Essentials of TESOL FAQs

What do all the acronyms stand for?

TESOL = Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. ESL = English as a Second Language (often refers to a context such as the U.S. where students learn the language spoken all around them). EFL = English as a Foreign Language (often refers to a context where English is studied in school but not widely used).

What does the course Essentials of TESOL consist of?

This is a practical course which will give you the skills and knowledge you need to get foundational competence in teaching the English language. You will:

learn methods and techniques for teaching speaking, listening, reading, writing, pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar
be introduced to the sound and grammatical systems of English
discover a range of materials for teaching ESL/EFL, from textbooks to the internet
explore cultural issues involved in teaching ESL/EFL
discover ways you can incorporate Christian truths and values in your teaching in an appropriate way
get practical experience teaching non-native speakers

How much time does the course require?

This is an intensive five-unit class. The course runs five days a week for three weeks. You will attend official class five hours a day. Your teaching assignment (yes, you get to try out what you are learning in an actual ESL teaching situation) will be in addition to those hours. Class starts at 9:00 a.m. You should be available to study and/or teach until 9:00 p.m. as the practicum may be during the evening.

What credit options are available?

There are three possibilities:

A low-cost option is available for non-credit students. Students who finish the course successfully will be given a certificate of completion.
Students who do not yet have a bachelor’s degree can get undergraduate credit.
The course is also available for graduate credit. This requires additional reading and writing assignments after the three-week on-campus course.

Can I get “certified” with this course?

Well, it depends on what you mean. “Certificate” means different things and one can receive a “certificate” from various sources after a weekend course, a three-unit course, a five-unit course, or programs of 15-25 units. One internationally recognized entry-level certificate is the RSA/Cambridge Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults; another is sponsored by Trinity College. These typically require about 110 classroom hours and practice teaching and are rather expensive (due to assessment by Cambridge). Biola’s Essentials of TESOL is designed to provide a similar level of practical training.

Those who satisfactorily complete Essentials of TESOL will receive a Certificate from Biola University, Department of Applied Linguistics & TESOL. The certificate is accompanied by a course description designed to be shown to future employers to assure them of the many areas you have been trained in. Those who pay for university credit will, in addition, receive an official Biola transcript with this fiveunit class noted on it.

What does the certificate of completion look like? Can I give it to a secular employer?

We recognize the challenges of teaching in limited-access countries and we don’t want to do anything which would jeopardize your position there. The text of the certificate will read something like:

Biola University
School of Intercultural Studies
Department of Applied Linguistics & TESOL
Essentials of TESOL
This is to certify that your name completed a 105-hour course in
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

Course content included information on how to teach speaking, listening, reading, writing, pronunciation, vocabulary, and
grammar, and also included practice teaching.

Date

What does it cost?

Basic tuition for non-credit students	$525.00
Room and board
(double room, three meals/day, 19 days, no linens)	$590.00
(single room, three meals/day, 19 days, no linens)	$905.00
Five units of graduate credit	$1935.00
Textbooks and coursepack (approx)	$100.00
Transportation fee (depending upon Practicum location)	$50.00

Where does this course fit in terms of other TESOL programs at Biola university or other universities?

This is a stand-alone course. It does not meet requirements for the graduate certificate/MA programs at Biola. (This is because it contains elements from a variety of courses required for these other programs.)

If taken for credit, the course is transferable to any college or university. Keep in mind, however, that it is the receiving institution which decides whether to accept transfer units, based on equivalence to their courses.

What kind of students are you looking for?

We want students who are dedicated Christians, excited about the possibility of serving students, communities, and churches through TESOL. Some students will have already taught some ESL/EFL and will be learning how to do what they already have experience doing. Some students will be complete novices. Many students will be associated with mission agencies which use TESOL as a means of outreach. Some students will be preparing to work in the U.S.; many will be working in international contexts.

Do you have specific entrance requirements?

We do not require a certain GPA or certain test scores, but we ask the following questions:

In terms of academics, are you able to read 20-40 pages a day, take notes on class lectures, write papers responding to what you have read or seen or experienced, and write simple lesson plan notes?
In terms of health, do you have the stamina to do a three-week intensive?
In terms of language, do you speak and write clear, accurate, and comprehensible English? You don’t need to be an English major or a grammar expert, but you need to be willing to learn. If English is not your native language, please note that this course requires a high level of proficiency in speaking, comprehending, reading, and writing in English. Normally, Biola’s TESOL programs require a TOEFL score of 600 paper/250 computer. Although a TOEFL score is not required for admittance into this course, we ask that you do not apply if your English is not good enough for this intensive preparation for English language teaching.
In terms of spiritual life, are you an evangelical Christian, in good standing with a current church or fellowship group, engaging regularly in disciplines which lead to growth in Christ (prayer, Bible study, service, etc.), and willing to conform to Biola’s standards of behavior while studying here (e.g., refrain from the use of alcohol and tobacco, use discernment in terms of media; a full statement of these standards is available if you request it)?

What is involved in the application process?

It’s easy.

Complete the short application form specific to Essentials of TESOL.
Get a reference from someone who knows you as a Christian and can speak to your potential as a Christian ESL/EFL teacher. If you are a missionary on the field, your field supervisor or mission personnel director would be ideal. Your pastor can also write this. A specific form is included in the application packet.
Write a short essay (about half a page or around 250 words) discussing why you want to take this course.
If you want to take the course for credit, you will also need to submit an official transcript. Graduates, this will be a transcript showing that you have a bachelor’s degree. Do not go through the regular Biola admissions office; send all correspondence to

Attn: Essentials of TESOL
School of Intercultural Studies
13800 Biola Avenue
La Mirada, CA 90639.

Is there an application deadline?

The application fee is $50 for those who apply before March 1, and $75 for those who apply after March 1. $50 of the fee is applicable toward tuition. (This means that early applicants have their application fee waived, and late applicants must pay $25 to apply.) Space in the course is limited. Early application is recommended, especially for students wishing to live on campus.

Who teaches the course?

The course is directed by Dr. Kitty Purgason. She has been training ESL/EFL teachers since 1982. In 1997 she received Biola’s Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching. Her overseas experience includes teaching in Korea, China, Turkey, and Turkmenistan. The team of additional teachers and supervisors of practice teaching, all of whom have an M.A. in TESOL, are chosen for their skills in teaching and their breadth of experience.

Current Dates for Essentials of TESOL: July 9-27, 2007

Daily Schedule

9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. - ESSENTIALS CLASS

The time will go quickly as you experience many different activities designed to help you learn the basics of TESOL.

12:30-1:30 p.m. - LUNCH

Enjoy this time with your classmates (instructors often join you too).

1:30-9:00 p.m. - ESSENTIALS CLASS, PREPARATION, TEACHING

Scheduled during the afternoon and evening hours will be another 1.5 hours of Essentials class, an hour of teaching preparation time, and 1.5-2 hours of practicum in an ESL class. The practicum may be in either the afternoon or evening. Depending on the numbers, you may be responsible for one, two or several 1/2- hour ESL teaching sessions. Count also on spending time preparing for the next day's class and reviewing your notes.

On Friday there is no teaching, so you'll be finished by 3:00 p.m..

Dorm

A typical dorm room is designed for two people, with single beds, dressers, and desks. You may have a sink in the room but you'll share the bathroom with another room. Pillow, linens and towels are not provided. You'll be sharing a room with another Essentials student. If you want a single room, there will be an extra charge. There are often other conference groups at Biola in July, so there may be crowds on some days. Cafeteria food at Biola is usually excellent, with lots of wonderful choices.

Travel and arrival

Either the John Wayne Airport of Orange County (SNA) or Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) are good destinations. Count on taking a shuttle bus, such as Prime Time, from the airport to Biola. It should cost around $35. At Biola, you will be within walking distance of shopping and some churches (1/2 mile -1 mile). The Practicum site may be off-campus, so a car can be useful, but we provide rides to the ESL class for students who don’t have one. Plan on arriving the Sunday afternoon or evening before the course starts. Your last night in the dorm is Thursday, and Friday activities will go until ~ 1 p.m., so try to book a flight home after 3 or 4 p.m.

Registration and final payment

Registration will be held in the lobby of Marshburn Hall, location of the School of Intercultural Studies and the Department of Applied Linguistics and TESOL, starting at 8:15 on Monday morning, your first day of class. Plan on paying tuition (and room & board if necessary) at that time.

If you have additional questions, please contact:

Kitty Purgason, 562/944-0351 x 5694; e-mail: kitty.purgason@biola.edu