Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language (TAFL) - MA

Program Overview

The AUC Master of Arts in Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language (TAFL) equips students with the skills and knowledge to effectively teach Arabic to non-native speakers. The program combines theoretical and practical learning experiences, including internships, classroom observations, and teaching practicums. Graduates pursue diverse careers, such as Arabic language instructors, curriculum developers, and researchers. The program also offers fellowships and financial support opportunities for students.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The AUC Master of Arts in Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language (TAFL) program is a distinctive degree program with few counterparts in other American Universities. The program consists of either 30 credit hours and a thesis or 36 credit hours and a written and oral comprehensive exam. The program's focus is on equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively teach Arabic as a foreign language.

Objectives:

The program aims to achieve the following learning outcomes:

• Conduct well-structured research in the field of Applied linguistics, with a focus on Arabic linguistics and the teaching of Arabic as a foreign language (AFL).
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of theoretical frameworks that inform sound pedagogical decisions in foreign language classes, particularly AFL classes.
• Demonstrate the ability to utilize practical skills expected of qualified foreign language teaching professionals.
• Demonstrate the ability to understand the complex continuum of linguistic varieties present in the Arab world and the challenges faced by AFL learners when encountering these varieties, as well as the evolving approaches to address these challenges in classrooms.

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The program emphasizes a combination of theoretical and practical learning experiences.
Students are exposed to various teaching methodologies and strategies specifically tailored for teaching Arabic as a foreign language.
• Faculty: The MA program boasts instructors with extensive expertise and qualifications in the field.
They possess advanced degrees in Arabic linguistics, extensive teaching experience, and a deep understanding of language acquisition and language variation. Their competitive advantage lies in their expertise as teachers of Arabic as a foreign language, their awareness of innovative teaching methods, and their commitment to creating engaging and immersive learning experiences.
• Unique Approaches: The program incorporates hands-on learning opportunities designed to provide students with real-world exposure and enhance their teaching skills.
These opportunities include:
• Internships and student exchanges: The program collaborates with educational institutions that offer Arabic language instruction abroad, such as Leiden University in the Netherlands.
Students have the opportunity to intern at these institutions as teachers and as students taking courses that address their academic interests.
• Classroom Observations: Students observe experienced Arabic language teachers in real classroom settings to learn different teaching techniques, classroom management strategies, and effective ways to engage students.
• Teaching Practicum: The program includes a teaching practicum component where students teach Arabic to non-native speakers within AUC's Arabic Language Instruction program.
• Research Projects: Students conduct research projects related to Arabic language teaching, which could involve designing instructional materials, developing innovative teaching methods, exploring specific aspects of Arabic language acquisition, or investigating new tech tools used for teaching.
• Collaborative Projects: The program facilitates collaborative projects where students work together on language teaching initiatives, such as creating teaching resources, organizing language exchange programs, or replicating second language acquisition experiments.

Careers:

• Career Paths: Graduates of the program pursue diverse career paths, including:
• Arabic language instructors
• Curriculum developers
• Language program coordinators
• Researchers in the field of Arabic language education
• Opportunities: The program provides students with the necessary skills and qualifications to excel in these roles.
• Outcomes: The program enhances various aspects of students' abilities and skills, including:
• Teaching Methodologies
• Pedagogical Knowledge
• Professional Development
• Cross-Cultural Communication

Other:

• The program includes a fellowship specifically tailored for students in the TAFL program.
Recipients receive a waiver of tuition, a stipend, and the opportunity to teach several hours parallel to the number of hours for which they received their fellowship.
• Applicants may also apply for other forms of financial support available to all AUC applicants.