Why an MA in TESOL at Hawaii Pacific University?
The MA TESOL program at HPU is unique in that it offers a two-course practicum sequence. Students first observe language classes in a wide range of programs in the city of Honolulu. They then complete their student teaching practicum in supervised settings arranged by the faculty or in positions they locate themselves, locally, nationally, or internationally. Practicum and employment opportunities are updated weekly.
Many opportunities for professional development are available in the program too, including faculty-supported opportunities for research; faculty-supported opportunities to publish; volunteer and paid job opportunities; and collaboration with peers, professors, and language learners.
The MA TESOL program culminates with the capstone requirement, which is a one-credit course that students take in their final semester. Students have three options for the capstone requirement: the comprehensive exam, the portfolio (e-portfolio example), and the project (project example). Further information about these options is provided in the MA TESOL Manual.
MA TESOL Outcomes
Students who complete the Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages will be prepared to demonstrate ASK:
- Attitudes of a professional. Towards colleagues and students, MA holders will demonstrate teamwork and sensitivity. Towards the discipline, MA holders will demonstrate a spirit of inquiry and reflection. Towards the global community, MA holders will demonstrate cultural sensitivity and global citizenship.
- Skills in spoken and written communication, in academic and pedagogic research, and in teaching including materials development and lesson planning, delivery, management, and assessment.
- Knowledge of the major subfields of linguistics, the theories of second language acquisition, and the principles of language teaching methods; and be able to articulate their own philosophy of language teaching, explaining the principles on which it is based.
