Oxford Brookes University, MA, Education - TESOL

Research Methods (20 credits)

This module will enable you to develop knowledge of a range of research approaches, methods and techniques and to consider ethics in educational research. You will have an opportunity to develop your research skills through preparatory work for the dissertation.  

Language Acquisition and Development: Principles and Practice (20 credits)

This module aims to provide you with a thorough grounding in the theoretical models of both first and second/foreign language acquisition and with psycholinguistic theories of learning and skills acquisition. By the end of this module, you will have reflected on the relevance of different kinds of theoretical knowledge of language learning to your own perceptions of teaching and learning in the classroom, and explored how these theories might have practical impact on learner focused classroom practice.

Descriptions of English (20 credits)

In this module we explore the linguistic description of English with a focus on ‘language in use’. The module looks at how our understanding of the English language relates to how we apply this knowledge in the classroom: what the teacher should ‘know’ about language, what the learner should ‘know’, and how classroom materials such as pedagogic grammars and course books approach this.

ELT Changing Methodologies (20 credits)

This module is designed to give the TESOL practitioner an engagement with some of the key debates current in the profession, such as World Englishes, the impact of corpus on language teaching, and current understandings of the learning process. We draw on the key textbook that has been written specifically for this course by Dr Jane Spiro Changing Methodologies in TESOL (2013).

Teaching English for Specific Purposes (20 credits)

This module builds on your knowledge of ELT, with a more specific focus on accommodating the needs of learners working in specific contexts, such as learning for academic or occupational purposes. The module covers the techniques commonly used in ESP for analysing and matching learner needs to the requirements of their target language context. A variety of ESP approaches to syllabus design, materials development and teaching skills are discussed, with reflection on how such approaches would best inform the needs of learners in specific contexts.

Multilingual Learners (20 credits)

This module focuses on children in English-speaking schools whose first language and culture is not English. It draws on current practice, research and case studies of schools and learners, and examples of current policy and practice in EMI and EAL contexts. The module is designed for the teacher aiming to enhance the learning experience and environment of the multilingual child, and make a difference to policy and practice.

ELT Materials Development (20 credits)

This module explores different modes in which materials are generated for learners, and engages with professional dialogue about the value and effectiveness of teaching resources. You will engage in small-scale market research and materials design projects and will connect with real-world projects in the ELT publishing industry.

MA in Education open pathway

One Option module can also be taken from the main MA in Education open pathway - these modules may include:

• Developing MA Literacies

• The Inclusive Curriculum

• Mind and Brain

• Diversity and Achievement