KUCHING – Aspiring teachers of English and those already in the profession who plan to obtain a higher degree now have the opportunity to do so.
Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus is offering the Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, or MA (TESOL), with classes starting in September this year.
An introduction to the program will be given by Associate Professor Wang Su Chen, Dean of the Faculty of Language and Communication, at the campus from 2pm to 4pm this Saturday, 30 March.
“The MA (TESOL) focuses on the disciplinary knowledge of second language acquisition and other applied linguistics subjects relevant to the teaching English to speakers of other languages,” Wang said.
Graduates with a recognised degree in any discipline and a good command of English may enroll on the program.
A full-time or part-time mode of study is available and the program may be completed in 18 months, subject to a student passing all 12 units, Wang said.
“Accredited by Swinburne Sarawak’s home campus in Melbourne and approved by the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education, the program equips prospective teachers with the tools of classroom practice, explores current theories and pedagogy in second and foreign language teaching, and investigates classroom issues related to teaching and learning.
“Students will also develop an understanding of TESOL research, which will lead them on to the possibility of doctoral studies in language teaching, if they have a research inclination,” she said.
As for job prospects, Wang said there are many career outcomes for those with an MA (TESOL) degree. These include becoming specialist teachers of English, university lecturers, teacher trainers, course advisors, or private education providers.
This is the third year that Swinburne Sarawak is offering the program. The first batch of MA (TESOL) graduands will receive their scrolls at the university’s graduation ceremony in October this year.
Swinburne Sarawak alumni enrolling on the program are eligible for a 15% tuition fee bursary.