English as a Second Language

Certification Program

Course Descriptions:

EDU 555 (3 credits) – Developing Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity

Students will study the relationship between cultures, multicultural education, and effective teaching strategies for all students.  This course will prepare educators to create an environment that will be cultural sensitive and support varied instructional approaches.  It will include a study of knowledge, skills, and strategies that enable teachers to facilitate learning for students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

EDU 556 (3 credits) - Second Language Acquisition and Language Development

This course will provide education practitioners with an awareness of the process of language acquisition for first and second languages both in terms of the theoretical background and in terms of the practical application in the classroom.  Cognitive stages of language development, basic linguistics, and the structure of English will be introduced.  Practitioners will develop competency in the integration of TESOL and PDE standards in speaking, listening, reading, and writing as well as instructional and assessment strategies to successfully increase English language learners L2 competency.  Course goals will be achieved through class lecture, discussion, research, presentations, and practical application projects.

EDU 558 (3 credits) - Approaches to Educating ELL’s

This course offers educational practitioners a survey of the major approaches to teaching different types of English language learners in terms of method, instructional strategies, assessment.  The practical application of research including adapting materials, assessment and evaluation techniques, and access to student/teacher resources will be the primary focus of the course.  These topics and other issues faced by ESL teachers and learners will be addressed in a multicultural context with the goal to develop competency in the integration of TESOL and PDE standards in the classroom. This course is designed for master’s level education students and other education practitioners.  Course content will be covered through lecture, discussion, student facilitation, practical application projects, and research.

EDU 599 (3 credits) – Curriculum, Assessment and Instructional Strategies for Teaching Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students in the K-12 Classroom.

This course prepares the elementary and secondary teacher to meet the special needs of culturally and linguistically diverse students in the K-12 general education classroom.  Participants in this class will develop an understanding of the impact of being a non-native English speaker on the learning process and socialization in the classroom.  Intercultural communication skills and a variety of instructional strategies will be acquired. An emphasis is also placed on the teacher’s respect and appreciation for culture and language.