Study TESOL with us

What is TESOL? 

TESOL is an acronym for “Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages”.  It encompasses both ESL -  teaching English in countries like Australia, where people from immigrant, refugee or indigenous backgrounds learn English as a second language, and EFL – where students in countries where English is not the dominant language learn English as a foreign language. For a detailed explanation of the field, follow this link: http://www.tesol.org/s_tesol/sec_document.asp?CID=709&DID=401

The TESOL area of study offers students a wide range of subjects in which they will be able to develop their expertise in primary, secondary and/or adult ESL or EFL teaching contexts.

• Programs in TESOL
• Themes explored in TESOL
• Research in TESOL
• Staff in TESOL
• Who is the program suitable for?
• Career outcomes
• Key benefits of the program

Programs in TESOL

You can specialise in TESOL by choosing one of the following programs:

(NB. The differing lengths of the Masters programs are based on the previous qualifications/work experience of the applicant)

Themes/subjects explored in TESOL

We are dedicated to assisting students to develop and foster their own creativity and to pursue unique research and scholarship. Depending on your course choice, together, students and staff explore critical issues in the field, including:

• Designing, delivering and evaluating programs in TESOL
• The development of English as an additional language
• Teaching English for specific purposes;
• Bilingual education
• Assessment  of ESL/EFL learners
• Teaching English in the international context; and
• Historical, social and political influences on the teaching of English
• Teaching Content through English
• ESL in language policy and planning

Research currently underway in the TESOL area

This is a very vibrant area in the School, and this list is just a sample of the staff and student projects that are currently underway:

• Immigrant students’ beliefs about English learning, teacher/learner roles and learning style preferences
• The nature of Chinese postgraduates’ academic adaptation experience in an Australian university
• Investigating IELTS score gains in higher education
• Evaluating an English language preparation program for postgraduate study
• "The notion of 'appropriate': responses to Chinese speakers of English".
• Post new-arrival ESL students in mainstream primary classes
• Schooling and social identities of English learning
• Children's experiences of literacy in their home language and English as an additional language
• Cultural and Policy Consequences of the Growth of English Worldwide

Staff in TESOL

The Language and Literacy Education cluster have specialised skills in Language and Literacy and bring with them many years of professional experience as teachers and academics. Our staff members have strong international profiles as researchers and are currently engaged in important projects related to their respective areas of specialisation.

Professor Joseph Lo Bianco
Dr Kieran O’Loughlin
Dr Michèle de Courcy
Dr Jane Orton
Dr Russell Cross

Who is this program suitable for?

Courses in TESOL provide initial preparation and continuing professional development for primary, secondary and other teachers who want an initial accredited university-level TESOL qualification to work in Australia and overseas. Whether you are a current or aspiring TESOL educator, our programs aim to advance understanding of the theory and practice of teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.

Career Outcomes

Our courses will assist you to develop and improve your understanding of the theories and practices of TESOL. For qualified teachers, our programs also provide you with initial accreditation to work in Australia and overseas as a TESOL specialist. In Australia graduates can seek employment in a variety of sectors including mainstream schools and language centres for adult and child immigrants as well as international students. Internationally, students may work in schools, language centres and universities.

Key benefits of the program

• Career outcome – employment as an ESL specialist in a variety of sectors including mainstream schools and language centres in Australia
• Accreditation to work in Australia and overseas
• Student-centred reflective learning and curriculum
• Academic staff offer a wealth of classroom experience
• Courses are highly relevant to schools and grassroots education practices
• Supportive learning community nurtured through seminars and focus groups