TESL 400
4 credits
Foundations of Second Language Education
Prerequisite(s): 60-university-level credits or permission of the Adult Education department.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
An introduction to the linguistic, cultural, and pedagogical foundations of second and additional language education in British Columbia. The course examines key theories, teaching approaches, and policy frameworks that inform language learning across K–12 and adult contexts serving learners of various age groups. Students explore inclusive, communicative, and culturally sustaining practices aligned with the B.C. K–12 Curriculum Frameworks, B.C. English Language Learning (ELL) Standards, and the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB).
TESL 408
4 credits
Applied Linguistics in Second Language Education
Prerequisite(s): 60-university-level credits or permission of the Adult Education department.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
This course explores how principles of instructed applied linguistics inform second and additional language teaching across K–12 and adult educational contexts. Students examine grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, pragmatics, and discourse, with attention to linguistic foundations that support literacy development across age groups, including phonological and phonemic awareness. The course emphasizes research-informed analysis of language teaching practices rather than training in specific instructional programs.
TESL 410
4 credits
Teaching a Second Language
Prerequisite(s): None
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): TESL 400 and TESL 408.
Students apply principles of second language pedagogy and instructed applied linguistics to the design and delivery of engaging language lessons for learners across age groups, including adult and school-age learners. The course integrates methodologies and techniques while aligning with B.C. English Language Learning (ELL) Standards, Core Competencies, and Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) frameworks, and incorporates Indigenous perspectives and culturally sustaining approaches.
TESL 420
4 credits
Curriculum and Assessment in Second Language Education
Prerequisite(s): None.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): TESL 400, TESL 408, and TESL 410.
This course examines curriculum design and assessment practices in second and additional language education across K–12 and adult contexts. Students explore how frameworks such as the B.C. English Language Learning (ELL) Standards, Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB), and Portfolio-Based Language Assessment (PBLA) inform instruction and evaluation with attention to inclusive, culturally sustaining, and relational approaches to language education.
TESL 433
4 credits
Second Language Education Practicum
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the Adult Education department.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): TESL 400 (formerly TESL 300), TESL 408, TESL 410 (formerly TESL 310), and TESL 420.
This practicum component of the TESL certificate enables students to apply their studies of theory and methodology of second language teaching and learning in an approved ESL instructional setting.
Note: Students with credit for TESL 333 cannot take this course for further credit.
Note: Evidence must be provided to the department of 20 hours of volunteer experience in a TESL setting to enroll in this course.
