Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) (56 credits | 560 hours)
AimTESOL provides students with skills and advanced understanding of teaching English as a second or additional language. The programme aims to equip students to be able to impact the lives of students in South Africa and in many parts of the world where English is a valued skill. |
Subjects |
TESOL may be taken as a minor (two-year) subject in the BA or BTh degree. In each of the four modules students will complete a practicum. |
TESOL 1A. Introduction (12 credits)This is designed as a stand-alone module as well as an introduction to the TESOL specialisation within the BA and BTh. It also serves as an introduction to teaching additional languages other than English. Students are introduced to the four language skills, namely, listening, speaking, reading and writing, as well as grammar and vocabulary systems. Method, language learning theory, classroom dynamics and learner needs are explored. Trainees learn to plan, execute and evaluate a short lesson. Students will be required to spend 10 hours observing in a language classroom. |
TESOL 1B. Methodology (12 credits)Language teaching methods as they have developed in the 20th and 21st centuries will be presented and evaluated. Students will develop their own eclectic teaching philosophy. Learner needs will be examined with particular reference to the South African and African contexts. Prescribed books and other teaching tools will be introduced. Students will produce and evaluate their own materials. Students will learn how to apply their understanding of methodology, learner needs and teaching tools, to plan and execute lessons that meet learner needs. Students will spend seven days in a language classroom observing and teaching under supervision. |
TESOL 2A. Skills and Systems (16 credits)This is an advanced module in the theory and practice of reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. Vocabulary acquisition, theory and practice will be taught. One significant unit of the module will cover English grammar and its role in language learning. While the focus is primarily on teaching adults, some attention will be given to teaching first and second additional language to young learners with particular reference to the South African curriculum. Students will spend two weeks of observing and teaching in a language classroom or specialist language school which could be before the commencement of the semester. |
TESOL 2B. Language Learning and Practice (16 credits)This module will complete the process of preparing students to continue to grow as professionals and to make a contribution to the TESOL profession. Some skills needed to thrive in a cross-cultural context will be explored. Students will understand and evaluate some of the theories and practices that inform language learning, teaching and professional practice. Teaching skills to be explored include language learning and acquisition, bilingualism and immersion, language, communication and culture and socio-linguistics. Skills and ethical issues related to living and teaching in a cross-cultural environment will also be investigated. Students will spend two weeks teaching under supervision in a cross-cultural setting. |