What Makes This Course So Special?
This course is run in conjunction with GEMS, the service that delivers EAL support in schools throughout Gwent. This means that a range of current practitioners have input to the course and experience of classroom practice can be offered to those who are not currently working in the field. With the rise in immigration in the local area and in the UK more generally there is a growing need for staff who are able to support pupils with English as an additional language in all phases of education.
Course Intro
This course is for you if you are a graduate or non-graduate with relevant experience looking for a further professional development opportunity, and a nationally recognised specialist qualification. You may currently be teaching literacy/communication, numeracy/maths or ESOL to adults or young people over 16 and may already have a teaching qualification (such as a primary, secondary or PcET PGCE or Cert Ed).
On the course you will have the opportunity to review and extend your teaching practice and subject knowledge, and develop professionally. You will be guided and supported by a team of specialist teacher educators, all of whom are experienced teachers in their field, enthusiastic about their subject and committed to enhancing the learner’s experience. You will also have the opportunity to learn from others in the group, and there are plenty of opportunities for you to share good practice and develop links with teachers from other organisations.
The courses meet the Lifelong Learning UK National Standards and subject specifications.
What you study
Part-time students normally take two specialist modules in year one and a third one plus Research Methodology in year two. This is followed by the dissertation. Full-time students take three specialist modules and Research Methodology over the course of one academic year and then go on to complete the dissertation. Alternatively, you can take one module from one of the other relevant MA Education pathways, such as Special Educational Needs, if appropriate.
Teaching and Supporting EAL
TEAL - Theory, Policy and Practice
An examination of relevant language acquisition and learning theory; motivation; strategies for teaching and policy relating to EAL.
TEAL - Current Issues
This module provides an opportunity for teachers of all keystages who have children with EAL in their care to engage in a more thoughtful and rigorous way with the issues currently facing them.
Following study of these specialist modules, participants can select a module from the following TESOL modules:
TESOL: Curriculum design and evaluation
TESOL: Materials Design and Evaluation
Awards are available at Postgraduate Certificate level (after completion of two taught modules) and Postgraduate Diploma level (after completion of four taught modules). To complete the full MA you will present a 17,000 word research dissertation and a 3,000 word research dissemination plan.
A programme specification for this course is available.
Where Next?
A Masters degree is required for career advancement in many professions and is regarded as evidence of effective commitment to high level professional development. TEAL is an area of considerable development and allows practising primary and secondary teachers to specialise and become subject leaders. It is also useful for those who are looking for a change in career from other areas such as EFL and ESOL or from unrelated fields.
Interview Required
Yes. After you have made your application an informal interview will be required.
Assessment
Modules are assessed through coursework, including action research, practical school-based tasks, written assignments and presentations.
Student Soundbite
“I have enjoyed the course and feel that I have gained knowledge of the issues that educators face when teaching children with EAL and an understanding of the different needs of EAL pupils. I have also gained