Gain effective learning and communication strategies to help non-native English speakers
develop their language skills.
The MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL, formerly the MA
in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL)) degree is designed to prepare teachers
to teach the English language to English Language Learners (ELLs) in K-12 classrooms
in the United States, as well as students in countries where English is not a primary
language. The International Education emphasis is designed for current and future
teachers of English in settings outside of the United States.
Teachers will acquire knowledge about theory and concepts in second language acquisition
and be equipped with methodological skills to teach English to Speakers of Other Languages
(ESOL). Informed by constructivist approaches to teaching and learning, teachers will
develop the abilities to design curriculum and assessments that meet specific standards
for different learning situations in countries and cultures around the world.
All students who enroll in the TESOL program at this campus are also enrolled in the
Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) graduate certificate.
Join the TESOL program in Uzbekistan
The MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages: International Education
Emphasis (TESOL, formerly TESL)/Graduate Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign
Language has hundreds of graduates and program faculty with professional experiences
in more than two dozen countries. The TESOL program is offered at the campus in Tashkent
and at partner sites in the Uzbek State World Languages University and Samarkand Institute
of Foreign Languages.
MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Program
Webster's TESOL classes use a four-skills communicative approach to learning language.
Classes are interactive, lively and small to encourage more participation and to give
instructors more time with each student.
Instructors have master's degrees, most in TESOL/TEFL. Many work as a teacher trainers,
and have years of experience teaching English in Uzbekistan abroad.
Many technological tools are available for language learning, including blogs, electronic
classrooms, online discussion tools and video and audio equipment.
Webster's MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages program is designed
for current and future teachers of English. Prior teaching experience in not required.
The following program goals are built on a conceptual framework of knowledge, implementation
and reflection.
The English language system, its components (i.e., phonology, morphology, syntax,
semantics, etc.) and issues of linguistic variation (i.e., dialects, discourse, slang,
humor, etc.).
The major theories, key concepts and research in first and second language acquisition
(SLA).
Modern and traditional teaching approaches, as well as the legal processes and policies
that have influenced the English as a Second Language field.
Multicultural aspects and personal variables (i.e., background experiences, values,
beliefs, gender) that affect the process of language acquisition and cultural integration.
Effective learning and communication strategies.
Curriculum design and appropriate materials/textbooks.
Current and historical aspects of assessment design and implementation, as well as
their implication for various stakeholders.
Candidates will practice in their classroom:
Various standards-based instructional strategies to support effective educational
practices that value individual and cultural differences.
Standards-based curriculum designed on modern teaching theories and meaningful, authentic
content and language materials (i.e., experiences that model social and academic contexts
by integrating all language skills – listening, speaking, reading and writing).
Multiple culturally-informed, valid, reliable, authentic, pragmatic and non-biased
assessment techniques that measure learning progress and teacher/program/content effectiveness.
Technology-centered activities that promote content and language learning, following
a constructivist model that allows ample language input and practice.
Candidates will reflect on:
The roles educators take in collaboration with colleagues, school administrators,
paraprofessionals, parents and community members to advocate for the needs of their
community of learners and their direct access to resources.
Personal growth through on-going participation in personal development activities.
Effectiveness of instructional and assessment approaches in the classroom with the
view of achieving equitable education for their ELL students.
Curriculum appropriateness in compliance with national and regional standards, as
well as program expectations and student diverse needs, preparedness, resources and
ability.
The need to support and encourage ELL students and families in their journey of social,
cultural and linguistic accommodation.
33 Credit Hours
All subjects are required for graduation. Students complete a total of 33 credit hours.
TESL 5740 English for Academic Purposes
TESL 5030 Linguistics for Language Learning and Teaching
TESL 5230 Theories of Foreign and Second Language Acquisition
TESL 5139 Instructional Methods for Language Classrooms
TESL 5220 Lesson Planning and Curriculum Development for Language Classrooms
TESL 5710 Teaching English Grammar
TESL 5311 Language Assessment
TESL 5350 Sociolinguistics
TESL 5040 Practicum in English Language Classrooms
TESL 5730 Materials Development in Language Classrooms
TESL 5760 English for Specific Purposes
Upon completion of the Webster University MA TESOL program, graduates receive a diploma
in teaching English to speakers of other languages, as well as a certificate in teaching
English as a foreign language. The TEFL certificate is a highly valued qualification
in the international market. Courses that allow students to qualify for the TEFL certificate
are embedded into the program curriculum.
Founded in 1915, Webster University is committed to ensuring high-quality learning
experiences that transform students for global citizenship and individual excellence.
In 2019, Webster Tashkent joined our network to bring the best of American education
with the first U.S. university in central Asia.