Job Discussion Forums

Drizzt · Joined: 20 Feb 2005 Posts: 229 Location: Kyuushuu, Japan

I would like to generate some discussion on this topic because after searching through the archives, I didn't find anything that seriously expounded on this issue.

I suspect many of us who decide to make a career out of ESL/EFL end up having to choose between a master's in one of these two areas. Although from what I've gathered they are very similar, there are some differences that may affect their marketability in different contexts (i.e.-AL has more focus on theory while TESOL leans more towards pedagogy, although BOTH overlap a lot).

I'm looking for concrete examples because that's what will differentiate this thread from the others...not just general stuff such as "AL is better if you want to do something other than teaching, while TESOL........"

In other words, in specific situations such as:

1. Teaching in your home country (and what type of institution and/or level)
2. Teaching abroad (" ")
3. Public vs. private education (" ")
4. Marketability in non-ESL/EFL occupations
5. Anything else I've missed that you can think of

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

I am finishing a masters in applied linguistics. My university also offers the EXACT same program but it is called TESOL. The only difference is the name. I was told that by the university that TESOL is marketed better in the US. I don't know why.
I chose app ling because I think it sounds more encompassing. It really doesn't matter a whole lot though to me.

QatarChic · Joined: 06 May 2005 Posts: 445 Location: Qatar

Why not find an MA which combines the two?

I am doing mine in ELT and Applied Linguistics...........

Drizzt · Joined: 20 Feb 2005 Posts: 229 Location: Kyuushuu, Japan

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

I don�t know how much serious discussion you will generate, since the two are so similar. I�ve got an MATESOL, but I imagine my coursework and experiences are similar to those in an Applied Linguistics program.

In terms of jobs--probably 99.984% of the jobs that require an MA will list "TESOL, Applied Linguistics, or equivalent." They are equally recognized by employers as being valid.

d

Hector_Lector · Joined: 20 Apr 2004 Posts: 548

I have an MA Linguistics (TESOL).

moot point · Joined: 22 Feb 2005 Posts: 441

Mine's an "MA in English Teaching".

They are all one in the same but it's interesting you brought it up as it really is all about marketability, isn't it? Especially when it comes to the universities decide to labell a degree.

With mine the director thought the terms of TESL, TEFL, TESOL, App. Ling., etc. were too limited so thought for a broader and more encompassing title and hence labeled it "English Teaching". Sometimes I think it is in fact too encompassing as the title would seem to suggest I'd be able to teach English Literature, which is not the fact at all.

Whatever the title, however, I think you would eventually prefer to seek an employer who is aware of the similarities of the various titles as opposed to someone ignorant of your studies just looking for a piece of paper with "the correct wording" on it, wouldn't you?

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

Moot,
If you already have an MA, why are you looking at a post grad certificate? Is it to teach in public schools?

Drizzt · Joined: 20 Feb 2005 Posts: 229 Location: Kyuushuu, Japan

moot point · Joined: 22 Feb 2005 Posts: 441

Hi Gordon.

You wrote:

Jizzo T. Clown · Posted: Sat Dec 17, 2005 6:18 am Post subject:

To use a personal example, I'm currently in an MA TESOL program. One of my colleagues just transferred from a uni where he was studying linguistics. In our Methods of TESL class, his presentations always dealt with syntax and acquisition theories and such, while the other TESOL majors focused on classroom activities and how to actually get the students involved.

So to me, it seems that the MA TESOL is indeed more concerned with pragmatics and AL is geared towards research and theory (I know that's not the answer you're looking for, but it's the best I can do).

As far as marketability, just about every uni job I see advertised in the US requires an MA TESOL "or related field," so I'm sure either degree would be ok ...but I'm personally more concerned with pedagogy and less concerned with sociolinguistic aspects of 18-24 year old Aborigines in the Australian outback...

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

You brought up a good point Jizzo. There are differences between linguistics and applied linguistics. All theory and no practice seems pretty useless to me. About an Australian focus, make sure you really research the program well and find out how much of an Australian focus the program is. If the course is geared for int'l students overseas, then there should not be a heavy emphasis on Australia (if you are doing an Aussie distance masters). Many people in my classes have never set foot in Australia and may never do so in the future. In fact, the courses I'm taking are identical to the ones conducted on-campus. I'd guess about 5% of my subject matter has focused on Australia, which is good in my opinion.

moot point · Joined: 22 Feb 2005 Posts: 441

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

Yes, an MATESOL and an MA in Applied Linguistics should be regarded equally highly.

d

Drizzt · Joined: 20 Feb 2005 Posts: 229 Location: Kyuushuu, Japan

Thanks for the really informative posts. I guess I don't have anything to worry about, so I'll just choose a program in either area that I like.