Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages






		Course Descriptions EDPS 620 Child Development and Learning in Cultural Context This course focuses on the nature of physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and moral development from birth through adolescence with implications for learning and teaching; major orientations in the study of child development, including Vygotsky and the neo-Vygotskian theories of child development and learning; periods of child development from birth through adolescence seen in a socio-cultural context, with implications for learning and teaching; integration of theory and research findings from the fields of developmental and educational psychology; and exploration of multicultural contexts for growth, development, and learning with diverse student populations. Students are also exposed to evidence-based methods of instruction and critically examine the idea that instruction should be evidence-based. 3 credits EDSE 640 Assessment of Individual Differences in General Education and Special Education:A Socio-Cultural Perspective This course focuses on assessment in general education and special education of individual differences in intelligence, learning potential, personality, motivation, and student achievement; management of data from assessment and monitoring of student progress; characteristics of standardized tests; the role of educational testing in program design and informing instruction, particularly for students with disabilities, including children with autism; assessment of young children; use of achievement tests; introduction to dynamic (or interactive) assessment; differences between static and dynamic assessment; the use of teacher-made, informal tests; and opportunity to observe and practice use of achievement tests and/or curriculum-based assessment approaches in the classroom. 3 credits EDU 634 Basic Reading and Writing Instruction: Teaching Reading and Writing for Second Language Learners This course provides an understanding of literacy issues specific to English language learners, as well as strategies and techniques for teaching reading and writing to these students. Key concepts include: the relationship between first language literacy and L2 literacy development; standards-based reading and writing instruction; principles of phonics, structural analysis and sight words; process writing; and the incorporation of technology. Includes 5 hours of field work. 3 credits EDU 635 Curriculum Development and Classroom Management This course focuses on the theory and practice of curriculum development and classroom management to create classroom environments that will promote learning for English language learners with diverse needs, including those who qualify for special education. Attention is given to cultural and linguistic differences in facilitating learning, accommodating psychological, emotional, social and behavioral issues. Students will learn research-based techniques for assisting culturally and linguistically diverse students with special needs. Includes practicum components relevant to the course focus. 3 credits EDU 636 Linguistic Structure of the English Language - Sociolinguistic Perspectives This course provides an understanding of basic linguistic concepts and their applications for TESOL instruction. Specific concepts include: phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, pragmatics, discourse analysis, and the nature of regional and social variations in American English. Students will explore the origins, diversity and functions of human languages, in addition to the relationship between language and society. Includes 10 hours of field work. 3 credits EDU 637 Second Language Learners and the Content Areas Students will become acquainted with and practice effective approaches, methods, and strategies for teaching and evaluating English language learners in the content areas (ELA, social studies, math and science). Throughout the course, students will explore the impact of culture and language upon classroom learning. Special challenges in teaching and assessment in each content area will also be discussed. Includes 15 hours of field work. 3 credits EDU 638 Teaching English as a Second Language through Modern English - Approaches to Grammar This course reviews the structure of American English. Students will learn about diverse theories, approaches, methods, and practical techniques of grammar instruction for English language learners. Special emphasis will be placed on developing instructional strategies to assist English language learners in meeting the current English Language Arts standards. Include practicum components relevant to the course focus 3 credits EDU 639 Trends and Current Issues in Second Language Acquisition This course identifies and analyzes current trends and issues in second language acquisition and their impact on English language learners. A central focus will be research on specific topics in second language acquisition and bilingualism (e.g., brain research, error correction, role of L1, etc.). Students will become familiar with current instructional strategies as well as methods for professional staff and community resource collaboration in building second language acquisition and respect for cultural diversity in today's society. Students will engage in a case study research project in a particular area of interest. Includes 5 hours of field work. 3 credits EDPS 671 Theory and Practice of Bilingual and Multicultural Education This course reviews the impact of historical, legal, sociological, and political issues in relationship to the education of culturally and linguistically diverse students. Students explore the evolution of attitudes regarding bilingualism and multiculturalism in the United States. Emphasis will be placed on developing multicultural competence as educators, with areas of focus including: cross-cultural communication in the classroom and with parents; how the language and culture of the home and the community impact student learning; cultural factors in the relationships between the school and the community. Models of multicultural and bilingual education will be presented and analyzed. Includes 10 hours of field work. 3 credits EDPS 673 Methods and Materials for Teaching English as a Second Language This course provides an historical overview of second language acquisition theories and teaching methods. Students learn how to apply current approaches, methods and techniques, with attention to the effective use of materials, in teaching English as a second language. Students will engage in the planning and implementation of standards-based ESL instruction which includes differentiated learning experiences geared to students' needs. Emphasis is placed on creating culturally responsive learning environments. Includes 10 hours of field work. 3 credits EDU 680 Practicum and Seminar in TESOL, Pre-K - 12 This course requires a minimum of 20 days or 100 hours of student teaching in both elementary and secondary ESL classrooms, under the supervision of the cooperating teacher and a Touro professor. This experience will allow student teachers to apply their knowledge in actual classroom setting, as well as gain experience with a variety of developmental levels. Student teachers will attend seminars throughout the semester, maintain a weekly reflective journal, and submit accumulative portfolio documenting professional growth. 3 credits Students must obtain the chair’s approval in order to register for EDU 680.