ABSTRACT
Studying for a Masters in TESOL or Applied Linguistics provides the definitive go-to text for all students studying an MA in TESOL or Applied Linguistics, as well as closely related degrees such as an MA in English Language Teaching. Written in a clear and user-friendly format and drawing on authentic and highly relevant source materials with the inclusion of practical tasks and answer keys for self-correction throughout, this book demystifies each stage of the MA TESOL/MA Applied Linguistics journey.
Covering practical programme components, such as lesson observation and teaching practice, and supported by supplementary material online, this book helps the reader to develop the key skills required to successfully complete an MA including:
- How to effectively manage your time
- How to get the most out of your lectures
- How to develop effective reading skills
- How to become a better academic writer
- How to deal with various types of assessments
- How to deliver effective oral presentations
Guiding students step by step through the process of how to choose, research and then write a successful dissertation, the book closes with guidance and tips for students on how to proceed after completing an MA TESOL/Applied Linguistics. This book is therefore essential reading for those contemplating or undertaking an MA in either of these areas.
Acknowledgements
Why this Book?
CHAPTER 1
Being an Effective Student in the Context of
MA TESOL/Applied Linguistics
INTRODUCTION
- What should I expect? What will others expect of me?
- Developing Effective Reading Strategies
- Planning Your Time
- Accessing Resources & Learning to Work Smart
- Identifying Sources of Support
Independent Task 1.1
Independent Task 1.2a
Independent Task 1.2b
Independent Task 1.4
Independent Task 1.5
Suggested Answers to Independent Tasks
Resources for Further Reading
CHAPTER 2
Academic Speaking & Listening
INTRODUCTION
2.1 Contexts Involving Academic Speaking
2.1.1 Academic Speaking in Groups & Seminars
Independent Task 2.1a
2.1.2 Academic Speaking in Oral Presentations
Independent Task 2.1b
Independent Task 2.1c
Independent Task 2.1d
Independent Task 2.1e
2.2 Contexts Involving Academic Listening
Independent Task 2.2a
Independent Task 2.2b
Suggested Answers to Independent Tasks
Resources for Further Reading
CHAPTER 3
Using Academic Sources
INTRODUCTION
3.1 Why Do I Need Academic Sources?
Independent Task 3.1
3.2 Plagiarism & How to Avoid It
3.3 Avoiding Other Common Forms of Academic Misconduct
Independent Task 3.3
3.4 Paraphrasing
Independent Task 3.4a
Independent Task 3.4b
Independent Task 3.4c
Independent Task 3.4d
3.5 Making Citations
Independent Task 3.5
3.6 Direct Quotations
Independent Task 3.6a
Independent Task 3.6b
3.7 Bringing It All Together
Independent Task 3.7
3.8 Compiling A Reference List or Bibliography
Independent Task 3.8
3.9 Different Academic Style Conventions
Suggested Answers to Independent Tasks
Resources for Further Reading
CHAPTER 4
Becoming A More Confident & Proficient Academic Writer
INTRODUCTION
4.1 Fundamental Features of Effective Academic Writing
4.1.1 The Importance of Clear Structuring
4.1.2 Use of the First Person
4.1.3 Hedging & the Avoidance of Sweeping Generalisations
Independent Task 4.1a
4.1.4 Use of Appropriate Academic Lexis
Independent Task 4.1b
4.1.5 Supporting All Claims with Evidence
Independent Task 4.1c
4.2 Building A Coherent Academic Argument
Independent Task 4.2
Suggested Answers to Independent Tasks
Resources for Further Reading
CHAPTER 5
Dealing with Different Types of Written Coursework Assignments
INTRODUCTION
5.1 Dealing with Academic Essays
5.1.1 ‘Compare & Contrast’ Type Essays
Independent Task 5.1a
5.1.2 ‘Discussing a Quotation’ Type Essays
Independent Task 5.1b
5.1.3 ‘Critically Evaluate’ Type Essays
Independent Task 5.1c
5.2 Dealing with Linguistic Analysis Tasks
5.2.1 Which Dimensions of a Task Should I Analyze?
Independent Task 5.2a
5.2.2 What Form Should a Textual Analysis Take?
Independent Task 5.2b
5.3 Dealing with Reflective Writing Tasks
5.3.1 The Difference Between Description & Critical Reflection
Independent Task 5.3
5.4 Marking Criteria
Suggested Answers to Independent Tasks
Resources for Further Reading
CHAPTER 6
Teaching Observation & Practice
INTRODUCTION
6.1 The Relationship Between Theory & Practice
Independent Task 6.1a
Independent Task 6.1b
6.2 Teaching Observation
6.2.1 Observation Tools & Mechanisms
Independent Task 6.2a
6.2.2 The Observation Cycle
Independent Task 6.2b
6.3 Lesson Planning
6.3.1 Different Conceptualizations of Lessons
Independent Task 6.3a
6.3.2 Different ‘Ingredients’ in Lessons
Independent Task 6.3b
6.3.3 Approaches to Writing Lesson Plans
Independent Task 6.3c
6.4 Teaching Practice
6.4.1 Peer Micro-Teaching
6.4.2 Team Teaching/Teaching Your Own Class
6.5 The Importance of Critical Reflection
Independent Task 6.5
Suggested Answers to Independent Tasks
Resources for Further Reading
CHAPTER 7
Planning Your Dissertation
INTRODUCTION
7.1 Choosing A Suitable Topic
7.1.1 Where Do I Begin?
Independent Task 7.1a
Independent Task 7.1b
Independent Task 7.1c
Independent Task 7.1d
7.1.2 How Should I Manage My Time?
Independent Task 7.1e
7.2 Deciding on an Appropriate Research Paradigm
7.2.1 Understanding Ontology & Epistomology
7.2.2 Quantitative or Qualitative?
Independent Task 7.2a
7.2.3 Mixed Methods
Independent Task 7.2b
7.3 Completing a Formal Proposal
Independent Task 7.3a
Independent Task 7.3b
7.4 What to Expect from your Supervisor
7.4.1 Some Tips for Getting the Most out of the
Supervisor-Supervisee Relationship
Independent Task 7.4
Suggested Answers to Independent Tasks
Resources for Further Reading
CHAPTER 8
Writing Up Your Dissertation Part I
INTRODUCTION
8.1 Dissertation Structure & Length
8.1.1 Rhetorical Purpose
Independent Task 8.1a
Independent Task 8.1b
8.1.2 The Importance of Effective Signposting
Independent Task 8.1c
8.2 Writing Chapter 1: The Introduction
Independent Task 8.2a
Independent Task 8.2b
8.3 Writing Chapter 2: The Literature Review
Independent Task 8.3a
Independent Task 8.3b
Independent Task 8.3c
8.4 Writing Chapter 3: The Methodology
Independent Task 8.4a
8.4.1 Quantitative Forms of Research Methodology
8.4.2 Qualitative Forms of Research Methodology
Independent Task 8.4b
8.4.3 Approaches to Data Coding
8.4.4 Ethical Considerations
Independent Task 8.4c
8.4.5 Reflexivity
8.4.6 Some Closing Reminders
Suggested Answers to Independent Tasks
Resources for Further Reading
CHAPTER 9
Writing Up Your Dissertation Part II
INTRODUCTION
9.1 Writing Chapter 4: Results
9.1.1 Presenting Quantitative Results
Independent Task 9.1a
9.1.2 Presenting Qualitative Results
Independent Task 9.1b
9.2 Writing Chapter 5: Discussion
9.3 Writing Chapter 6: Conclusion
9.3.1 A Note on Summarising
9.3.2 Acknowledging Strengths & Limitations
Independent Task 9.3
9.3.3 Recommendations for Future Action
9.4 Beginnings: Acknowledgements & Abstracts
Independent Task 9.4a
Independent Task 9.4b
9.5 Endings: Appendices
Independent Task 9.5
9.6 Final Considerations
Independent Task 9.6
9.7 Proofreading
Suggested Answers to Independent Tasks
Resources for Further Reading
CHAPTER 10
Life Beyond Your Masters
INTRODUCTION
10.1 Going on to Further Study
10.1.1 Doing a PhD or an EdD
10.1.2 Doing Other Qualifications
10.2 Going Back to Work
10.2.1 Updating Your CV
Independent Task 10.2a
10.2.2 Jobs Using TESOL & Applied Linguistics
Independent Task 10.2b
10.2.3 The Traditional Job Search Vs The Creative Job Search
Independent Task 10.2c
10.2.4 Working in the Higher Education Sector
Independent Task 10.2d
10.3 Continuing Professional Development
10.3.1 Publishing Your Dissertation
10.3.2 Presenting at Conferences
10.3.3 Finding Your Professional Niche
10.4 Closing Thoughts
Suggested Answers to Independent Tasks
Resources for Further Reading
A List of Common Journals for TESOL & Applied Linguistics
A List of Useful Organisations
Index
