KUCHING – Aspiring teachers of English and those already in the profession who plan to obtain a higher degree now have the opportunity to earn a Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MA (TESOL)).
Accredited by Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne and approved by the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education, the program is scheduled to start at the Swinburne Sarawak campus on 5 September.
It is now open for enrolment for those who have a recognised degree in any discipline and a good command of English.
A full-time or part-time mode of study is available and the MA (TESOL) may be completed in 18 months subject to passing all the 12 units.
“The program aims to facilitate the development of disciplinary knowledge in the area of second language acquisition, as well as in the area of teaching English to speakers of other languages,” said Associate Professor Wang Su Chen, who heads the School of Language and Foundation at Swinburne Sarawak.
Wang said that the program equips prospective teachers with the tools for classroom practice, explores current theories and pedagogy in second or foreign language teaching, and investigates classroom issues related to teaching and learning.
“It will also enable students of the program to have an understanding of a range of methods that are used in TESOL research and take them through a project which applies research skills to the learning and teaching of English as a second and/or foreign language,” she said.
Wang, who obtained her PhD from the Institute of Education University of London, said that the postgraduate program also provides a sound platform for those who are considering doctoral studies in language teaching.
“Besides this, there are many alternative career outcomes for those with an MA (TESOL) qualification. This includes becoming teacher trainers or course advisors or setting up a private education venture,” she said.
Wang will be joined by a team of highly experienced academics from Swinburne Sarawak in delivering the program.
For more information on the MA (TESOL) program, contact Swinburne Sarawak at 082-415 353 or visit the campus