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Teaching English to Speakers of Other Language Advising and Exit Portfolio

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Overview

The Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) programs acquaint students with the knowledge and skills necessary to teach English as a second or foreign language. Courses offer a combination of advanced work in applied linguistics with training in current methods of language teaching. Graduates of our program are teaching English all over the world, whether for the Peace Corps or in conjunction with international universities or English Language Programs. Domestically, TESOL graduates are teaching English in public schools, two-year and four-year colleges or in intensive English programs, others are administering English as a Second Language (ESL) programs.

Program Options

TESOL Exit Portfolio

A TESOL Exit Portfolio is required for students pursuing certificates and/or the endorsement. Students should make an appointment with a TESOL faculty member the semester before they plan to submit their Exit Portfolio in order to review the following requirements:

  1. A statement of the candidate's philosophy of teaching (1 page);
  2. An introductory essay (3-4 pages) containing
    1. A self-analysis of the candidate's development through the TESOL program, including overall strengths and weaknesses as an EFL/ESL teacher
    2. A description of the internship or practicum;
  3. The internship or practicum evaluation(s);
  4.  A video recording of the candidate teaching a lesson in the internship or practicum class. The recording should be at least twenty continuous minutes in length, with a self-critique of the teaching (2-3 pages);
  5. The final project from TESOL Practices and Materials or an approved original curriculum and materials project from another course. The project must contain a theoretical base and justification;
  6. Candidate's curriculum vita (optional).    

Submission Instructions

  1. The TESOL Exit Portfolio must be completed electronically. All required items should be emailed directly to TESOL faculty. The video should be submitted as a OneDrive attachment and the remaining items can be submitted as pdf/Word email attachments or via OneDrive. Contact TESOL faculty for more information.
  2. The TESOL Exit Portfolio is a professional document. It should be assembled professionally, with single files for each component. Portfolios that are incomplete or unprofessional will be returned ungraded.
  3. The TESOL Exit Portfolio is evaluated using the criteria, below. If the portfolio is not acceptable, candidates will be provided with a written explanation of the reasons why. Candidates will be notified of the results once the grading is completed, usually within two weeks of submission.

Guidelines for Evaluating the TESOL Exit Portfolio

  1. The TESOL Portfolio must be completed electronically. All required items should be emailed directly to english@wright.edu.  The video should be submitted as a OneDrive attachment and the remaining items can be submitted via direct pdf/Word attachments or via OneDrive.  Contact the department for more information.
  2. The TESOL exit portfolio replaces item 1 (the introductory essay) under “Portfolio Requirements” in the document Graduate Portfolio Procedures and Requirements. Therefore, TESOL M.A. candidates must complete the TESOL exit portfolio and items 2-5 of the M.A. Culminating Project portfolio.
  3. The TESOL exit portfolio is a professional document. It should be assembled professionally, with single files for each electronic section or with clearly identified hardcopy sections. Portfolios that are incomplete or unprofessional will be returned ungraded.
  4. The TESOL exit portfolio is evaluated using the TESOL Exit Portfolio Guidelines. If the portfolio is not acceptable, candidates will be provided with a written explanation of the reasons why. Candidates will be notified of the results once the grading is completed. The TESOL exit portfolio, when handed in independently of the M.A. portfolio, will be graded within two weeks of submission. Candidates for the TESOL certificate must be sure that when they submit their portfolio, their TESOL Program Checklist is up to date and their name is listed as they wish it to appear on the TESOL certificate.

Guidelines for Evaluating the TESOL Exit Portfolio

  • Demonstrates an understanding of the systematic nature of language;
  • Demonstrates an understanding of the implications of the relationship between; language and culture for teaching English as a second or foreign language;
  • Shows familiarity with the theory and practice of teaching English as a second or foreign language;
  • Illustrates the ability to create, select, and adapt techniques, activities, materials and assessment tools appropriate for teaching English as a second or foreign language to diverse populations;
  • Is carefully written, edited and proofed.