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