Teaching English as a Foreign Language Certificate

(21 credit hours)

All students pursuing the Missouri ESOL Certification or the Webster TEFL Certificate will be considered degree-seeking students and will have the option to pursue one of the MA TESL tracks within 5 years from the start of their TESL coursework

See also:

• Teaching English as a Second Language (MA)
• Missouri ESOL Certification

Required courses (18 credit hours)

• TESL 5230 Second Language Acquisition  3 hours
• TESL 5139 English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Methods  3 hours
• COMM 5050 Community College Reading ABE/ESOL 3 hours
• COMM 5750 Special Institute: Grammar for ESL/EFL Teachers 3 hours
• TESL 5350 Intercultural Communications  3 hours
• TESL 5040 Practicum in ESL  3 hours
  (taken at the end of the program)

Electives (3 credit hours)

• TESL 5311 Principles and Practices of Language Testing 3 hours
• TESL 5030 Historical Linguistics     3 hours
• COMM 5270 Visual Communications
  or COMM 5530 Technology and Teaching 3 hours

Admission

Students who are interested in applying to this certificate program should see the Admission Section of this catalog for general requirements.

Send all required admission materials to

Webster University
Office of Admission
470 East Lockwood Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63119

Course Descriptions

COMM 5030 Historical Linguistics (3)

This course presents some of the various divisions in the field of linguistics from language origins and acquisition through the history of English. The study of dialect is also included. Through various readings, activities, writings, and discussion, the participants will become more aware of language and more informed about its history, its character, and its power. Students will also create instructional activities designed to make their students more aware and more proficient in the use of language.

COMM 5040 Practicum in ESOL (3)

This practicum provides supervised field experience for students who are close to finishing their professional education courses for Missouri certification in ESOL or teaching English as a foreign language. Reflective thought, observation, discussion, and actual teaching will be used to expand participants' teaching skills. Classroom participation includes observation, interaction, record keeping, and analysis of specific strengths and needs of English language learners. Strategies and activities are designed to meet the instructional needs of individual students. Participants will also focus on interpreting and recommending curriculum materials and methods to encourage and help English language learners become proficient in their new language. Prerequisite: one core TESL/TEFL course.

COMM 5050 Community College Reading/ABE/ESOL (3)

The focus is on teaching in literacy programs or community college courses designed to improve the reading skills of adults. Strategies range from teaching the adult learner to decode to facilitating growth in higher levels of comprehension and critical thinking. The emphasis will be on needs of adult learners who may have had limited encounters with reading text for information and entertainment. Course prepares instructors to work with groups in ESL/EFL reading-writing classes and tutorial sessions in colleges, universities, and community programs.

COMM 5139 English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Methods (3)

This course develops understanding and appreciation for the nature of languages and language teaching and learning. Participants study the most recent developments in teaching techniques and materials, and become involved in on-site activities using them. Prerequisite: Second language acquisition or permission of instructor.

COMM 5230 Second Language Acquisition (3)

Participants explore theories and models of second language acquisition. They learn about the emotional, social, and intellectual implications of the process of learning a second language. Students will analyze and compare first and second language acquisition and apply strategies related to second language learning in a cross-cultural setting.

COMM 5311 Principles and Practices of Language Testing (3)

This course introduces and analyzes different formats and types of language test as a reflection of varied linguistic contexts, language teaching and language acquisition goals. Assessment techniques, practices and procedures are discussed in close relation to test validity and effectiveness. The class also covers the design, writing and administration of assessment. Prerequisite: Theories in SLA or Teaching experience or consent of instructor.

COMM 5350 Intercultural Communications (3)

In order to function effectively in an interdependent world, we need to get along with and understand people vastly different from ourselves. In this course, students explore the values of their own culture, the extent to which thoughts and perceptions are shaped by cultures, and the expression of cultural differences in education.

ILC 5120 Advanced Skills (3)

Class content varies. This topics course focuses on analytical and writing skills. It develops advanced proficiency in grammar (morphology and syntax), stylistics, composition, and/or translation. These courses are offered in French, German and Spanish and are taught in the corresponding target language. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit if content differs.

ILC 5170 Seminars (3)

Seminar topics vary. This course develops cultural and literary proficiency at the advanced level. Classes combine a variety of skills with focus on either historical and cultural understanding or linguistic and stylistic appreciation. Classes are taught in German, Spanish or French. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit if content differs.