Job Discussion Forums

double agent · Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2003 1:04 pm Post subject: masters tefl

about to go for a masters tefl...
need some advice. what should i look for in the course.
what should i expect to pay, how long is it generally,

what will a masters give me that the TESOL hasn�t ....

Experienced MASTERS reply please Embarassed

shirley · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 45 Location: Italy

Masters in TEFL can be through the English department or the Linguistics department. Mine is through Linguistics. I think Linguistics courses and professors are more interesting and you will probably learn more about language acquisition and the neurological processes involved in learning languages; however, if you should want to be certified in public schools and work with young students you would not have the necessary coursework and would have to take extra classes in childhood psych and firstaid and such. I say this as an American, not sure about other countries' requirements. As far as cost, depends on where you are. My program was a two year program that allowed me to work as a TA and therefore my tuition was paid and I also got paid a monthly stipend. I only had to pay for books. One thing to look for is a program that offers both an oral and a written practicum. I have been working in the field for 14 years now and am very happy with the education I received. It was worth the investment. Maybe some others have had different experiences.

double agent · Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2003 1:07 pm Post subject: hey thanks

seems like you are the only one on the board with
a Masters. Rolling Eyes

judging by ALL the reponses i have been getting.

Do most people lie about having their Masters TEFL i wonder ?

Thanks by the way for the info...i am checking several options now.

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

I don't think that Dave's esteemed posters are lying about their qualifications. The thing is that Masters' programs are incredibly varied in terms of cost, content, length, and reputability. My program was highly theoretical , with a lot of emphasis on research, but it did include a practicum, several electives such as teaching reading/writing, CALL, language assessment (writing reliable, fair, valid tests is HARD!!!), and several linguistics courses in which we did peer teaching. It was a three-semester program, but I dawdled and took a bunch of electives and stuck around for a fourth semester. (I just LOVE being in school!) It was expensive, but well worth it for the high caliber of the professors.

As to what you will get out of it--what do you mean when you ask what it will give you that TESOL won't/can't? A Masters' will give you more of a grounding in theory and more familiarity with current pedagogy, and, in terms of jobs, a higher starting salary. If you're already well-versed in theory, then I don't know what else an MA would offer.

d

shmooj · Joined: 11 Sep 2003 Posts: 1758 Location: Seoul, ROK

So, double agent, are you on a Masters course now? It would be good to use this topic as a kind of diary of your progress and experiences for others to learn from.

FYI, I finished my distance learning Masters TESOL/App. Lings with Leicester University last year having spent three years working very hard but enjoying almost every minute of it.