Job Discussion Forums

[Drizzt]

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]

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]

Why not find an MA which combines the two?

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

[Drizzt]

[denise]

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]

I have an MA Linguistics (TESOL).

[moot point]

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]

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

[Drizzt]