Strong teacher training programs aim for a balance of theory and practice. At LCC, we aim for a good balance of fundamental theories and hands-on classroom teaching.

Our courses offer students the foundational theories of second language acquisition, a solid understanding of English linguistics, the skills to design curriculum, and the knowledge base to craft assessments. But what good would all that theory be without practical teaching skills with real students in real classrooms? Our MA TESOL program also challenges our students to grow their practical teaching skills in the practicum course.

In their first year, student enrol in ENG 580 Integrated Skills Practicum. In this course, students review the basic principles of lesson planning and classroom management. Students then earn course credits by planning lessons and teaching classes in a face-to-face setting. The placement possibilities are limitless! Students teach in public or private schools, in language companies, or in institutes or universities. From Morocco to Mongolia to the United States to Lithuania, our students are honing their pedagogical skills. Some of our MA TESOL students are already experienced full time teachers in schools or companies; during the practicum course, these teachers spend energy trying new ideas, reflecting on their teaching, and articulating student learning outcomes and assessments. Other students are novice teachers; during the practicum course, they work closely with a veteran teacher who mentors them, allowing them a chance to practice teaching in a safe, supportive environment. We work with each MA TESOL personally to find the best place for their practicum, tailoring the practicum course to be a learning opportunity for everyone.

One option for all MA TESOL students is to do their practicum at LCC’s Summer Language Institute (SLI) . Every summer, LCC hosts an intensive, one-month, English language program on campus. Youth and adults attend interactive English classes 6 hours a day and are invited to participate in crafts, music, dancing, and sports clubs in the evenings. The campus is full of eager young learners who are immersed in English. SLI is an excellent place for MA TESOL students to do their practicum because veteran EFL teachers serve as colleagues, mentors, and friends during the month as everyone is teaching and learning together.

Being a practicum student and teaching at SLI is not easy every day! Throughout the month, MA TESOL students are challenged to observe veteran teachers, plan creative lessons, and teach every single day; they often spend their evenings preparing for the next day. But when the month is over, and teachers and students come together for the closing ceremony, everyone celebrates the hours of teaching and learning together. Not just as teachers and students, but friends with friends.

Practicum experiences help our student consider how the theories that they learn in other courses impact second language learning and teaching, hopefully creating the perfect balance of theory and practice.

Author: Robin Gingerich, Ph.D., English Department Chair at LCC International University.