Master of Arts in English Language Teaching

Course Description

TESOL Research: Theory & Practice I ENGL 6302

This course includes the principles of educational research, and it illustrates the various approaches used in this field. Writing reports, sample types, data collection instruments, citation using APA style, and research ethics are among the concern of this course.

The Aims of the Course

This course aims at:

• illustrating the main principles of educational research.
• discussing the main approaches used in scientific research.
• focusing on the principles of the mixed approach experiment design.
• handling the contents of the five chapters of a TESOL research.
• presenting examples of APA style citations.
• providing opportunities for students to write a proposal of a TESOL research.

The Outcomes of the Course

At the end of the course, students are expected to:

• be erudite in the main principles of educational research.
• remember the main approaches of scientific research.
• design a mixed approach experiment design tool.

TESOL Research: Theory & Practice II ENGL 6303.

TESOL Research: Theory & Practice II focuses on the mixed approach research design, and it creates a comparison between the quantitative and qualitative approach methods. Data analysis using coding and grounded theory accompanied with writing the research report/proposal are illustrated, and opportunities are given for students to present examples of related M.A. theses.

The Aims of the Course

This course aims at:

• illustrating the characteristics of the mixed approach research design.
• creating a comparison between quantitative and qualitative approach methods.
• discussing the principles of coding and grounded theory.
• revising the steps of writing scientific research report/proposal.
• providing opportunities for students to present examples of related M.A. theses.

The Outcomes of the Course

At the end of the course, students are expected to:

• compare between quantitative and qualitative approach methods.
• transfer examples of educational qualitative data into quantitative one.
• summarize a TESOL M.A. Thesis.
• conduct a TESOL research project.

TESOL Methods ENGL 6301

This course revises the TESOL methodologies and presents the essential skills that a candidate needs to become specialized in this field. It provides a firm foundation for knowledge of TESOL methods, techniques and planning for instruction. The course focuses upon the characteristics of effective and creative teaching, and it provides opportunities for students to be involved in practical English lessons. In addition, it examines special problems in teaching English language for different level of students.

The Aims of the Course

This course aims at:

• presenting a vivid idea about the history of language teaching methods.
• discussing the various approaches of TESOL.
• analyzing the various skills of English language.
• exemplifying language skills teaching.
• illustrating the different types of lesson planning.
• providing opportunities for students to be involved in practical English lessons.
• discussing special problems of English language teaching.

The Outcomes of the Course

At the end of the course, students are expected to:

• summarize the characteristics of effective TESOL methods.
• design well form lesson plans.
• conduct various types of English lesson activities effectively.
• evaluate English lessons.
• suggest suitable solutions for English language teaching problems.

Recent Trends of TESOL Methods ENGL 6304

This course is a practical one. It discusses the latest development related to teaching English and invites students to study and analyze current TESOL research and master theses in terms of: the objectives of learning, school curriculum, learning and teaching methods, learners’ characteristics and teachers’ attitudes and beliefs. It illustrates topics of English language teaching and tries to exhaust all areas of research related to that topic. And across multiple micro-teaching opportunities, students are guided to apply their knowledge of both content and pedagogy.

The Aims of the Course

This course aims at:

• presenting latest research papers’ conclusions and recommendations.
• conducting English lessons’ activities in the lights of new research recommendations.
• evaluating examples of different lessons’ procedures.

The Outcomes of the Course

At the end of the course, students are expected to:

• remember the recommendations of latest research.
• implement the recommendations of new research in TESOL.
• conduct a micro teaching activity.
• evaluate a peer micro teaching activity.

Theories of English Language Curriculum Analysis ENGL6305.

The course sheds the lights on the different types of educational curricula and their evaluation theories. It discusses the various types of student's needs and highlights the learning outcome through discussing the language teaching principles. The course, also, includes analysis of Palestinian English Textbooks.

The Aims of the Course

This course aims at:

• presenting a clear idea about the different types of educational curricula.
• discussing the steps of construction English curricula.
• illustrating the evaluation theories of educational curricula.
• revising the various types of student's needs.
• highlights the language teaching principles.
• providing opportunities for students to analyze Palestinian English Textbooks.

The Outcomes of the Course

At the end of the course, students are expected to:

• remember the different types of educational curricula.
• design a plan for constructing an English language curriculum.
• differentiate between the various types of students’ needs.
• list the language teaching principles.
• Evaluate a Palestinian English language Textbook.

The Thesis (THES6309+THES6310)

The purpose of the thesis course is to provide opportunities for the whole candidates to tackle a specific research problem. Each candidate should select a specific topic and adopt appropriate procedures for data collection and analysis that help solve a teaching problem and suggest workable teaching procedures. The graduate student will work with an advisory committee. Upon completion, the thesis must be defended by the student in a special session and evaluated and approved by a viva voice committee.

The Aims of the Course

This course aims at:

• providing opportunities for the whole candidates to tackle a specific research problem.
• encouraging students to construct a good tool
• motivating students to adopt appropriate procedures for data collection and analysis.
• guiding students throughout the different stages of their projects.
• inviting students to defend their theses.

The Outcomes of the Course

At the end of the course, students are expected to:

• conduct an acceptable scientific research project.
• defend their theses.

Educational Statistics ENGL6307

This course includes practical introduction about models of data, testing hypotheses, examining the assumptions, and explanatory relations. It provides vivid introductory in using quantitative and qualitative methods in various educational topics using the SPSS Program. Students will be exposed to the fundamental concepts and procedures of descriptive and inferential statistics. They will develop competence in reading and understanding statistics topics from sources such as texts, dissertations, journals, or technical reports.

The Aims of the Course

This course aims at:

• presenting various types of parametric and non-parametric statistical techniques.
• presenting the role of descriptive and inferential statistics as part of quantitative research methodology.
• demonstrating the usefulness of descriptive and inferential statistics as part of quantitative research methodology.
• describing quantitative results using descriptive statistics.
• describing qualitative results using descriptive statistics. using inferential statistics to test hypotheses.
• providing training opportunities for using the SPSS Program.

The Outcome of the Course Outcomes

At the end of the course, students are expected to:

• distinguish between parametric and non-parametric statistical techniques.
• use the SPSS program for classifying and describing data, as well as for inference.
• retrieve information about statistical procedures.
• compare statistical procedures for different purposes.
• carry out basic statistical analyses of research data.
• choose appropriate statistical methods according to circumstances.

Assessment in TOSEL Class ENGL6306

This course describes in-depth the importance of language assessment, and it sheds light on the differences between assessment and evaluation. The course discusses how information about language skills can be collected and quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed. In

addition, different types of tests are illustrated and the characteristics of a good test are reviewed. Moreover, opportunities for students to construct a table of specifications and valid reliable test are provided.

The Aims of the Course

This course aims at:

• Illustrating assessment and evaluation definitions.
• Discussing the various methods of collecting data about the four language skills.
• Describing the various types of questions.
• Focusing on the different types of tests.
• Illustrating the contents of table of specifications.
• Providing students with opportunities to construct a good test.
• Encouraging students to evaluate tools of M.A. theses.

Course Outcomes

At the end of the course, students are expected to:

• use appropriate classroom assessment strategies and techniques.
• apply useful assessment and evaluation techniques which create a dynamic classroom situation.
• construct a valid and reliable English language test.
• evaluate M.A. theses’ tools.

Technology in TESOL Class ENGL6308

This course introduces an overview of technology based on teaching and provides opportunities for training students in the effective use of technology. It is designed to help English language teachers acquire and maintain foundational knowledge and skills in technology for professional purposes through hands-on experiential learning with a range of technologies.

The Aims of the Course

This course aims at:

• presenting various models and programs of recent technology that can be used in teaching.
• training students in using various models and programs of recent technology.
• integrating modern technology and the use of internet in teaching.
• enhancing students’ creativity and productivity in using technology in teaching.
• implementing curriculum plans that include methods and strategies for applying technology to maximize students learning.
• developing a teaching unit that incorporates one or more of the technologies that students have learned throughout the course.

The Outcomes of the Course

At the end of the course, students are expected to:

• apply technology in their English language classes.
• remember various technological programs that can be used in teaching.
• understand the concept of language teaching in the 21st century-based computer-assisted language learning (CALL).

Comparative LinguisticsENGL6311

The aim of the comparative study of languages is to describe existing similarities and differences of various languages; phonologically, morphologically, semantically, syntactically and grammatically, for the purpose of finding out a remedy to overcome difficulties English language learners face, with a main focus on the Arabic and English languages. The course raises issues related to cross-cultural interaction between the two languages. Also, the course discusses Contrastive Analysis Hypothesis, Inter-language theory, Error Analysis and their influence in understanding the many approaches which a second language learner uses.

The Aims of the Course

This course aims at:

• discussing the relationships or correspondences between two or more languages.
• discovering whether the languages have a common ancestor.
• identifying the interference between Arabic and English.
• enhancing students’ skills which help them be aware of the pedagogical exploitation of comparative linguistics.

The Outcomes of the Course

At the end of the course, students are expected to:

• tell whether and how the languages have a common ancestor.
• be fully aware of the existing similarities and differences between English and Arabic.
• explain the ambiguity of some English and Arabic structures.

Linguistics &Structure of English ENGL6312

This course is designed to introduce students to the basics of English language structures. More emphasis is given to recent developments of linguistics branches; phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics. The theoretical discussion of the recent theories of these branches is followed by applications to contrastive analysis of English and Arabic languages.

The Aims of the Course

This course aims at:

• discussing the various English sentence structures.
• illustrating the relationships that words and phrases have to one another in the English sentence.
• analyzing how context affects the selection, deployment, and inter perfection of language forms in natural discourse.
• identifying features of the form, meaning and use of particular language items.
• presenting the recent theories of phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics.
• focusing on the contrastive analysis of English and Arabic languages.

The Outcomes of the Course

At the end of this course, students are expected to:

• conduct in-depth analysis of English sentence structures, morphologically and syntactically.
• apply the grammatical terminology and analytical techniques learned.
• describe instances of specific structures at the listening and writing level of English.
• carry out guider research into a topic in English morphology, syntax or style.
• remember the principles of the recent theories of phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics.
• be aware of the differences and similarities between English and Arabic structures.

Translation ENGL6313

This course is designed to introduce students to the basics of translation from English into Arabic and vice versa. Emphasis is to be placed on English-Arabic differences, expressing meaning and structure of the two languages. Also, the course discusses a number of translation issues that are typically problematic for the students, including translation of various Arabic texts into English and vice versa.

The Aims of the Course

This course aims at:

• introducing the different types of translation.
• introducing students to the basics of translation from English into Arabic and vice versa.
• illustrating the English-Arabic meaning and structure differences.
• explaining a number of translation issues that are typically problematic for the students.
• providing opportunities for students to translate Arabic text into English and vice versa.

The Outcomes of the Course

At the end of this course, students are expected to:

• Be aware of basic knowledge in translation-related areas.
• Acknowledge the importance of translation in the present days.
• Explain the differences between Arabic and English; morphologically, syntactically, semantically and pragmatically, and ways of resolving the difficulties encountered the translation.
• Be able to translate various types of texts from Arabic to English and vice versa.

Language & Social Interaction ENGL6314

The course discusses the way how language is used in every day discourse contexts. It creates debates of critical issues that are of a great importance to its speakers in families, at work, and communities, with a main focus on the role played by the language in two types of social interaction: constructive dialogues and persuasive arguments. Also, this course involves candidates in strong communication and critical thinking activities. In addition, it examines cross-cultural models of dialogue; take part in activities to help the students produce insights into dialogues and arguments; and present eloquently and ethically convincing, credible argument-based cases.

The Aims of the Course

This course aims at:

• discussing how English language is used in different situations.
• presenting examples of every day discourse contexts.
• engaging students in various communicative tasks.
• encouraging students to participate in constructive dialogues and persuasive arguments.
• examining cross-cultural models of dialogue.

The Outcomes of the Course

At the end of this course, students are expected to:

• be aware of the differences between dialogue and debate as communicative events.
• identify the role played by the language in dialogue, argument and debate.
• practice critical thinking with the purpose of conducting both an analysis and evaluation of the arguments of others.
• demonstrate abilities to present and formulate rational, convincing arguments in a debate with others.
• use language fluently in various situations.

Research Seminar in English Language ENGL6315

This course revolves around encouraging students to analyze multiple educational theses and present seminars about them. Additionally, it provides a rich environment for students to deep exposing to research methodology, the ways that researchers can explain their research design and justify their research approaches. This is hoped to help students construct a good research proposal. It also focuses on a real practice for defense presentation go along with argumentation techniques of debating other sides based on strong evidences.

The Aims of the Course

This course aims at:

• inviting students to analyze multiple educational theses and present seminars about them.
• exposing students to research methodology and research design.
• providing strategies to refine and focus research questions in education.
• focusing on research aims and techniques of achieving them.
• explaining the required elements of a good proposal.
• illustrating techniques of debates and defending ideas.

The Outcomes of the Course

At the end of the course, students are expected to:

• evaluate various educational theses.
• remember the main element of a good proposal.
• acknowledge the aims of educational research.
• construct an educational research proposal.
• present a seminar about an educational thesis.
• provide strong arguments in research discussions, particularly in relation to expressing author voice in the data sections of the thesis.
• share knowledge, skills and expertise in research methodology.

MA TESOL Study Plan:

Admission Requirements for Master's Program in English Language:

The following are required for a student to be accepted into the graduate program:

1. Having obtained a bachelor's degree in English Language from Gaza University, or its equivalent from a recognized university, with a minimum overall GPA of "Good" or its equivalent.
2. Passing the admission examination and personal interview.
3. Language proficiency tests: Providing internationally recognized language test results such as IELTS (International English Language Testing System), or TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).
4. The student must not have been expelled or disciplined by Gaza University or any other university.
5. The student must abide by the principles, rules, and philosophy of the university.
6. The student must adhere to any additional requirements for admission set by the Graduate Studies Committee after their approval by the Graduate Studies Deanship.

Admission Procedures for Master's Program:

1. Fill out the enrollment application through the university's website.
2. The minimum acceptance GPA is 70% in the Bachelor's degree.
3. Reservation fee of 40 Jordanian Dinars.
4. Submit an original certified copy of the following documents from the Ministry of Education and Higher Education: (High School Diploma, Bachelor's Degree, and Transcript of Grades).
5. Provide a copy of the national identification card.
6. Bring two passport-sized photographs.

Potential lecturers

1. Prof. Dr. Hasan Abu Jarad
2. Associate Prof. Nazmi Al-Masri
3. Prof. Dr Awad Geshta
4. Prof. Dr. Khader Khader
5. Prof. Dr. Usama Hamdouna
6. Dr Wesam Amer
7. Dr Abed Raboh Elyan
8. Dr. Amani Abu Jarad
9. Dr. Ahmed Jeninah
10. Dr. Jaber Abu Shawish
11. Dr.Mahmoud Abu Jalanbo
12. Dr Yahya El-Khoudary
13. (Dr) Khaled Abu Rezeq
14. Dr Ashraf Al-Shawwa
15. Dr Mohammed Atya
16. Dr Jamal Al-Shareef