Independent TESOL Project

Singapore University of Social Sciences

Independent TESOL Project (TSL599)

Synopsis

TSL599 Independent TESOL Project offers students the opportunity to build on TSL508 TESOL Methods and TSL509 TESOL Curriculum by carrying out a semester-long independent project that puts into practice knowledge and skills in designing and implementing a curriculum with appropriate teaching methods for an English language enrichment programme. The project site may be proposed by the student and must be approved by the Head of Programme. Students will be supervised individually for this project. The supervisor may be a faculty member or an associate to be recommended by the Head of Programme and appointed by the University. To complete the project, students are required to identify the English language learning needs of a specific group of learners, design a small-scale curriculum and select teaching methods that address the learners’ needs, conduct lessons or coaching sessions, and reflect on the insights gained from the application of TESOL methods and curriculum principles.

Level: 5
Credit Units: 10
Presentation Pattern: Every semester

Topics

Identifying a project site and a target group of learners
Gathering learners’ data for a needs analysis
Conducting a needs analysis
Reporting the findings
Designing a curriculum based on the findings from the needs analysis
Selecting suitable teaching methods and materials
Planning English language lessons or coaching sessions
Understanding and practising classroom discourse
Conducting English language lessons or coaching sessions
Evaluating the effectiveness of chosen methods and materials
Revising and improving the curriculum
Reflecting on one’s own professional practices to make improvements

Learning Outcome

Assess the learning needs of a specific group of English language learners for specific areas of language.
Select teaching methods and materials appropriate for different types and needs of learners.
Evaluate current language teaching methodology and curriculum principles.
Design a curriculum for an English language enrichment programme intended for a specific group of learners.
Plan and conduct English language lessons or coaching sessions according to the proposed curriculum.
Choose appropriate TESOL methods and curriculum principles for application to one’s own teaching practices.