| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
foreignDevil
Joined: 23 Jun 2003
Posts: 580
|
 Posted: Tue Jul 18, 2006 3:59 pm Post subject: UMass-Boston distance MA in applied linguistics |
 |
|
Hi-
Has anyone heard of this program? It appears to be completely distance learning, no residency at all. The weaknesses are obvious of course; lack of a supervised teaching practicum, etc. But I am intrigued. I am looking at different schools now for a hopeful enrollment next year, but I would love to continue teaching in China while I am working on my degree.
Thoughts anyone?
http://summer.umb.edu/degree/apling/courses/
foreignDevil |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
Henry_Cowell
Joined: 27 May 2005
Posts: 3352
Location: Berkeley
|
| Posted: Tue Jul 18, 2006 6:36 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| foreignDevli wrote: |
| The weaknesses are obvious of course; lack of a supervised teaching practicum, etc. |
I believe the "Practicum/Field Experience" course (APLING 698) is the supervised teaching practicum. You choose a school where you can observe a class and do some teaching supervised by the class's instructor.
The Field Experience/Practicum is a one-semester, 3-credit, required course. It involves a 15-hour per week minimum teaching commitment. The field experience should be taken sometime during the student's final two semesters of study and after completing core methodology courses. Students must locate and secure a site for the field experience where it will be possible to observe a language class (ESL, or FL) and take on teaching responsibilities under the supervision of an experienced teacher. Academic advisors will work with mentor teachers to support students' practicum experience. Students who have two or more years of full-time teaching experience in a Bilingual, ESL or Foreign Language setting may be eligible for a Practicum Waiver.
By the way, UMass-Boston is an excellent school. The faculty members for this program seem to have outstanding credentials. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
foreignDevil
Joined: 23 Jun 2003
Posts: 580
|
| Posted: Wed Jul 19, 2006 3:04 am Post subject: |
|
|
True,, Henry Cowell, there is that practicum block. But the way the course description is worded, it sounds like it could be done just about anywhere, even an EF franchise. And it even sounds like the whole thing could be waived. I am sure you would have to document your prior classroom experience to their satisfaction. But still... can 2 years experience in a language mill equate to a supervised teaching practicum at the graduate level? Maybe. Maybe not.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not dismissing this. I just am raising the question. I will be betting my money, as well as my future, on whichever grad. program I ultimately choose. It's worth raising these questions.
foreignDevil |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
InTime
Joined: 06 Dec 2005
Posts: 1676
Location: CHINA-at-large
|
| Posted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 3:55 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I got some training at U Mass Boston...
Note they also have a stronh China program focus
http://summer.umb.edu/china/ |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
