Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

This course provides an overview of teaching English as a second language (ESL), beginning with a brief historical survey. Participants review basic principles of teaching ESL listening, reading, speaking, and writing, and examine the roles of teacher and learner, materials, texts, curricula, and lesson planning. In each area, instruction combines current theory, practical information, and resources. The class concludes with information on professional ESL associations, conferences, and employment locally, nationally, and abroad.

This course is designed to expand or update knowledge of reading and writing theories, focusing on teaching techniques for the adult learner in a variety of educational settings. Specific skills to be discussed include skimming, scanning, inferencing, reading literature and poetry to develop critical thinking skills, journal writing, developing and revising essays, incorporating grammar, and error correction. Current and traditional issues will also be reviewed, including whole language, schema theory, connection between reading and writing, assessment, error correction, and the difference...

This course presents the fundamental concepts of oral discourse as well as practical classroom techniques for teaching spoken English. Working from individual sounds to stretches of continuous speech, and considering stress, intonation, and rhythm, participants will learn effective ways to teach pronunciation. Topics include such interesting features of conversation as turn taking, the role of world knowledge, and reduced speech. Participants will also learn numerous exercises to enhance fluency and accuracy.

An important part of successful language teaching is understanding the principles of linguistics and how they relate to the production and comprehension of language. This course introduces important concepts in linguistics, particularly as they relate to English, while examining how to use these concepts and specific techniques for developing oral and written skills. Topics include phonetics, phonology, morphology, the lexicon, syntax, and conversational usage. Participants will use these principles to investigate new strategies for the actual process of teaching.

ESL teachers must frequently explain complex English grammar to their students to help them speak and write. This course covers basic grammatical concepts and exercises for ESL instruction. Ideas are presented to help educators make grammar manageable for students; include grammar in their teaching of written and spoken language; testing grammatical knowledge; and development of materials that promote language fluency as well as accuracy.

It is important for students learning a new language to understand the culture connected to the language. This class will help participants develop instructional strategies and practical tools for integrating culture into a language curriculum. A definition of culture is followed by an in-depth view of American culture in particular, focusing on what are considered typical, mainstream American values. Cultural differences in the classroom will also be examined and suggestions will be provided for handling a variety of cross-cultural issues.

This course explores a variety of theories about second and foreign-language learning, and investigates the teaching methodologies that grow out of their application. Instruction focuses on several key principles that are fundamental to the teaching and learning of a second language. Course topics include the relationship between first and second language learning, the role of affective factors, order of acquisition, the concept of interlanguage, comprehending vs. producing the second language, and the role of error correction. Various methods will be demonstrated, and participants will...

The final component of the Professional Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages is a 60 hour practicum that allows candidates to test their newly developed knowledge and skills by working with an experienced ESL professional in a classroom setting. Students will work with the coordinator and receive information detailing possible placement locations, evaluation procedures, forms, and requirements for completing the practicum.

Examination of culture and cultural diversity and the relationship to academic achievement, development, implementation and evaluation of culturally inclusive instruction. Topics include cultural concepts and perspectives; cultural contact; cultural diversity in California and the United States; cross-cultural interaction; the roles of culture in the classroom and the school; culturally inclusive learning environments; family and community involvement; and culturally inclusive curriculum and instruction. This course is part of the following California Commission on Teacher Credentialing...