LCS: TESOL Concentration
Upon completion of the Cross-cultural Communication Concentration, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of major principles related to the teaching of a second or foreign language, especially as applied to teaching English.
- Integrate insights from research with biblical principles to articulate a sound philosophy of English language teaching as ministry.
- Apply effective methods of instruction and assessment to teaching practice in promoting acquisition of the lexical and grammatical aspects of English.
- Analyze other languages to identify potential difficulties native speakers may have in mastering the English grammatical system.
- Apply principles of second language acquisition and sociocultural research to determine effective strategies for teaching English to speakers of a minority language.
- Evaluate real-life learning and teaching situations and apply techniques that reflect effective pedagogical principles and best practices for the resolution of learner difficulties in the classroom.
What Can I Do with an LCS degree, TESOL Concentration?
- Teach in cross-cultural contexts
- Lay ministry and trade opportunities in countries with limited access
- Advance education in underdeveloped countries
- Begin graduate studies in Linguistics, Teaching or Education
Sample Core Courses
Introduction to TESOL for Adult Learners
An introduction to the discipline of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). This course equips students with an understanding of the principles and practice of language learning and teaching, reflecting both current trends and best practices in second language pedagogy.
The Structure of English
A study of the structure of English, with emphasis on the difficulties non-English speakers experience in acquiring English grammar. Includes an analysis of grammatical errors common to ESL/EFL students and introduces effective principles and techniques for teaching English grammar. Coursework includes the design and application of grammar lesson content.
Practical Issues in TESOL
An examination of the practical and methodological issues related to teaching English as a second or foreign language. Emphasis is on the intersection of theoretical research and pedagogical considerations in choosing various methods and approaches, including traditional teaching methods, Communicative Language Teaching, and explicit vs. implicit form-focused instruction.
TESOL Course Preparation and Design
An investigation of the processes and principles of effective language course development, including the design of contextualized curriculum, assessment tools, and structure for language courses and programs. Practical skills are developed as the student-teacher designs a course for an actual TESOL program.