MA in Applied Linguistics/TESOL program (MAAL/TESOL)
Students in the Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics/TESOL program explore the relationship between language, culture, and society to solve real-world problems in language teaching, language testing, and intercultural communication. The multidisciplinary program draws from linguistics, psychology, sociology, ethnography, and education, and leads to two main areas (strands) of specialization: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and Testing. The program is delivered entirely via eLearning using a combination of synchronous and asynchronous modalities and follows the constructivist approach to online delivery.
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Advanced Diploma in TESOL Level 7
- Students who complete the MAAL/TESOL Program are eligible to sit for the ETECT Level 7 examination (accredited by ΕΣΥΔ). Successful candidates are awarded the Advanced Diploma in TESOL – Level 7.
- Students who are not eligible to enroll in the MAAL/TESOL Program can attend six courses (including a Practicum) and sit for the ETECT Level 7 examination (accredited by ΕΣΥΔ). Should they pass the examination, they are awarded the Advanced Diploma in TESOL – Level 7.
- Holders of the Advanced Diploma in TESOL – Level 7 are eligible to apply for an ESOL teaching position in summer schools in the UK.
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Recognition from Greece’s National Registry of Foreign Recognized Higher Education Institutes (D.O.A.T.A.P.)
The online MAAL/TESOL degree program offered by Hellenic American University has received recognition from Greece’s National Registry of Foreign Recognized Higher Education Institutes (D.O.A.T.A.P.).
- Hellenic American University (New Hampshire, USA campus) is listed on the National Registry of Foreign Recognized Higher Education Institutes, which is maintained and updated by D.O.A.T.A.P. in accordance with provisions of Law 4957/2022.
- Graduates of the MAAL program that meet all D.O.A.T.A.P prerequisites are eligible to apply for recognition of their degree.
Unique Features of the MAAL/TESOL & Advanced Diploma in TESOL Level 7 Programs
The MAAL/TESOL and the Advanced Diploma in TESOL Level 7 Programs are offered only via eLearning, and they have been designed to fully engage and support students throughout their studies. The programs feature:
- Mandatory weekly live video 90’ sessions per course through Blackboard Collaborate with the instructor and the students. Classes are small —maximum 10 students—which ensures that everyone actively participates and receives the individual attention they need.
- An easy-to-use learning platform and interactive communication tools such as video blogs, journals, and threaded discussions make it easy for students to share their experiences, insights, and questions with their teacher and fellow students.
- One-on-one support and frequent communication with a faculty mentor throughout the program and technical assistance whenever needed.
- Help in building an individual electronic portfolio for potential employers that showcases the student’s work in the program—a video of a class they’ve taught, perhaps, and a syllabus they’ve designed or a research project they’ve done.
- Electronically administered (AI and Human Proctoring) exams and tests using specially designed software to ensure a safe and secure testing environment.
Structure and Content
Each course lasts 15 weeks, Students meet 90 minutes per week via video conference (Blackboard Collaborate), and spend approximately 9-11 hours in asynchronous interaction, engagement, and study per week. During the 90-minute weekly live video conference, students use a broad spectrum of interactive learning tools and materials. In addition to taking part in the discussion, students may also be asked to:
- watch videos or listen to podcasts,
- respond to polls,
- contribute to the chat,
- share files with the rest of the group,
- present live,
- complete online quizzes,
- work in pairs and/or in groups.
Course material, which is available on the learning platform, is equally varied and includes:
- Embedded course readings in digital format
- Study notes and presentations
- Links to research
- Action Research and Classroom Simulations
Students are expected to actively participate and engage in the course, complete all activities and assignments, join the live video sessions, and more importantly contribute to the discussions both synchronously and asynchronously.
Participation in both the synchronous and asynchronous modalities is mandatory, and so are open cameras during the weekly live video conferences.
Program's strengths
Students in the program benefit from:
- A practicum in a conventional or digital classroom setting to develop advanced teaching skills.
- Opportunity to earn European-recognized certification as a teacher of English as a Foreign Language accredited by ΕΣΥΔ.
- A program that prepares you equally well for professional development and for doctoral studies.
- Courses that develop skills in using technology for language teaching in the classroom and online.
- Courses to analyze language in the real world and classroom settings.
- Courses that develop skills for research projects in linguistics and language education.
- Option to earn the International Tutor Training Program certification as a writing tutor from the US College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA).
- Faculty mentoring and personal support for your academic and professional development.
- Career counseling and opportunities for networking through the Career Development Office during and after completing the programs.
Courses
Students are expected to complete 10 taught courses and submit a thesis to be able to graduate.
The Practicum
In brief
Students in the MA in Applied Linguistics/TESOL program have the option to complete a practicum. The Practicum* is designed for students with little or no experience in teaching English to speakers of other languages (ESOL).
How it works
During the Practicum, students engage in teaching, observation, and reflection to broaden their teaching experience. Practicum students observe (on-site and/or online) experienced cooperating teachers of English Language Learners. They teach and record lessons/parts of lessons and participate in post lesson discussions, during which they receive constructive written feedback and summative assessment of their performance.
The aim
A major component of the Practicum is the development of strong reflective teaching practices. Both the coordinator of the Practicum at Hellenic American University and the cooperating teacher at the respective foreign language school provide guidance and feedback, which helps students evaluate their own practice as an ongoing part of their professional development.
The end product
Practicum students create a reflective journal during their practicum, which includes detailed lesson plans, samples of materials, students’ work, assessment tasks and it is supported by selected bibliography. They are also expected to write their reflections on the lessons they conducted and responses to post-lesson discussions.
Depending on students’ professional and academic goals, they can choose to do their practicum in Greece, the US, or any other place.
* The TESOL Practicum includes 180 contact hours which may be divided as follows:
- ESOL classroom observation: 20 hours
- Supervised classroom teaching: 4 hours
- Unsupervised classroom teaching: 156 hours
Students who opt for Thesis/Practicum are expected to attend several live video sessions as a group spread throughout the academic year.