Program Mission
Committed to advancing both emerging and seasoned English language educators, the Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (MA in TEFL) program endeavors to rigorously implement innovative pedagogical strategies, state-of-the-art language assessment methods, and comprehensive research techniques. We aim to meet and exceed the dynamic educational needs for proficient English language teaching within the Saudi Arabian context and beyond. Integral to our mission is conducting relevant and creative research that fulfills current global and local demands and offering community service in the concerned fields.
Program Goals
In the pursuit of its overarching mission, the MA in TEFL program is guided by five fundamental objectives:
- To deepen students' understanding of both the English language and TEFL pedagogical theories, thereby enabling critical analysis of language structures, semantics, and pragmatics, as well as providing a robust comprehension of pedagogical theories and methodologies.
- To equip students with the critical understanding and practical skills necessary for assessing language needs, stages of language acquisition, and for implementing comprehensive and constructive assessment techniques
- To train students in employing contemporary methodologies for curriculum design, lesson planning, and activity development, while also focusing on adaptive, research-based strategies that prioritize learner engagement.
- To instill in students a commitment to the highest standards of professional conduct, ethical behavior, and collaborative work environments, emphasizing mutual respect, empathy, and open communication with all educational stakeholders.
- To cultivate research aptitudes and a commitment to continuous professional development, thereby encouraging scholarly contribution and setting the foundation for lifelong learning and growth in the field of TEFL.
Graduate Attributes
1. Advanced English Language Proficiency and Pedagogical Knowledge:
Sub-Attributes: In-depth understanding of English language structures; knowledge of pedagogical theories and methodologies; ability to contrast different teaching approaches.
2. Expertise in Language Acquisition Theories:
Sub-Attributes: Comprehensive understanding of language acquisition models; applying these theories to enhance TEFL practices.
3. Innovative Teaching and Assessment Skills:
Sub-Attributes: Ability to analyze learners’ needs, implement innovative teaching methods, and use varied assessment techniques effectively.
Research Competence in TEFL:
Sub-Attributes: Skills to conduct and critique TEFL research; contribute to the field’s advancement; stay informed of global trends.
Professionalism and Ethical Standards:
Sub-Attributes: Upholding high standards of professionalism and integrity; promoting an ethical educational environment.
Collaborative and Empathetic Engagement:
Sub-Attributes: Fostering collaborative educational environments; prioritizing empathy in interactions with stakeholders.
Commitment to Lifelong Learning and Professional Development:
Sub-Attributes: Demonstrating ongoing commitment to professional growth and staying current with advancements in TEFL.
Global and Cultural Competence:
Sub-Attributes: Awareness of global and cultural issues; application of intercultural competencies in TEFL contexts.
Program Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding:
K1 (1.1): Articulate a comprehensive understanding of the English language by critically analyzing its structural, semantic, and pragmatic components.
K2 (1.2): Explain and contrast major pedagogical theories, approaches, and methodologies used in TEFL tailored to English for general purposes, specific purposes, and for young learners.
K3 (1.3): Describe and evaluate the major theories, models, and stages of language acquisition, highlighting their implications in TEFL contexts.
Skills:
S1 (2.1): Critically analyze language needs and proficiency of learners, devising specific strategies and targeted interventions to enhance their English acquisition processes.
S2 (2.2): Implement rigorous and varied assessment techniques, providing constructive feedback to foster students' continual growth in English proficiency.
S3 (2.3): Utilize contemporary language teaching methodologies to innovatively plan lessons, design engaging activities, and critically evaluate the effectiveness of curricula and instructional resources..
S4 (2.4): Foster active learner engagement by implementing adaptive teaching strategies grounded in contemporary, research-based pedagogical principles
S5 (2.5): Conduct and critique research in the field of TEFL, demonstrating the ability to identify areas of inquiry, synthesize literature, and contribute to the advancement of the discipline.
Values, Autonomy, and Responsibility:
V1 (3.1): Uphold the highest standards of professionalism and academic integrity, fostering an environment of mutual respect with students, peers, and administrators.
V2 (3.2): Uphold and promote the highest ethical standards of the educational community and institution, setting a benchmark through one's actions and interactions.
V3 (3.3): Foster a collaborative educational environment, prioritizing empathy and open communication with peers, students, and their families.
V4 (3.4): Demonstrate a commitment to continuous professional development, staying updated with global advancements in the TEFL field, seeking opportunities for self-evaluation and lifelong learning.
Program Courses
Semester 1: Foundations of English Language Teaching
6201TEFL-3 Advanced English Grammar: Delve into the complexities of English grammar, enhancing your ability to teach advanced grammatical structures effectively.
6202TEFL-3 Academic Reading and Writing: Focus on developing strategies for teaching academic literacy, emphasizing reading comprehension and writing proficiency.
6203TEFL-3 Speech Workshop Seminar: A practical seminar designed to refine your teaching techniques in spoken English, including pronunciation and fluency.
6410TEFL-3 Phonetics and Phonology: Understand the sound systems of English, crucial for teaching accurate pronunciation and listening skills.
Semester 2: Methodologies in TEFL
6501TEFL-3 Teaching English to Young Learners: Specialized methods and approaches for engaging and educating young English language learners.
6502TEFL-3 Teaching English as a Foreign Language: Comprehensive coverage of TEFL methodologies, focusing on effective teaching practices in diverse international contexts.
6503TEFL-3 Second Language Acquisition: Explore the theories and processes behind language learning, essential for informed teaching strategies.
6504TEFL-3 Language Assessment: Learn to design and implement effective assessments to evaluate and enhance language learning.
Semester 3: Specialized Applications in TEFL
6505TEFL-3 Teaching English for Special Purposes: Tailor your teaching to specific fields such as business English or medical English.
6506TEFL-3 Curriculum Design and Materials Development: Develop expertise in creating curricula and educational materials for varied teaching scenarios.
6507TEFL-3 Technology for Teaching and Learning English: Integrate modern technology into your teaching practice to enhance learning experiences.
6508TEFL-3 Research Methods in English Language Teaching: Gain proficiency in conducting research in the field of English language teaching.
Semester 4: Advanced Practice and Research
6509TEFL-3 Classroom Discourse Analysis: Analyze classroom interactions to improve teaching effectiveness and student engagement.
6510TEFL-3 Practicum: Apply your learning in real-world teaching environments, gaining valuable hands-on experience.
6511TEFL-3 Project: Undertake a capstone project that showcases your comprehensive understanding and practical application of TEFL principles.
Program Description
The Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (MA in TEFL) program stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to fostering the development of both emerging and seasoned English language educators. With its roots firmly planted in the rich cultural and educational landscape of Saudi Arabia, the program extends its reach to address global standards and demands in the field of English language teaching. The essence of our mission is to revolutionize the TEFL landscape through the implementation of cutting-edge pedagogical strategies, advanced language assessment methods, and thorough, innovative research. Our goal is to not only meet but to surpass the evolving educational requirements necessary for competent English language instruction, both within the local context and on a global scale.
Central to our mission is the pursuit of relevant and imaginative research that meets the current global and local demands, coupled with a strong emphasis on contributing to community service in the relevant fields.
Guided by five primary objectives, the MA in TEFL program is dedicated to:
- Deepening Understanding of English Language and TEFL Pedagogy: This involves providing students with an intricate understanding of English language structures, semantics, and pragmatics. Additionally, it encompasses a comprehensive grasp of pedagogical theories and methodologies, fostering critical analysis and robust comprehension.
- Equipping Students with Critical and Practical Skills: The program aims to empower students with the necessary skills for assessing language needs and stages of acquisition. It focuses on implementing comprehensive and constructive assessment techniques.
- Training in Contemporary Methodologies: Students are trained to employ modern methodologies for curriculum design, lesson planning, and activity development. This is complemented by adaptive, research-based strategies that prioritize learner engagement.
- Instilling Professionalism and Ethical Standards: The program promotes the highest standards of professional conduct, ethical behavior, and collaborative work environments. It emphasizes mutual respect, empathy, and open communication with all educational stakeholders.
- Cultivating Research Aptitudes: A commitment to continuous professional development is encouraged, setting the foundation for lifelong learning and growth in the field of TEFL.
The program further aims to inculcate various graduate attributes including advanced English language proficiency, pedagogical knowledge, expertise in language acquisition theories, innovative teaching and assessment skills, research competence, professionalism, ethical standards, collaborative and empathetic engagement, commitment to lifelong learning, and global and cultural competence.
The learning outcomes are meticulously structured, encompassing a wide range of knowledge, skills, values, autonomy, and responsibility. These outcomes include a comprehensive understanding of the English language, a deep knowledge of pedagogical theories, an understanding of language acquisition theories, critical analysis skills, effective implementation of teaching and assessment methods, research skills, upholding professionalism and ethical standards, fostering collaborative environments, and demonstrating a commitment to continuous professional development.
The program is divided into four semesters, each focusing on different aspects of TEFL. The first semester lays the foundation with courses in advanced English grammar, academic reading and writing, speech workshop seminar, and phonetics and phonology. The second semester delves into methodologies, covering teaching English to young learners, TEFL, second language acquisition, and language assessment. The third semester focuses on specialized applications, including teaching English for special purposes, curriculum design, technology integration, and research methods. The final semester is dedicated to advanced practice and research, with courses in classroom discourse analysis, a practicum, and a capstone project.
This program is tailored to equip graduates with the skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary to excel in the field of Teaching English as a Foreign Language, ensuring they are well-prepared to contribute significantly to the educational community and beyond.
Rationale
The Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (MA in TEFL) program at the Faculty of Languages and Translation is meticulously designed to cater to the escalating global necessity for proficient English language educators. This program stands at the confluence of various economic, social, cultural, technological, and policy-driven factors, making its inception not only timely but also imperative. The rationale for this program encompasses several key aspects:
- Addressing Global and Local Demand for English Language Educators: The core objective of the program is to fulfill the burgeoning demand for qualified English language teachers, both within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and internationally. This surge in demand is propelled by globalization and the burgeoning need for English proficiency in various professional and academic contexts. By offering specialized training in TEFL, the program is poised to produce graduates who are not only adept in English language teaching methodologies but also familiar with the cultural nuances and educational frameworks of different regions, thereby aligning with the needs of both local and international job markets.
- Nurturing Local Talent and Expertise: The program is a conduit for students in the Kingdom aspiring for advanced studies in TEFL. By fostering an environment that encourages academic pursuit within this field, the program aims to cultivate local talent and expertise. This initiative is pivotal in positioning Saudi Arabia as a prominent center for TEFL education and research in the Middle East, thereby contributing significantly to the academic landscape of the region.
- Cultural and Linguistic Empowerment: In an era where cross-cultural communication is paramount, the program aims to linguistically and culturally equip local professionals. This is essential not only for effective communication across cultures but also for articulating the rich heritage of Islam and the Kingdom on a global platform. Such empowerment is crucial for fostering mutual understanding and cooperation among diverse cultures, thus contributing to a more interconnected and harmonious global society.
- Addressing Linguistic Challenges in Educational and Professional Sectors: The program is strategically designed to empower graduates with the necessary skills to analyze and tackle linguistic challenges faced by educational institutions and other sectors both in Saudi Arabia and globally. This involves understanding the complex dynamics of language learning and application in various contexts, thereby enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of these institutions.
- Contribution to Saudi Society and Global Progress: The MA in TEFL program is a vital step towards addressing the educational and professional needs of Saudi society. It not only aims to elevate Saudi Arabia's position as a leader in the field of English language education but also seeks to contribute significantly to the development of a skilled and well-trained workforce. This workforce will be adept at meeting the demands of both local and international job markets. Additionally, the program emphasizes the importance of cultural understanding and cooperation, which are essential for thriving in an increasingly globalized world.
In essence, the MA in TEFL program is a holistic response to the current and future needs of English language education, both within Saudi Arabia and on the international stage. It is an initiative that aligns with the strategic vision of the Kingdom, aiming to develop a cadre of educators and professionals who are not only linguistically proficient but also culturally sensitive and globally aware. This program is set to be a cornerstone in the educational landscape, contributing significantly to the intellectual and cultural fabric of the society.
Last Updated: 2/14/2024