Arizona State University

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Department of English

LIN584 MTESOL Practicum Internship
FALL 2019

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
Ruby Macksoud Office: RBHL 129 Phone: 480.965.7659
e-mail: Ruby.Macksoud@asu.edu Office hours: Thursdays 2pm to 6pm & by appt.

COURSE DESCRIPTION
The LIN584 MTESOL Practicum Internship is an independent-study course; it is a graded,
supervised experiential learning practicum which provides a real-world context for teaching,
observation, tutoring, and curriculum design/materials development in the areas of English as a
second/foreign language (ESL/EFL) and English for Specific Purposes (ESP) (e.g., English for
Academic Purposes [EAP], English for Occupational Purposes [EOP], and English for
Sociocultural Purposes [ESCP]). Students work in authentic TESOL contexts to explore their
own professional development of the curriculum process (e.g., materials design), application of
methods (e.g. task-based language instruction), use of tools (e.g., technology), and
understanding of current views (e.g., testing) and issues (sociocultural factors). In addition,
students are expected to consider their work from the perspective of the development of both
language skills (i.e., reading, writing, speaking, listening) and knowledge (e.g., grammar,
vocabulary, content areas). *Please note that when possible, teaching internships use a ‘team-
teaching’ approach in which lessons are designed and taught through collaboration between
teaching partners.

COURSE GOALS
After completing this course, students should be able to:
• describe, explain, evaluate, and apply their own systematic, principled approach to
TESOL curriculum design and materials development and interactive language
pedagogy;
• design, analyze, and evaluate effective TESOL curricula and materials;
• analyze, synthesize, and apply principles for teaching a variety of learners in
diverse educational contexts;
• find and evaluate contemporary materials and resources for TESOL professionals;
• apply knowledge and transferable skills gained through other MTESOL courses;
• demonstrate professional and academic preparedness to participate in the field of
TESOL and further studies in language teaching and learning.

INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGY
To meet the goals stated above, the independent-study course uses a variety of strategies:
• Students will teach, observe, tutor, and/or develop materials within their specific
TESOL contexts.
• Students will engage in weekly (once a week over 15 weeks) self-narrative reflection
work with the MTESOL Practicum Internship course instructor and each other.
These reflection entries will serve as an ongoing professional reflection journal and
must be completed every week and uploaded to the Canvas course shell.
• Students will meet (in person or by phone) with the MTESOL Practicum Internship
course instructor for monthly one-to-one feedback meetings as scheduled and as
needed by the instructor and the students throughout the semester.
• Students will be responsible to communicate with the MTESOL Practicum Internship
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 course instructor throughout the semester (i.e., through in-person meetings, by
email, and/or by phone).
• Students will create and maintain a professional TESOL e-portfolio. Students have
free access to ASU Digication (an online, e-portfolio building tool) to showcase their
MTESOL Practicum Internship work. Students can also use a free website-building
platform such as Wix, Weebly Education, or Google Sites to create their materials e-
portfolios (instead of ASU Digication). The ASU Digication Portfolio help resources
page can be found here:

https://asu.digication.com/new_digital_portfolio_help_resources/start_here/published

As an independent-study course experience, students are encouraged to get individual

feedback on their MTESOL Practicum Internship work from the Internship course
instructor throughout the semester. Please note that it is the responsibility of the
student to take ownership of their independent-study learning experience by asking for
feedback on and/or help with their MTESOL Practicum Internship and/or LIN584 course
work from the MTESOL Practicum Internship course instructor as needed.

This eclectic instructional approach will help ensure that every student can engage with the
course content in a way that is suitable for their learning style(s) and customized internship
work.

COURSE MATERIALS
The required MTESOL Practicum Internship course textbook is Teaching by Principles: An
Interactive Approach to Language Pedagogy 4th edition (2015) by H. Douglas Brown and
Heekyeong Lee (available through ASU Bookstores and from various online vendors such as
Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com). Students are expected to work through the text at
their own pace (i.e., there are no assigned weekly readings), paying close attention to both
universal principles (e.g., chapters 2 to 8) and practical applications (e.g., chapters 9 to 23)
related to their specific TESOL internships. In particular, students should make explicit
connections between the textbook readings and their MTESOL Practicum Internship
work in the weekly reflection work and the final reflection paper (see details below). And,
students are highly encouraged to make connections between the MTESOL Practicum
Internship experience and other TESOL, Linguistics, and/or Education courses in their degree
programs.

EVALUATION AND GRADING

The final grade for this course will be determined in the following way:

Final reflection/self-evaluation paper 40%

Weekly self-narrative reflection work and monthly feedback meetings 40%
Professional TESOL e-portfolio 20%

(a) Final reflection/self-evaluation paper. Students must reflect on their specific teaching,
observation, tutoring, curriculum design/materials development internship experiences.
Students should try to give the reader a clear and detailed picture of their entire experience in
the MTESOL Practicum Internship (e.g., specific tasks and work completed, all of the successes
and challenges, significant learning outcomes, professional skills development) AND make
explicit connections between their MTESOL Practicum Internship experiences and the principles
and practical applications in the course textbook. In writing the final reflection paper, some
students use additional secondary research/resources beyond the course textbook, which is
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certainly welcomed but not required.
Students should try to reflect on:
• their specific internship contexts (e.g., teaching conversation and culture classes for
business students; developing gaming materials; working as a language helper at ASU
Global Launch; developing materials for academic purposes; teaching community ESL;
teaching EFL to Japanese high school students);
• the specific TESOL work completed in their internship contexts;
• how (with specific examples) curriculum design/materials development principles and
teaching methods were applied in their TESOL work and the effectiveness of these
principles (this can also include observations of TESOL teachers in action);
• what kinds of activities/tasks/interactions were effective and what kinds of
activities/tasks/interactions were challenging for students and for them as TESOL interns
(with specific examples) and why (this can also include observations of TESOL teachers
in action);
• the positive and challenging aspects of the internship experience in general (e.g.,
materials development challenges, lesson planning challenges, multiple proficiency-level
teaching, team-teaching);
• how the MTESOL Practicum Internship connects to other TESOL, Linguistics, and/or
Education courses;
• the development of their own TESOL professional persona over the semester - how the
MTESOL Practicum Internship experience changed or helped to develop their
professional and transferable skills;
• the impact of the MTESOL Practicum Internship experience on their future professional
and academic work and overall learning.
The final reflection paper should be 10 to 12 pages in length (12-point font and double spaced),
excluding references (APA or MLA format). The paper will be judged mainly for the depth of
reflection (e.g., a clear self-evaluation of the MTESOL Practicum Internship experience) and
organization (e.g., sequence of and clear connections between ideas), but language use (e.g.,
grammar, vocabulary) and mechanics (e.g., spelling, formatting) will also be factors.
Due date for the final reflection/self-evaluation paper:
uploaded to the Assignments tab on Canvas on or before Monday, December 9

(b) Weekly self-narrative reflection work and monthly feedback meetings. Students must
actively participate in this independent-study course. The participation grade will be based on
(a) participation in weekly self-narrative reflection work and (b) attendance, punctuality, and
collaboration in the MTESOL Practicum Internship work contexts. The self-narrative reflection
work must be completed on a weekly basis. The purpose of this reflection work is to carefully
examine and meaningfully self-evaluate (in an ongoing way over the semester) on experiences
in the professional TESOL workplace, so weekly reflection is important. Students should
make explicit connections between their MTESOL Practicum Internship experiences and
the related principles and practical applications in the course textbook in their weekly
reflections; there is no specific word count for the reflections, and so please use the prompt to
guide the quality of your self-reflection. Attendance (in person or by phone) at the monthly one-
to-one feedback meetings is mandatory, unless an alternative meeting schedule is arranged
with the MTESOL Practicum Internship course instructor, and students should be prepared to
talk about their professional development experiences in detail with the MTESOL Practicum
Internship course instructor during the feedback meetings.

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 Self-narrative reflections are to be completed on Canvas on a weekly basis:
starting Friday, August 30th and ending Friday, December 6

(c) Professional TESOL e-portfolio. Each student must create a professional e-portfolio that
showcases their MTESOL Practicum Internship work. This portfolio can be an ASU Digication
e-portfolio or an e-portfolio on other web platforms of choice such as Wix, Weebly Education, or
Google Sites. The e-portfolio should include copies of original work from the student's
internship (any sensitive content [including personal names of individuals] should be removed or
blocked out). The materials e-portfolio should be a thoughtful, clear, and professional product
that includes copies of teaching and materials development work (e.g., curriculum materials,
lesson plans, activities, assignments, homework, assessments) from the student's own
teaching, tutoring, or materials development work; copies of teaching materials from the
observation of TESOL teachers in action should also be included in the professional e-portfolio.
In addition, observation interns should include their detailed ethnographic observation field
notes (from the observations of TESOL teachers in action) in their professional e-portfolios, as
well as any other relevant internship documents such as tutoring notes, work schedules, and
events flyers. In all cases, the TESOL e-portfolio should be a professional product that
showcases the student’s MTESOL Practicum Internship experience for the semester. This
portfolio can be public or private work and can be made available to workplace supervisors at
the end of the internship, at the student's discretion. The e-portfolio should be designed in a
way that makes it a durable professional marketing tool for future TESOL employers.

Due date for the professional TESOL e-portfolio:

uploaded to the Assignments tab on Canvas on or before Monday, December 9

The following scale will be used to calculate students’ grades in this course:

Letter 4.0 scale

equivalent
A+ 4.01+ (within ASU)
A 3.70-4.00
A- 3.50-3.69
B+ 3.30-3.49
B 3.00-3.29
B- 2.70-2.99
C+ 2.30-2.69
C 2.00-2.29
D 1.00-1.99
E .99 and below

A Special Note about Earning an A+ in LIN584. A final course grade of an A+ is more

than just a numerical calculation of the course work. Students who typically earn an A+ in
the course share certain characteristics: e.g., they engage with the course readings and make
consistent and direct connections to the ideas, they demonstrate an interest in and a curiosity
about the course readings and materials that are beyond course expectations, they actively and
consistently participate in all course reflections and activities, and they take advantage of
feedback to further connect with course ideas and concepts in exceptional and independent
ways.

A grade of Z (Incomplete) will not be offered in this course except under extreme conditions
and with advisement from ASU Administration. A grade of “Z” would result only from a written
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contract signed by the MTESOL Practicum Internship course instructor and the student. A
student who simply stops “attending” their Internship will not receive a “Z”, but will receive an
“E”.

If an intern has not finished the Internship hours because of workplace circumstances beyond
their control, or because the initial Internship plan extended working time beyond the end of the
semester, and if the intern has done satisfactory work up to the last two weeks of the semester,
the intern must meet with the MTESOL Practicum Internship course instructor, who may
arrange a grade of “Z”. A grade of Incomplete must be completed within a reasonable time
period (as agreed to between the MTESOL Practicum Internship course instructor and the
student) or it will convert to a failing grade.

When the Internship hours are finally completed, the intern will then meet with the MTESOL
Practicum Internship course instructor for an exit meeting. After reviewing the intern's reflection
work, final reflection paper, and professional TESOL e-portfolio, a grade-change form will be
submitted in order to convert the “Z” to a grade on the student's transcript.

A student must complete a prescribed number of work hours (i.e., 150 hours in total) in the
MTESOL Practicum Internship to receive academic credit. When the contracted number of
hours has been worked and the coursework is turned in, the Internship is complete.

If a student must withdraw from the MTESOL Practicum Internship for any reason, the student
must obtain the permission of the MTESOL Practicum Internship course instructor before
leaving the Internship site. Should a student leave the Internship site without permission, a
grade of "E" will be given for the MTESOL Practicum Internship course.

COURSE POLICIES AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

All students must:
• attend all internship sessions (e.g., taught classes; observation classes; tutoring
sessions; workplace internship hours);
• participate in a full 10 hours of internship work a week for every 3 credit hours in the
course over 15 weeks;
• collaborate with team-teaching partners (where applicable);
• be professional when working with students, team-teaching partners, teachers being
observed, the MTESOL Practicum Internship course instructor, and on-site internship
coordinators and supervisors;
• complete all tasks that will be evaluated;
• be prepared to participate in self-reflection work every week;
• attend (in person or by phone) monthly, one-to-one feedback meetings as
scheduled;
• participate in ongoing and consistent self-reflective practices;
• be prepared to showcase MTESOL Practicum Internship work in a professional
materials e-portfolio;
• take primary responsibility for and ownership of their learning (e.g., ask questions
and/or get help and feedback when needed).

The MTESOL Practicum Internship has approximately 15 scheduled weekly sessions, with
(approximately) 10 hours of internship work a week for a total of 150 hours over the semester
(for 3 credit hours). Please note that students’ punctual attendance in the MTESOL Practicum
Internship contexts is required unless (a) a student makes prior arrangements with the MTESOL
Practicum Internship course instructor or (b) a student has a legitimate excuse (e.g., an illness

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that requires missing class or work). Students who are absent or late are responsible for
making up the internship hours they have missed with their students or in their internship work
contexts. In addition, any absences need to be reported to the MTESOL Practicum Internship
course instructor as well as the on-site internship coordinator immediately.

*Unexcused and/or repeated absences or lateness for all MTESOL Practicum Internship
work contexts will result in failure of the internship.

The MTESOL Practicum Internship also involves three main assignments. Students’ punctual
submission of the assignments is required (this includes the weekly self-reflection work)
unless (a) a student makes prior arrangements with the MTESOL Practicum Internship course
instructor or (b) a student has a legitimate excuse accompanied by appropriate documentation
(e.g., a doctor's note). Unexcused missed deadlines will result in a deduction (one letter grade)
in the grade for the assignment.

Academic Honesty
In the Student Academic Integrity Policy manual https://eoss.asu.edu/dos#definitions, ASU
defines plagiarism as “using another's words, ideas, materials or work without properly
acknowledging and documenting the source. Students are responsible for knowing the rules
governing the use of another's work or materials and for acknowledging and documenting the
source appropriately.”

Academic honesty is expected of all students in all examinations, papers, laboratory work,
academic transactions, and records. The possible sanctions include, but are not limited to,
appropriate grade penalties, course failure (indicated on the transcript as a grade of E), course
failure due to academic dishonesty (indicated on the transcript as a grade of XE), loss of
registration privileges, disqualification, and dismissal. For more information, see
https://provost.asu.edu/academic-integrity.

Academic dishonesty, including inappropriate collaboration and the buying of essays, will not be
tolerated. There are severe sanctions for cheating, plagiarizing, and any other form of
dishonesty. Students are expected to write and submit original work, and to incorporate others’
words, images, or ideas into their own writing using correct attribution practices. Again,
academic dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated, and students are expected to be familiar
with all relevant university policies.

Sexual Violence and Harassment Based on Sex

Title IX is a federal law that provides that no person be excluded on the basis of sex from
participation in, be denied benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education
program or activity. Both Title IX and university policy make clear that sexual violence and
harassment based on sex is prohibited. An individual who believes they have been subjected to
sexual violence or harassed on the basis of sex can seek support, including counseling and
academic support, from the university. If you or someone you know has been harassed on the
basis of sex or sexually assaulted, you can find information and resources
at https://sexualviolenceprevention.asu.edu/faqs.

As a mandated reporter, I (as the LIN584 MTESOL Practicum Internship course

instructor) am obligated to report any information I become aware of regarding
alleged acts of sexual discrimination, including sexual violence and dating
violence. ASU Counseling Services, https://eoss.asu.edu/counseling,
is available if you wish to discuss any concerns confidentially and privately.

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Disability Resources for Students
Qualified students with disabilities who will require disability accommodations in this class are
encouraged to make their requests to the English Internship course instructor at the beginning
of the semester either appointment or through email. Prior to receiving disability
accommodations, verification of eligibility from the Disability Resource Center (DRC) is required.
Disability information is confidential. Establishing Eligibility for Disability Accommodations:
Students who feel they will need disability accommodations in this class but have not registered
with the DRC should contact them immediately through www.asu.edu/studentaffairs/ed/drc.

Syllabus Disclaimer
The LIN584 MTESOL Practicum Internship course instructor views the course syllabus as an
educational contract between the instructor and students. Every effort will be made to avoid
changing the course schedule but the possibility exists that unforeseen events will make
syllabus changes necessary. The instructor reserves the right to make changes to the syllabus
as deemed necessary. Students will be notified in a timely manner of any syllabus changes
through email; please remember to check your ASU email often.

Note: When internship sites are within a 50-mile radius of the university, the MTESOL
Practicum Internship course instructor may choose to visit the worksite to ensure that ASU
MTESOL students are working in suitable environments and that the work claimed in the course
is the work the student is actually doing. This site visit will be an opportunity for the workplace
internship coordinator, the MTESOL Practicum Internship course instructor, and the MTESOL
student to discuss together the student’s learning objectives and outcomes and how the
internship work experience is helping to meet those goals.

Note: If a student is having problems/concerns with their internship, the student should arrange
a meeting (in person or by phone) with the MTESOL Practicum Internship course instructor as
soon as possible. E-mail or voicemail is the fastest way to contact the instructor to set up a
meeting: ruby.macksoud@asu.edu or 480.965.7659.

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