The ESL program offers to the community the opportunity to explore the field of TESOL through a special internship. Liberal Studies 250 is a practical course that blends basic reading, observation, and guided teaching experiences. Students observe classes in the intensive ESL program, assist teachers, tutor, and have at least two guided teaching practices. Students also meet with the ESL Coordinator to discuss specially selected readings. Students usually take this course for 2 credits, but it is available for 3 and 4 credit hour options.

LIB 250: Internship in the Teaching of English as a Second Language
Course Description
This course aims to give each intern an overview of the teaching of English as a second language. Students will trace the theoretical developments in the field of TESOL as well as the theoretical developments in the teaching of reading, writing, speaking, listening, pronunciation, and grammar through a series of selected readings. Students will also observe classes in the intensive ESL program (all skills and levels) assist teachers in designated classes, tutor students, and have at least two observed direct teaching experiences. After completing this internship, students should be able to determine whether ESL is an appropriate career choice and determine if they wish to pursue further educational training.

Credit Options

• 2 credits (4 lab hours): Students will spend at least 2 of these hours observing and assisting in classes. Students will spend two of these hours in direct teaching experiences.
• 3 credits (6 lab hours): Students will spend at least 4 of these hours observing and assisting in classes. Students will spend two of these hours in direct teaching experiences.
• 4 credits (8 lab hours): Students will spend at least 6 of these hours observing and assisting in classes. Students will spend two of these hours in direct teaching experiences.

Objectives
Upon completing this course students: 

• will be familiar with terminology in current ESL teaching pedagogy
• will understand the growth and development of the field of TESOL
• will understand the issues and methodological developments in the teaching of second language reading, writing, speaking, listening, grammar, and pronunciation
• will be able to plan and execute an effective lesson in at least two different skill areas
• will experience tutoring individual students and small groups of students
• will observe and assist in at least two different classes at two different levels.

Projects

• Interns will keep and will be graded on two different journals:
  1. Reading Journal: Students will complete at least one reading per week. Students will summarize the content and add critical commentary.
  2. Observation Journal: Students will make one entry for each class visit. The journal should contain a brief summary of the class and also comments on class effectiveness. This is the opportunity for students to comment on the relationship of theory to practice. Students will also comment on their individual teaching and tutoring experiences.
• Students will teach and receive feedback on the teaching of two classes.

Grading
Reading Journal: 40%
Observation Journal 40%
Teaching: 20%

Schedule
Below you will find a general plan for the course. This will vary with each intern because this course should be tailored to the particular needs of each intern. 

• Weeks 1-3: Students will complete observations of all classes in the ESL Program.
• Weeks 4-8: Students will assist in one of the courses in the program and tutor assigned students.
• Week 9: Student will have first direct teaching experience.
• Weeks 10-14: Student will assist in another of the courses in the ESL program and continue to tutor assigned students.
• Week 15: Student has second direct teaching experience.
• Week 16: Wrap-Up and evaluation of internship.