B - Language and Culture

Program Overview

The Interuniversity Master's, Diploma, and Certificates in TEFL offer distance learning programs to enhance English language teaching effectiveness. The Master's program provides a foundation for independent study and potential PhD studies, while the Diploma and Certificates focus on professional development for practicing and aspiring teachers. The program emphasizes collaborative learning, constructive feedback, and practical application of knowledge to real-world contexts, promoting critical reflection and bridging the gap between theory and practice.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Interuniversity Master, Diploma, and Certificates in TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) are distance learning programs designed to improve the quality and effectiveness of English language teaching in the public and private sectors. The program aims to help practicing teachers, or those aspiring to be teachers, address professional needs within their working environments. The training encourages learner autonomy while maintaining flexible interaction tailored to the specific needs of teachers in professional development. The program is an innovation in postgraduate and distance education, with a practical focus encouraging reflection on the theory-practice relationship, adaptation of new ideas to individual contexts, and testing of new teaching techniques. The Master's program provides a foundation for independent study culminating in a final dissertation (Practicum/Research Project in TEFL), potentially leading to further PhD studies. The program is intended for primary and secondary English language teachers, EFL teachers in adult education, and graduates aiming to become English language teachers. Holders of all degrees can be considered, subject to academic and experience requirements. A minimum of one year's teaching experience in ELT is recommended, although exceptions may be made for certificate programs. Non-native English speakers must provide evidence of English language proficiency through specific exams (Cambridge FCE, CAE, CPE; TOEFL; Michigan ECEP; or others, with an entrance exam as a last resort). The program emphasizes continuous education and the ability to apply knowledge in real contexts. It distinguishes itself from other teacher training programs by focusing on collaborative and constructivist learning, providing resources for self-assessment, offering multiple communication channels, and allowing immediate application of knowledge to work. The overall objective is to develop academic and professional skills for teaching English in various contexts, promoting critical reflection and bridging the gap between theory and practice. The program encourages reflection on theory and practice, adaptation of strategies, testing of techniques, application of analytical skills, critical review of literature, and assessment of strategies. The program views participating teachers as professional practitioners engaged in a process of professional development directly related to their work.

Outline:

The program offers a Master's degree, a Diploma (Especialización), and Certificates (Extensión universitaria) in TEFL. These function separately; completion of one is not required before undertaking another. The Certificate courses can offer credit transfer for later enrollment in the Diploma or Master's program. The Master's program also allows for credit transfer to the Master in FOPELE (teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language).

Course Lengths:

• Master: 24 months
• Diploma: 18 months
• Certificate A: 8 months
• Certificate B: 4 months
• Certificate C: 4 months

Credit Requirements:

• Master: 81 credits (51 coursework, 10 practicum, 20 research project)
• Diploma: 40 credits (30 coursework, 10 practicum)
• Certificate A: 18 credits
• Certificate B: 12 credits
• Certificate C: 12 credits
Certificate A: Fundamentals Issues in Language Teaching and Learning includes subjects on Methodological Approaches, Second Language Acquisition, Classroom Management, Materials and Resources in EFL, Content & Language Integrated Learning, and Individual Factors. Certificate B: Language and Culture includes subjects on Developing Language Skills, Approaches to Language, Teaching Pronunciation, and English in the Community. Certificate C: Applying the Principles of Language Teaching and Learning includes subjects on Observation and Research, Curriculum and Course Design, Assessment and Testing, and Tasks and Projects. The study materials for each subject include an introduction, subject content (theory and pedagogical implications), reflective tasks, further reading suggestions, a complete bibliography, assignments, supplementary readings, a glossary, and access to recommended readings. The materials are designed for simplicity and clarity, incorporating case studies and practical classroom work.

Assessment:

Assessment is practical, without formal examinations. Methods include submission of written assignments, reports, and creation of didactic materials.

Teaching:

The program uses a collaborative learning approach, emphasizing a dynamic and constructivist concept of teaching and learning, critical reflection on teaching practice, action research, and cohesive multicultural groups. Tutors provide continuous support and guidance, with a system where each tutor is responsible for a whole term. Students without regular internet access can still participate using written materials and alternative communication methods.

Other:

The program is a collaboration between FUNIBER and several Spanish and Latin American universities. FUNIBER's involvement stems from university projects for collaborative development within UNITWIN-UNESCO and EU Chairs and Networks, aligning with the conclusions of the World Conference on Higher Education (UNESCO, 1998). The program's distance learning mode allows universities to extend their reach and address high social demand. A team of teachers and specialists in English language teaching, Applied Linguistics, and Foreign Language teacher training developed and update the course content. The program's design considers the needs of each geographical area. FUNIBER offers FUNIBER Training Scholarships. The program's management team includes Dr. Jesús Arzamendi Saéz de Ibarra, Dra. Silvia Pueyo Villa, and Dra. Vanessa Anaya Moixí. Students are "attached" to the university where they enroll and receive support from the Academic Director, program coordinator, and tutors from participating universities and FUNIBER. Contact with tutors is maintained via the Virtual Campus, email, or telephone.