M.A. in TESOLEquipped to serve
others with language

LIN-565 TESOL Methodology I

An examination of various methods and techniques used to teach language components (i.e., grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation) and language skills (i.e., reading, writing, listening and speaking). Practice in developing and implementing balanced and effective language lesson plans will be provided along with evaluating and selecting appropriate ESL teaching materials.to match various ESL audiences and teaching contexts.

LIN-525 Introduction to Linguistics

An introduction to the nature and structure of human language. Topics focus on the goals, techniques and subject matter of modern linguistics.

LIN-555 Sociolinguistics

An examination of language in its social and cultural contexts. This course presents the basic socio-cultural variables (such as gender, age and social status) and shows their relation to language use and language learning. Areas covered in the course include bilingualism, dialectology, language variation and style with their relation to multilingual educational situations.

LIN-556 Second Language Acquisition

An examination of the process of learning a second language. This course surveys current SLA theory and learning models. Emphasis is given to the ways these theories and models shape pedagogical practices in ESL classrooms. Linguistic, cognitive, affective, cultural and social factors influencing the acquisition of another language are explored.

LIN-566 TESOL Methodology II

A continuation of methods study with a specific focus on aspects of course development, curriculum design and assessment, such as how to correctly assemble a specific curriculum for class and implement it. The course also reviews assessments available, how to decide which assessment to use and when to use it. The students explore their own personal focus as well as their methodology and philosophy of teaching to help self-evaluate themselves as teachers and to use the resources provided in class to address issues. Prerequisite: LIN-565.

LIN-568 TESOL Methodology III

A focus on the methods of teaching speaking (including pronunciation), listening, reading and writing skills with particular focus on the micro-skills involved in each. The course will both analyze these four primary linguistic skills individually and in conjunction with each other. Students will practice techniques aimed at strengthening their learner’s language abilities by connecting the various combinations of skills such as reading with writing and speaking with listening.

LIN-557 Action Research

An evaluation of claims based on research by reviewing current best practices as indicated by meta-research and discussing implications for TESOL. Action research that can be implemented in a TESOL setting and used for professional reflection and improvement of instruction is emphasized. Among the methods included are local data collection, structured interview, open-ended interview, case study, reflective case study, portfolio assessment and use of technology for self-assessment.

LIN-594 TESOL Capstone

A capstone course designed to allow students to integrate various principles of the TESOL program. This course includes two possible tracks: Thesis or Non-Thesis. Students seeking a Michigan Department of Education endorsement are required to choose the Non-Thesis option, which includes 60 hours of practicum.

Within this specialization, you’ll pursue an ESL endorsement to serve your students in a K-12 environment. Through practical course work, you’ll also earn a micro-credential in second language writing instruction.

LIN-571 Pedagogy of L2 Writing Instruction and Assessment

This course will provide K-6 and 7-12 grade teachers with a theoretical and pedagogical framework for (1) identifying and addressing the needs of second language writers in their classrooms and (2) establishing assessment strategies that effectively provide feedback to L2 writers and assessment washback for teachers. This course framework will build on recommended evidence-based teaching strategies related to writing fluency and the writing process development, including writing for a variety of purposes, using a Model-Practice-Reflect instructional style and using student assessment to inform instruction.

LIN-572 Grammar and Vocabulary Instruction for L2 Writers

This course will provide K-6 and 7-12 grade teachers with the theoretical and pedagogical framework for (1) identifying the structural and lexical needs of their second language writers and (2) developing instructional strategies and assessment that effectively target and assess these needs. This course framework will build on recommended evidence-based teaching strategies (from What Works Clearinghouse) related to word-level and sentence-level issues of second language writers including learners’ orthographic, lexical and grammatical instructional needs.

LIN-558 Materials Development and Integration

An application of second language learning and teaching principles to the analysis, adaptation, development and integration of materials for the ESL/EFL classroom. Among the resources explored are media, realia, computers and the internet for all language skills, including reading, writing, speaking, listening and grammar. Pedagogic rationale for materials and their use with a specific group of learners is emphasized.

LIN-559 TESOL Lab

In this course participants will apply their theoretical learning within their own classroom environments via a lab course. This course will follow a three or four-member peer-coaching format through which students will choose focus areas of instruction that they would like to grow. They will then work through a teach, record, reflect, share and peer-coach process with their team. The goal is individual growth through peer encouragement and accountability.

Within this specialization, you’ll pursue an ESL Endorsement to serve your students in a K-12 environment. Through practical course work, you’ll also earn a micro-credential in culturally and linguistically responsive teaching.

LIN-573 Culturally Responsive Teaching

This course prepares educators in all grade levels and content areas with culturally responsive teaching strategies for learners at all levels. The course covers the value of identifying the needs of diverse learners and then adapting instruction in a culturally appropriate way to support groups and individuals. This course is based on current best practices and evidence-based instructional strategies.

LIN-574 Linguistically Responsive Teaching

This course prepares educators in all grade levels and content areas with linguistically responsive teaching strategies for learners at all levels. The course covers the value of identifying the needs of diverse learners and then adapting instruction in a linguistically appropriate way to support groups and individuals. This course is based on current best practices and evidence-based instructional strategies.

LIN-558 Materials Development and Integration

An application of second language learning and teaching principles to the analysis, adaptation, development and integration of materials for the ESL/EFL classroom. Among the resources explored are media, realia, computers and the internet for all language skills, including reading, writing, speaking, listening and grammar. Pedagogic rationale for materials and their use with a specific group of learners is emphasized.

LIN-559 TESOL Lab

In this course participants will apply their theoretical learning within their own classroom environments via a lab course. This course will follow a three or four-member peer coaching format through which students will choose focus areas of instruction that they would like to grow. They will then work through a teach, record, reflect, share and peer coach process with their team. The goal is individual growth through peer encouragement and accountability.

Empower learners in a health care environment with the experience to teach and coach. Within this specialization, you’ll complete coursework to earn a micro-credential in academic coaching.

LIN-575 Language and Communication Skills for Healthcare

This course will focus on developing needs analyses, individual development plans and a curriculum that is designed to meet required English, communication and testing competencies. The course will focus on graduate-level health care professionals, but the principles and methods discussed will provide insight and application to other health care professions.

LIN-576 Introduction to Academic Coaching

This course will explore and define academic coaching. Some of the topics will include the benefits of coaching, characteristics of a coach, coaching relationships, guidelines, communication with students, healthy boundaries, protocols for conducting coaching sessions, learning theories and styles and the academic coaching process.

LIN-557 Issues in Healthcare for ESL Professionals

This course will overview the scope of medical education and professional development of health care professionals. It will address the growing trend of international medical graduates, and other health professionals, in the United States. This trend has created a need for increased awareness, education and training. Students will have a broad understanding of the practice of medicine and its training, competencies and licensing. Research and employment opportunities will be discussed.

LIN-558 Materials Development and Integration

An application of second language learning and teaching principles to the analysis, adaptation, development and integration of materials for the ESL/EFL classroom. Among the resources explored are media, realia, computers and the internet for all language skills, including reading, writing, speaking, listening and grammar. Pedagogic rationale for materials and their use with a specific group of learners is emphasized.

LIN-559 TESOL Lab

In this course participants will apply their theoretical learning within their own classroom environments via a lab course. This course will follow a three or four-member peer coaching format through which students will choose focus areas of instruction that they would like to grow. They will then work through a teach, record, reflect, share and peer coach process with their team. The goal is individual growth through peer encouragement and accountability.

Elevate your career with the practical experience and skills gained through this specialization. Through these courses, you’ll also be able to earn your academic coaching micro-credential to continue to add value and explore opportunities to serve your students and organization well.

LIN-578 Language and Communication Skills for Business and Organizations

Business and organization communication skills range from basic writing, speaking, reading and listening to planning and negotiation and everything else in between. This course is designed to take knowledge from TESOL methods and apply them to specific teaching settings in providing a needs analysis of an English language learner (ELL), including language level and learning goals, and to create a learning plan to match those goals.

LIN-576 Introduction to Academic Coaching

This course will explore and define academic coaching. Some of the topics will include the benefits of coaching, characteristics of a coach, coaching relationships, guidelines, communication with students, healthy boundaries, protocols for conducting coaching sessions, learning theories and styles and the academic coaching process.

LIN-579 Business and Organization English Field Praxis

This course draws learning into authentic application and continues in the TESOL Lab course. In this course students will network and establish contact with the ELL with whom they will work in the TESOL Lab course. After connecting with the ELL, students will create and perform a full needs analysis that will translate into the creation and implementation of a learning plan in the lab course.

LIN-558 Materials Development and Integration

An application of second language learning and teaching principles to the analysis, adaptation, development and integration of materials for the ESL/EFL classroom. Among the resources explored are media, realia, computers and the internet for all language skills, including reading, writing, speaking, listening and grammar. Pedagogic rationale for materials and their use with a specific group of learners is emphasized.

LIN-559 TESOL Lab

In this course participants will apply their theoretical learning within their own classroom environments via a lab course. This course will follow a three or four-member peer coaching format through which students will choose focus areas of instruction that they would like to grow. They will then work through a teach, record, reflect, share and peer coach process with their team. The goal is individual growth through peer encouragement and accountability.

Continue your passion for service and teaching in cross-cultural ministry. By journeying through this specialization, you’ll also be able to earn a micro-credential in academic coaching.

LIN-582 Language and Communication Skills for Cross-Cultural Ministry

This course is designed to take knowledge from TESOL methods and apply them to specific teaching settings in providing a needs analysis of an English language learner (ELL), including language level and learning goals, and to create a learning plan to match those goals.

LIN-576 Introduction to Academic Coaching

This course will explore and define academic coaching. Some of the topics will include the benefits of coaching, characteristics of a coach, coaching relationships, guidelines, communication with students, healthy boundaries, protocols for conducting coaching sessions, learning theories and styles and the academic coaching process.

LIN-583 Cross-Cultural Ministry English Field Praxis

This course draws learning into authentic application and continues in the TESOL Lab course. In this course students will network and establish contact with the ELL with whom they will work in the TESOL Lab course. After connecting with the ELL, students will create and perform a full needs analysis that will translate into the creation and implementation of a learning plan in the lab course.

LIN-558 Materials Development and Integration

An application of second language learning and teaching principles to the analysis, adaptation, development and integration of materials for the ESL/EFL classroom. Among the resources explored are media, realia, computers and the internet for all language skills, including reading, writing, speaking, listening and grammar. Pedagogic rationale for materials and their use with a specific group of learners is emphasized.

LIN-559 TESOL Lab

In this course participants will apply their theoretical learning within their own classroom environments via a lab course. This course will follow a three or four-member peer-coaching format through which students will choose focus areas of instruction that they would like to grow. They will then work through a teach, record, reflect, share and peer coach process with their team. The goal is individual growth through peer encouragement and accountability.

Inspire your students to reach their potential by following yours. Our master’s in teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) invites you into a supportive learning environment with a practical curriculum to serve wherever your passion for teaching takes you.

Proficiency in Terminology, Theories, Concepts, Practices and Skills

Students will demonstrate knowledge of and proficiency in the terminology, theories, concepts, practices and skills specific to the field of TESOL.

• Identify the major theories and terminology relevant to the study of TESOL.
• Articulate approaches to TESOL curriculum development, assessment of learning and instructional techniques.
• Demonstrate knowledge of using technology in TESOL.
• Understand current TESOL issues.
• Exhibit knowledge of the structure of languages and connections to social contexts.
• Develop materials demonstrating mastery of the essential principles of TESOL.

Competency in Applying Knowledge to Address Real-Life Problems

Students will exhibit competency in applying your knowledge to address real-life problems through both individual and group effort.

• Demonstrate professional skills appropriate to the degree program.
• Provide evidence of the ability to collaborate with others in achieving shared objectives.
• Exhibit communication skills, both in written and oral forms, appropriate for your professional field.
• Provide evidence of integrating research into addressing an issue in educational practice.

Integration of Traditional and Non-Traditional Cognitive Skills

Students will demonstrate your ability to integrate both traditional and nontraditional cognitive skills, including analytical inquiry, information literacy, quantitative fluency and communicative fluency.

Intercultural Competence

Students will demonstrate intercultural competence in addressing civic, social, environmental and economic issues. This will include issues related to multicultural education, understanding diversity and developing cultural awareness in teaching and learning.

Articulation of a Christ-Centered Worldview

Students will articulate a Christ-centered worldview and its personal, professional and communal embodiment through Christian virtues. In particular, you will demonstrate understanding of the integration of Christian worldview and TESOL education.