Graduate Certificate; Teaching English as a Second Language (15 credits)

Program Requirements

This 15-credit certificate is designed as professional development for in-service teachers and candidates with a background in education, language studies, linguistics, or a related field, or as preparation for application to our M.A. in Second Language Education. The five courses that comprise the certificate provide a solid background and offer in-depth study in the field of second-language education from a range of perspectives and with a focus on research and applications to teaching. Please note that this certificate does not lead to teacher certification.
The Graduate Certificate in TESL is designed to be available to students worldwide. Courses are offered in a combination of online and face-to-face formats, and sequenced in such a way that students can complete the certificate in one year. The maximum time for completion is five years. The first three courses are offered online, and can be undertaken anywhere an Internet connection is available. The final two courses are offered face-to-face either on-site at McGill or at off-site locations with collaborative partners, if numbers warrant.

Required Courses (15 credits)

Online Courses

• EDSL 500 Foundations and Issues in Second Language Education (3 credits)

  Offered by: Integrated Studies in Ed (Faculty of Education)

  Overview

  Education in Second Languages : Introduction of second language (L2) education; an overview of contributing disciplines (e.g., linguistics, psychology, sociology and education). A history of theory and various methodological approaches to L2 teaching and learning is used to promote an understanding of current theory and practice.

  Terms: Fall 2012

  Instructors: Caroline Joan Riches (Fall)

  • Fall
  • Restriction: Restricted to students in the Graduate Certificate in TESL.
• EDSL 505 Second Language Acquisition Applied to Classroom Contexts (3 credits)

  Offered by: Integrated Studies in Ed (Faculty of Education)

  Overview

  Education in Second Languages : An overview of theory and research in second language acquisition, including developmental patterns, factors affecting how second languages are learned, and relevance for teachers in terms of applications to the classroom context.

  Terms: Winter 2013

  Instructors: James Howden (Winter)

  • Winter
  • Prerequisite: EDSL 500.
  • Restriction: Restricted to students in the Graduate Certificate in TESL.
• EDSL 512 Grammar in Teaching English as a Second Language (3 credits)

  Offered by: Integrated Studies in Ed (Faculty of Education)

  Overview

  Education in Second Languages : Analysis of English grammar at phonological, morphological, syntactic, semantic, and discourse levels. Applications are made to second language teaching and learning, focusing on integrating grammar into communicative language approaches.

  Terms: Summer 2013

  Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2012-2013 academic year.

  • Prerequisite: EDSL 505
  • Restriction: Restricted to students in the Graduate Certificate in TESL

On-site at McGill in Intensive (1 month) Institute

Note: Off-site delivery can be considered for a specified minimum number of students. Certain limitations and additional costs would apply.

• EDSL 601 Methods and Curriculum in Second Language Teaching 1 (3 credits)

  Offered by: Integrated Studies in Ed (Faculty of Education)

  Administered by: Graduate Studies

  Overview

  Education in Second Languages : Applications of current theories and models of second language development and their implications for teaching all language skills (reading, writing, speaking, listening), including lesson planning, materials selection and development, activities and assessment in various formal and community second language education settings. Principles and methods for formative and summative assessment.

  Terms: Summer 2013

  Instructors: James Howden (Summer)

  • Prerequisite: EDSL 512
  • Corequisite: EDSL 602
  • Restriction: Restricted to students in the Graduate Certificate in TESL or with permission of the Graduate Program Director
  • Attendance in this course is mandatory.
  • A practicum component is integrated into this course.
• EDSL 602 Methods and Curriculum in Second Language Teaching 2 (3 credits)

  Offered by: Integrated Studies in Ed (Faculty of Education)

  Administered by: Graduate Studies

  Overview

  Education in Second Languages : Continuation of topics covered in EDSL 601 with further applications. Exploration of the kinds of information needed to make educational decisions in second language courses, different techniques for collecting that information, and ways for interpreting it.

  Terms: Summer 2013

  Instructors: Beverly Anne Baker (Summer)

  • Prerequisite: EDSL 512
  • Corequisite: EDSL 601
  • Restriction: Restricted to students in the Graduate Certificate in TESL or with permission of the Graduate Program Director
  • Attendance in this course is mandatory.
  • A practicum component is integrated into this course.