1. An Introduction to MA TESOL Dr. Desmond Thomas, International Academy, University of Essex

2. Your weekly routine: Term 1 Monday: ELLT classes look at the contexts of English language teaching Tuesday: SLA classes look at the learner perspective of English teaching Wednesday: M&M classes look at the most practical aspects of teaching English Thursday: GSRS classes provide academic reading, writing and research skills Thursday: PDE classes look at the content of English language teaching

3. What can you expect from tutors? Input of ideas in each class Opportunities to share ideas Opportunities to ask questions Materials in hard copy Electronic resources and links Tutorials for 1-to-1 advice Guidance, encouragement, support

4. What tutors expect from you Attendance & punctuality Respecting deadlines Clear communications (Essex email) Preparation for classes Taking notes and keeping records A critical approach to learning Alerting tutors to problems a.s.a.p.

5. Resources (in order of usefulness) 1.Yourself (mainly past experience) 2.Your tutors and colleagues 3.The library (virtual) 4.The library (physical) 5.The internet 6.The Resource Centre

6. The library General: http://libwww.essex.ac.uk/Users/colchester.htm E-resources: http://serlib0.essex.ac.uk/screens/help_eresources.html Tour: http://libwww.essex.ac.uk/Virtual_Tour/default.htm

7. Using the internet 1.Journal articles via Google Scholar 2. Statistics e.g. http://www.statistics.gov.ukhttp://www.statistics.gov.uk 3.Encyclopedias of knowledge: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page 4.Software: http://www.endnote.com/http://www.endnote.com/ 5.TEFL resources: http://www.eltgames.comhttp://www.eltgames.com http://www.englishclub.com/esl-quizzes/

8. General study tips 1.Plan your life and make realistic choices 2.Make sure that expectations are realistic 3.Match expectations with those of tutors 4.Keep records of everything – and backups 5.Develop productive routines 6.Become an active researcher 7.Upgrade all of your skills 8.Allow yourself breathing and thinking space

9. Written assignments Choosing the right question/topic Managing and planning reading Managing and planning writing Turning reading into writing Drafting, re-drafting and editing Learning from feedback

10. Sources of information Handbooks: http://courses.essex.ac.uk/IA/IA910/ http://courses.essex.ac.uk/IA/IA910/ Webpages: http://www.essex.ac.uk/plagiarism/ 1-to-1 tutorials Tutors (specified office hours) IA office staff