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Teaching English-Language Learners

Program Codes: QTELL
Minor

This minor program is open to all students, regardless of major. Whether planning to work within school districts in the U.S., or to travel and teach overseas, the ability to effectively teach students the English language will open a variety of employment opportunities. Learning to teach English as an additional language adds to a pre-service teacher’s skill and enhances the resume of those working with refugees and New Americans.

Students not only learn the methods for teaching English language learners, but also the language acquisition theories, socio-cultural influences, and program development strategies which make them more culturally sensitive and effective instructors and leaders.

Courses may be taken at the undergraduate or graduate level.

Education majors completing this coursework may apply for the English as a Second Language (ESL) Program Specialist Certification through the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).

 

 

 

Students in any major may earn a minor in Teaching English-Language Learners.

Teaching English-Language Learners Required Courses
SUPPORTING LITERACY ENGLISH LANG LRNRS
Course Code:
ELL 301
Active Term:
Spring Term
/ Odd Years
Course Description:
This course introduces the structure of the English language as a background for exploring the development of literacy for English language learners (ELLs) across disciplines. It prepares teacher candidates to support, accommodate and coach ELLs in literacy strategies, including the use of assistive technologies relevant to content area subjects. The course partially satisfies competencies for the PDE ESL Program Specialist Certification. Students will be required to complete field experiences and classroom activities that enable them to reflect on their own belief systems, practices, and educational experiences.
Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
x
ELL 301
SUPPORTING LITERACY ENGLISH LANG LRNRS
3
TEACHING ESL:ISSUES IN THEORY&PRACTICE
Course Code:
ELL 400
Active Term:
Spring Term
/ Even Years
Course Description:
This course explores instructional techniques to help ELLs develop L2 literacy and content knowledge. It prepares teacher candidates to develop ELL instruction and assessment opportunities; to apply appropriate testing practices for English language learners by addressing state-allowed testing accommodations, using multiple assessment resources and measures; and to analyze educational data from various ELL groups. The course partially satisfies competencies for the PDE ESL Program Specialist Certification. Students will be required to complete field experiences and classroom activities that enable them to reflect on their own belief systems, practices, and educational experiences.
Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
x
ELL 400
TEACHING ESL:ISSUES IN THEORY&PRACTICE
3

*This course includes a 20-hour practicum.

PROFESSIONALISM&PROGRAM DEVELOP FOR ELL
Course Code:
ELL 405
Active Term:
Fall Term
/ Odd Years
Course Description:
This course explores the national, state and local requirements and their effects on ELL instruction, assessment and program implementation; investigates the importance of collaboration with family, community, content instructors and administrators for the educational benefit of ELLs; and helps candidates plan for long-term growth and personal professional development through participation in professional organization and action research. 3 credits.
Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
x
ELL 405
PROFESSIONALISM&PROGRAM DEVELOP FOR ELL
3
CULTURALLY&LINGUISTICALLY DIVRS LRNR
Course Code:
WL 101
Course Group(s):
HUMANS IN CONNECTION
Active Term:
All Terms
/ All Years
Course Description:

This course, which satisfies the Humanities core requirement for Education majors, provides the knowledge, skills and dispositions that enable K-12 teachers to facilitate learning among students from various linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Specifically, the course will (1) explore variations in personality, educational background, social class, ethnicity, national origin, language, and culture; (2) analyze the issues of race, racism, and culture in historical and contemporary perspectives; (3) explore strategies for teaching multicultural and multilingual English language learners in K-12 settings; and (4) identify obstacles to participation in the educational process by diverse cultural and ethnic groups. This course is open to all majors, through the focus is on the educational context.

Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
x
WL 101
CULTURALLY&LINGUISTICALLY DIVRS LRNR
3
SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION
Course Code:
WL 312
Active Term:
Fall Term
/ Even Years
Course Description:

This course will examine how first and second languages are acquired, bilingualism/multilingualism and its benefits, and bilingualism and multilingualism around the globe from the perspective of education and language policy. The course will consider current approaches to and outcomes of second language teaching in the U.S. and abroad, assessment (including the ACTFL proficiency guidelines), and the Pennsylvania Standards for World Languages. This course is open to all interested students. *This course includes a 20-hour practicum.

Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
x
WL 312
SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION
3
INTRO TO SOCIOLINGUISTICS
Course Code:
WL 314
Course Group(s):
ANTHROPOLOGY/ARCHAEOLOGY COGNATE ELECTIVES
Active Term:
Fall Term
/ All Years
Course Description:

This course does not assume prior language or linguistics study but rather introduces students to the social aspects of language, in general, and to the relationship between language and social factors that affect its usage, such as geography, gender, ethnicity, age and socioeconomic class.

Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
x
WL 314
INTRO TO SOCIOLINGUISTICS
3

One (1) elective course in culture, language, or linguistics required; it must be approved by program director.

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