Arizona State University TESOL Professional Certificate Course Syllabus
Full curriculum breakdown — modules, lessons, estimated time, and outcomes.
Overview: This comprehensive TESOL Professional Certificate program from Arizona State University, delivered on Coursera, offers a structured and practical introduction to teaching English to speakers of other languages. The course is designed for beginners and aspiring educators, combining foundational theory with hands-on application. With approximately 80 hours of total content, learners engage in seven modules covering core TESOL principles, language acquisition theories, lesson design, language skills instruction, and technology integration, culminating in two capstone projects that simulate real-world teaching scenarios. The self-paced format allows flexible learning, while assignments ensure practical skill development.
Module 1: Foundational Principles of TESOL
Estimated time: 10 hours
- Introduction to teaching English as a second language
- Understanding learner motivation and engagement
- Risk-taking in language learning
- Balancing the roles and responsibilities of a TESOL professional
Module 2: Theories of Second Language Acquisition
Estimated time: 10 hours
- Key theories of second language acquisition
- Behaviorist, innatist, and interactionist perspectives
- Sociocultural factors in language learning
- Implications of theory for classroom teaching
Module 3: Lesson Design and Assessment
Estimated time: 10 hours
- Principles of effective lesson planning
- Setting measurable learning objectives
- Designing assessments for language learners
- Providing constructive feedback
Module 4: Language Skills (Reading, Writing, Grammar)
Estimated time: 10 hours
- Strategies for teaching reading comprehension
- Developing writing skills in second language learners
- Instructing grammar in context
- Integrating skills across reading, writing, and grammar
Module 5: Language Skills (Listening, Speaking, Pronunciation)
Estimated time: 10 hours
- Teaching listening for comprehension and inference
- Developing speaking fluency and accuracy
- Instructing pronunciation and intonation
- Creating interactive speaking activities
Module 6: Technology in TESOL
Estimated time: 10 hours
- Incorporating digital tools in language teaching
- Using technology for engagement and interaction
- Evaluating educational apps and platforms
- Designing blended and online learning experiences
Module 7: Capstone Projects
Estimated time: 20 hours
- Capstone Project 1: Design a lesson and assessment plan for a real-world teaching context
- Capstone Project 2: Implement and reflect on a practical teaching application
- Submit projects for feedback and evaluation
Prerequisites
- Proficiency in English
- Basic computer literacy
- No prior teaching experience required
What You'll Be Able to Do After
- Apply foundational TESOL principles in diverse classroom settings
- Design effective, learner-centered lesson plans
- Assess language proficiency and track student progress
- Teach core language skills with confidence and strategy
- Incorporate technology to enhance language instruction