Find out how people learn languages as you compare first language and second language acquisition and child and adult foreign language learning. Understand the learning theories that are the foundation of various teaching methodologies, and develop strategies that you can use in your own teaching situations.

Prepare to be a successful ESL/EFL teacher. Cover principles for effective teaching and classroom practices. Practice teaching a variety of classroom activities focusing on different language skills. Evaluate peer presentations orally and self-presentation in writing. Observe or present communicative activities in authentic ESL classes and present a cultural lesson at a local school.

Prepare to teach overseas in three phases: finding a job, preparing to go, and living/working overseas. One-on-one meetings will help you assess your goals, review resources necessary for the application process, and raise awareness of what you will encounter in living and working in a different country. Receive guidance on resume building, interviewing skills, and your country of choice in depth. Have the opportunity to observe on-campus ESL courses and discuss these observations with your peers in class.

Explore current methods for teaching specific skill areas such as speaking, listening, reading and writing with an emphasis placed on communicative teaching techniques and theories. Develop lesson plans, materials and instructional aids for your classroom, and learn how to motivate your students to study and learn by using a wide variety of language games and techniques.

Learn general principles and strategies for effectively teaching the English language skills of reading, writing, listening, speaking, pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary. Topics will include needs assessment, setting objectives, and selecting and using the appropriate materials.

Receive an introduction to the fields of phonetics and phonology as they relate to second language learning. Learn about practical issues and methods in the teaching of pronunciation, along with pronunciation problems common to many ESL students. Students will also have a chance to practice and improve their own pronunciation.

Examine theoretical issues and pedagogical practices surround the teaching of EFL to young learners. Learn to recognize the differences in young learner age groups, understand basic concepts of childhood language development, and utilize different strategies and basic principles of classroom management and motivation of young learners.

Improve your understanding of assessment strategies, gain new insight into the purpose of testing and interpreting test results. Discuss, analyze, and practice formal and informal ways of assessing your student’s speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills.