MA in English Language Teaching

• Introduction
• Applicants
• Course content
• Nature of the work
• Assessment
• Modular structure
• Application forms

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Introduction

This is a calendar-year, full-time, post-experience programme of study leading to an MA in English Language Teaching. It consists of a taught course followed by a dissertation. Its aim is to provide an understanding of the theoretical foundations of language teaching and to study the ways in which theory can be applied to different aspects of language teaching in order to bring about improvements in practice.

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Applicants

The MA in English Language Teaching has been designed for qualified, trained and experienced teachers from a variety of professional backgrounds. They will normally be graduates although in rare cases other qualifications may be taken into account. They will be trained teachers since the MA is not an initial training course. They will have spent some years working in schools, curriculum development centres, Ministries of Education, advisory centres, training colleges or universities.

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Course Content

Term One

All students follow:

• Applied linguistics and ELT Methodology
• 
  An investigation into the relationship between (i) linguistics, psychology, psycholinguistics and sociolinguistics and (ii) the teaching of English as a foreign or second language.
• Research Methodology
• 
  This course introduces students to research methods used within the range of disciplines relevant to ELT. It begins during the first term and continues into the third term.

Students choose three components from:

• Psychology of Language Learning and teaching
• 
  An introduction to theories of language learning and to psycholinguistics
• English as an International Language and Language Planning
• 
  An introduction to the issues that lie behind language policy and planning and an examination of their influence in language training, course planning and implementation.
• The Grammar of English
• 
  A broad overview of current approaches to grammatical description and theories of linguistics.
• Text and Discourse Analysis
• 
  The course introduces the major theories of discourse and raises awareness of text types and text structures.

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Term Two

All students follow:

• Developing English Language Teaching
• 
  This major, double-weighted course aims to familiarise students with trends and issues in the fields of English language teaching, syllabus design and materials writing. It also aims to develop in students the practical skills to design their own programmes and materials.
• Research Methodology
• 
  This unit continues through the second term, focusing on a range of areas from the second term's programme.

Students choose two of the following options:

• Language Curriculum Evaluation
• 
  A specialised option focusing on approaches to curriculum theory and curriculum reform, curriculum planning and evaluation and with techniques of curriculum analysis.
• Literature in English Language Teaching
• 
  The option examines ways in which the teaching of literature and language can be integrated and explores theoretical and practical dimensions of this integration.
• Teacher Training
• 
  For those involved in work with English language teachers, the option deals with the development, implementation and evaluation of training and development opportunities and with related research.
• Phonology and the Teaching of Pronunciation
• 
  For those working in contexts where the teaching of pronunciation is important, the course aims to facilitate the development of specialist knowledge and skills in the systems and pedagogy of English pronunciation.
• Management of Educational Institutions
• 
  With the emphasis always on the practical application of management skills in the management of change, the course focuses on the nature of management, the planning and implementation of change and on processes of evaluation.
• The Use of English: Current Issues in Linguistics
• 
  This option provides the opportunity for those with a special interest in linguistic areas to become familiar with current research issues in descriptive linguistics and to consider applications to the teaching of English.
• Computer Assisted Language Learning
• 
  An opportunity for hands-on experience in: ELT software evaluation, authoring programs, adaptation of software for ELT, designing materials, using word-processing in ELT, concordances, integration of CALL in ELT programmes.
• Language Testing
• 
  The option aims to foster critical understanding of the functions of language testing in varied contexts: its pedagogic function, its classification function and its research function as a mechanism for data collection.

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Term Three

Students prepare for and carry out the research to be incorporated in their dissertation.

The first five weeks of term involve the completion of the unit on Research Methodology as well as a range of seminars and tutorials relating to dissertations. After five weeks, students work individually on their own 15,000 word dissertation. Students are encouraged to select a dissertation topic relating to the course followed and also to their professional role, responsibilities and context.

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The Nature of the Work

The student is encouraged to develop an understanding of underlying principles of language teaching and of ways in which these might be applied in the solution of particular ELT problems.

The course is taught by means of lectures, seminars and workshops. In addition, there is much guided reading and a number of written assignments in the form of long essays and portfolios of material. The student is introduced to research methodology which will assist him or her in carrying out the research for the dissertation with the support of a supervisor.

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Assessment

Assessment will be by coursework and by a final dissertation of 15,000 words.

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Modular Structure

The course is organised on a modularised basis.

The whole course may be taken together within one calendar year, usually beginning in October. Alternatively, students may complete the work in termly sections in different years but within a maximum of four years.

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Application forms

Application forms can be obtained from:

Centre Secretary,
Centre for English Language Teacher Education,
University of Warwick,
Coventry, CV4 7AL

Telephone: (01203) 523200
Fax: (01203) 524318
Email: Centre Secretary 

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Contact for this WWW page: Paul Wickens