EDUC 791S - ESOL Practicum in Schools

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This course constitutes part of Phase I of a two-phase student teaching internship for those seeking K-12 ESOL certification. The primary purpose of this practicum is to provide those planning to teach ESOL in the public schools with an opportunity to observe and interact with ESOL teachers and students in the classroom and to gain an understanding of the real world of school; of the challenges confronting teachers, administrators and students; and of the resources available to deal with these. In addition, students will observe how the knowledge and skills developed in the M.A. program in ESOL/Bilingual Education can inform and facilitate teacher decision-making and practice and be able to take a closer look at themselves as future ESOL teachers. Through a series of readings, structured observations, interviews and seminar discussion, students will have an opportunity to build on their current understanding of the teaching-learning process and the roles ESOL teachers play. They also will be able to integrate the knowledge obtained in other classes and contexts with the practical world of teaching. In addition, through opportunities to tutor, co-teach or present portions of lessons, the student will develop skills in ESOL teaching.