Frequently Asked Questions and Information for Enrolling Students

1

What do the degrees qualify me for?

The Graduate Diploma in TESOL and Master of Education TESOL qualify you for teaching adults in Australia and overseas and are recognized teaching credentials in the adult language teaching area.  If you are doing the Graduate Certificate in TESOL, check with employer bodies regarding the number of practicum they require.  Schools in Australia require pre-service teacher education qualifications (Dip.Ed/B.Ed etc), in addition to specialist TESOL qualifications.  The Graduate Diploma and Master of Education count as specialist ESL training in primary and secondary schools for already qualified teachers.

2.

Do the courses focus on teaching in Australia or overseas?

The programs focus on both and there are choices in modules for teaching young children, teenagers or adults, teaching in Australia or internationally. The term TESOL (Teaching English to speakers of other Languages) covers both English as a Foreign Language (EFL) and English as a second or additional language (ESOL).
 

3

Are there any exams, assignments or assessments and how are they conducted?

Assignments range from portfolios of practical teaching activities to discussion board and feedback sheets, to essays, depending on the subject. There are no formal exams but some subjects have a ‘take home’ exam which you complete over three working days and send to your tutor or program administrative officer. Assignment details are specified in the course outline.

4

Can I do all the TESOL distance program off-campus?

Yes, the distance program requires no attendance although you are more than welcome to visit and talk with our program staff and tutors.  About half of our students study from locations outside of Australia. See the information under TESOL Distance for more details.

5

What contact is there with tutors and other students?

In both the oncampus and the distance program your tutor and other students are only an email or phone call away.  Tutors often organise chat and discussion groups with students via our online teaching site, Janison, which is located on the faculty homepage. Your tutor should be able to assist you in communicating with other students enrolled in your subject.

6

How do I apply?

For more information click on the direct link for Prospective Students, on the UoW Homepage (www.uow.edu.au).  You can download the form from the UoW Prospective Students website, at http://www.uow.edu.au/prospective/ under “Application Forms and Documents”. Send these to Uniadvice, with the required documentation. You can also now apply online using the UOWApplyOnLine link on the UOW homepage. Once your application is approved, you will receive a letter of offer, with instructions for enrolling in your chosen subjects.

When do I enrol in subjects?

What subjects should I take and in what order?

In the Graduate Diploma, enrol first in EDGT930 Methodology in Second Language Teaching , then perhaps EDGT984 Theories in Second Language Learning, EDGT917 English Language: Examining Learners Problems or EDGT940 Materials and Technology in Second Language Teaching.  You don't enrol in all your subjects in the beginning.  See how you go and then decide which ones to enrol in for each intake.  It is best to enrol about three weeks before each intake rather than all subjects at the beginning of the program. In the Master of Education (TESOL), enrol first in EDGT984 Theories in Second Language Learning. All MEd students must also include EDGZ921 in their program of study, which runs on-line in both Autumn and Spring Sessions (not the distance intakes). For more information contact Ken Cruickshank (distance program co-ordinator): kenc@uow.edu.au., or Honglin Chen (Specialisation Co-ordinator and oncampus program co-ordinator): honglin@uow.edu.au

How long do I have to complete a subject?

Each subject runs over one intake equivalent to the length of an on campus subject -  16 weeks plus time for planned breaks if necessary.  Students can apply for extensions in line with normal university rules.

Am I given credit for my previous study?

I am currently undertaking M.Ed at another university but not as a TESOL student. I would like to enrol in a couple of TESOL units. Is it possible?

This will depend on whether the university in which you are enrolled will allow cross-institutional study.  You should contact your course coordinator to discuss the process.  Details about the UoW process can be found on the university website: www.uow.edu.au/student/forms.

Can I do doctoral study by distance?

There is a Doctor of Education (TESOL) course which is run in flexible mode. This course consists of a combination of coursework and thesis.  For more information contact Dr Beverly Derewianka on: bev_derewianka@uow.edu.au.

The Faculty's expectations for reasearch students are outlined on the Faculty webpage, under Research Degrees.

How much does a TESOL qualification cost?

The Distance TESOL Program is a fee-paying program.   You have access to FEE-HELP and current fees and  more information is available on the UoW website at: http://www.uow.edu.au/student/finances/postgraduate.html.

There are no additional costs for Distance TESOL courses.  All textbooks, readings, CD’s and DVD’s are provided by the Faculty and are covered by the subject fees.

What is the difference between the various modes of delivery - flexible/online/distance/on-campus?

Distance delivery requires no on-campus attendance and is conducted on-line with some DVD and CD-Rom support.

On-campus delivery requires on-campus attendance at both lectures and tutorials.

Flexible delivery, for an on-campus student may involve some attendance and other modes of teaching and learning.

What library resources are available to distance students?

There is a whole range of resources available to distance students, which vary depending on whether you are living in Australia or overseas.  To find out what is available, go to the UoW Library website: http://www.library.uow.edu.au.  Choose “Distance Education Students” found under Additional Services.

Leave your practicum until you have complete EDGT930 and some other practical teaching subjects.  You can do practicum anywhere in the world!  Normally students will find a place (we can also suggest places) and then we negotiate with the institution about supervision.  You can do practicum in a place you are already teaching in but we need to ensure you have qualified TESOL supervision there.

Yes, students in intakes have the same administrative deadlines to add and withdraw from subjects as students enrolled in the Autumn and Spring sessions. Continuing students are able to enrol via SOLS, in a subject up to two weeks after the commencement of the intake and up to four weeks after commencement of the intake with academic approval. However, you will need to complete a Variation of Enrolment form and forward it to either Ken Cruickshank (kenc@uow.edu.au) or Kim Oborn (koborn@uow.edu.au), who will arrange for the appropriate authorisation and then forward the form to Student Administration for the subject to be added to your academic record. Students starting their course will not be able to enrol late into a session or intake.