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Comprehensive Examination Review

COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION REVIEW FOR M.ED. IN TESOL

  • Discuss Krashen’s Monitor Model and its five interrelated hypotheses. What does this model mean for curriculum, methods, and assessment in the ESL classroom? Finally, what relevant factors are not addressed by Krashen?

  • Discuss the process of first and second language acquisition. What are the similarities and differences? Evaluate the relating factors that directly impact successful language development for both L1 and L2 learners. Discuss what you can do to facilitate the acquisition process in your ESL classroom.

  • With the increased number of races and ethnicities in international schools, an atmosphere of tolerance must be created, established, and maintained in our classrooms. Discuss how this can be accomplished.

  • Discuss why ESL/EFL and mainstream teachers should collaborate. In what ways can both of them contribute to the success of mainstreamed ESL students?

  • Discuss Jim Cummins’ model of BICS and CALP and explain what he means by cognitively undemanding, cognitively demanding, context embedded, and context reduced. How does his model relate to teaching and learning of English as a second language?

  • Consider Natural approach, Whole language approach, Total Physical Response. How can they be used most appropriately to teach various aspects of language? Discuss the possible implications of an integrated approach in your school setting.

  • Discuss the concepts of grammatical competence, communicative competence, and sociolinguistic competence in relation to Jim Cummins’ model of BICS and CALP. What do the concepts and Cummins’ model mean for curriculum, methods, and assessment in the ESL classroom?

  • Discuss the impact of some factors such as learners’ social and economic background, learning environment, and first language, in the process of first and second language acquisition. Discuss what you can do to facilitate the acquisition process in your ESL classroom.

  • With the increased number of races and ethnicities in international schools, an atmosphere of tolerance must be created, established, and maintained in our classrooms. Discuss how this can be accomplished.

  • Discuss five different approaches to address diversity and multi-culturalism in the curriculum, and state goals and strategies to promote multiculturalism in a public school or an international school setting.

  • Discuss theories of language acquisition: the Imitation Theory, the Behaviorist Theory, the Innatist Theory and the Interactionist Theory. Choose the one that supports your philosophical point of view with examples and documentation.

  • What are the positive and negative aspects of using a Whole Language-based curriculum in an ESL classroom? What special problems does this approach pose for ESL students?

  • What kind of knowledge, skills, and attitudes do teachers need to have in order to develop a language pedagogy that promotes second language acquisition in the ESL classroom?

  • What role does technology play in the modern ESL classroom? What are some of the benefits, problems, and liabilities of technology-mediated language learning and teaching?

  • Why must students’ cultural backgrounds be taken into consideration when shaping the educational system? Discuss the impact this consideration should have on curriculum, school environment, and teaching style for an ESL program in an international school setting.

  • What are the reasons for the shift from teaching language alone to content-based approaches? Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a content-based approach in the teaching and learning of English as a second language in your school.

  • Discuss the strength and weakness of traditional, port-folio, authentic, or holistic assessment. What criteria, procedures, and instruments, in your opinion, should be used to assess ESL students in your school setting?

  • What approaches or methods are most appropriate to teach various aspects of language in your school setting? Discuss the possible implications of an integrated approach.

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