Pursuing
a Masters in TESOL is a big step that requires dedication, persistence and hard
work but the benefits can be very rewarding. I have completed all the courses
except Use of Technology in ELT and Dissertation. I am trying to give a glimpse
of the courses that I have attended in my previous semesters.
Foundation of linguistics focuses the basic ideas about four
different domains of linguistics like phonology, morphology, syntax and
semantics. It was difficult to cope up with the class but our teacher made it
easier.
Methods and practice of teaching course focuses on different
learning theories and methods of instruction. We had to do demonstration on
each teaching approaches and methods. For this we had to design own materials
and had to make lesson plans. It makes us more creative and enthusiastic.
SLA and psycholinguistics focus on how students learn
language, the phases in how one acquires language, instructional strategies to
help in the language acquisition process. In this course we had to sit for the
open book exam. At first we thought that it would be easier but finally it was
so tough for us.
Testing and Evaluation is another tough course. From this
course we learn how to evaluate or assess materials, different test items,
validity, reliability, backwash effect and many other things. I would like to
mention one thing that is, we had to read lots of articles and we had to take
part in presentation and quiz on that. It was really painful for us.
From ELT Leadership
and Management course we learn how ELT can be provided as teaching learning
service applying the organizational and management framework.
Syllabus, curriculum and materials
design and evaluation
course helps us to learn how to do need assessment/diagnosis of needs,
formulation of objectives, selection of contents and organization of learning
experience.
Teaching practicum-1 & 2 focuses on collaborative learning,
critical thinking and writing skills, module/ course designing, assessing
students learning and giving feedback, ICT mediated teaching.
Classroom research and Research
methods in ELT focuses
on writing proposal, designing and analyzing questionnaire both for qualitative
and quantitative data. Finally we had to do mini research then presentation
report submission.
Socio linguistics enhances our knowledge on issues
surrounding language use in society.
Use of Technology in ELT: We cannot think anything without technology. Consciously or unconsciously we are
with the touch of different modern technology. Through this course I hope we
will be more technologically sound.
Last but not to the list, Dissertation is going on. I won’t mention anything. Let see what
is going on.
There is an
intrinsic satisfaction in teaching English and fostering a common language
between groups of people who would otherwise have no way to communicate. It is
an incredibly diverse and rewarding profession for those who pursue a career in
this field.
