011


Introduced to Senate: 16 February 2011
Adopted by Senate: 2 March 2011
Approved by Administration: 21 March 2011