Course Overview
Participants will have three courses to choose from for their specific area of specialization. Each course will allow participants to develop their expertise in different ways to match their own needs as teachers. The chosen area of specialization will be highlighted on the final certification that participants receive upon course completion.
Course Options
Option 1: Specialization in Assessment
This course involves participants with the theory and practice of the major components of assessment, addressing all four skill areas. Assessment topics covered include diagnostic, proficiency, achievement, formative, summative, standardized, strength-based, and differentiated assessments. Participants also explore rubric and test creation, effective feedback, and test analysis. Course participants must put theory into practice by creating different types of assessmentss that fit their teaching context.
Option 2: Specialization in Critical Thinking
This course deepens participants’ understanding of the theory and applied use of critical thinking principles and practices in the EFL classroom. In the course, participants will gain a deeper understanding of critical thinking and its development in language pedagogy. They will also adapt and enhance culturally and age appropriate curriculum materials and critically reflect on their own work and the work of peers.
Option 3: Specialization in ESP
This course explores effective practices in course and materials design in English for Specific Purposes (ESP). The course will be appropriate for teachers who are interested in English for Academic Purposes (EAP), as well as English for a range of specific occupational and professional purposes such as English for business communication. Participants will learn how to conduct a needs analysis, plan a course to meet student needs, and bring an ESP approach to any language class.
Course Requirements
Course participants will be required to:
- Complete all reading assignments.
- Participate in weekly online discussions by posting thoughts and reflections about the readings and commenting on the posts of other course participants.
- Submit assigned development tasks.
- Give constructive and substantive feedback on fellow participants’ tasks.