Goals and Objectives of the M.A. in TESOL Program

NOTE: SJSU's M.A. in TESOL is suspended as of Fall 2023.

Knowledge of Language and Skills Required to Understand and Explain Language Systems.

Program Learning Objectives

• PLO 1A

  • Students will analyze language as a system consisting of phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, lexis, pragmatics, and discourse and articulate the relationships between the various intrasentential levels and features of English structure.

• PLO 1B

  • Students will correlate the knowledge and analytical skills in objective 1A with the four skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking with sufficient precision to teach and assess proficiency in English as a non-native language.

Knowledge of Language Learning - Knowledge of Current Theories Concerning Cognitive, Affective, Social, and Cultural Factors Central to the Acquisition and Use of Second Languages

Program Learning Objectives

• PLO 2A

  • Students will demonstrate an understanding of the role of pragmatic knowledge and knowledge of text structure in the comprehension, production, and acquisition of a second language.

• PLO 2B

  • Students will demonstrate an understanding of the intersection between culture, language, language learning and teaching, and language use with particular reference to English as a global language.

• PLO 2C

  • Students will apply theoretical knowledge of second language acquisition in second language learning/acquisition contexts.

Knowledge and Skills of Language Instruction - Knowledge of Curriculum Frameworks, Teaching Methods, and Proficiency Assessment Instruments for Teaching English as a Non-native Language

Program Learning Objectives

• PLO 3A

  • Students will identify the instructional strategies that go with the established teaching methods and apply them to various language learning and teaching situations.

• PLO 3B

  • Students will critically evaluate the teaching of actual ESL classes with regard to teaching strategies and activities and with regard to goals 1 and 2.

• PLO 3C

  • Students will demonstrate an understanding of the theory and practice of needs analysis, curriculum design, and assessment techniques.

• PLO 3D

  • Students will develop ESL curriculum for diverse target groups, design supplementary materials for use with particular instructional strategies, and develop language tests and assessment instruments by synthesizing the objectives of goals 1 and 2 and the teaching strategies in objective 3A.

Ability to Understand and Analyze the Processes of Linguistic and Cultural Globalization and their Impact on English Language Learning, Teaching, and Communication.

Program Learning Objectives

• PLO 4A

  • Students will critically examine concepts such as race, ethnicity, identity, and culture and their relationship to language teaching and learning in the context of a globalized world.

• PLO 4B

  • Students will design syllabi that create classroom and program environments that foster global cultural consciousness.

Synthesize the Learning Represented in Goals 1-4 in order to Effectively Teach English Learners in a Variety of Contexts and be an Active Teacher Scholar.

Program Learning Objectives

• PLO 5A

  • Students will complete a one-semester supervised practicum in which they plan lessons and teach English to an actual ESL class.

• PLO 5B

  • Students will carry out independent research.

• PLO 5C

  • Students will effectively write and present for professional audiences.