Less Commonly Taught World Languages [MAT]

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in World Languages prepares individuals for Michigan secondary teaching certification and careers as K-12 World Language educators. The program emphasizes comprehensive knowledge of World Language education, proficiency in teaching methodologies, cross-cultural competence, and continuous professional development. Graduates are equipped to teach World Languages, develop curriculum, provide educational consulting, and pursue careers in translation and interpretation.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program with a concentration in World Languages prepares individuals for obtaining a Michigan secondary teaching certification and working as a K-12 World Language educator. The program aims to equip graduates with the following competencies:

• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of World Language education theory and practices aligned with Michigan's standards for such instruction.
• Proficiency in evaluating, refining, and customizing their teaching methodologies to accommodate the diverse learning needs of students.
• Competence in identifying and analyzing cross-cultural issues both within and outside classroom settings, enabling them to foster intercultural understanding.
• Ability to critically evaluate their teaching performance and continuously engage in professional development to enhance their effectiveness.
• Skills in advocating for the value and advantages of World Language learning in K-12 educational contexts.

Outline:

The MAT in World Language program comprises a total of 43 credit hours. The curriculum encompasses the following components:

• Content Knowledge Verification:
Review of academic transcripts and assessments to ensure candidates possess at least 30 credits of content knowledge in the language they seek certification in.
• World Language Content Courses (14 credit hours):
• FLAN 511: K-12 Theory and Methods of World Languages Teaching (3 credit hours)
• FLAN 580: K-12 Practicum in World Language Instruction (2 credit hours)
• FLAN 581: Capstone in World Language Instruction (1 credit hour)
• Eight additional credit hours of coursework in the target language (advisor approval required)
• Professional Studies in Education Core (29 credit hours):
• CURR 505: Curriculum and Methods for Teaching in the Secondary School (3 credit hours)
• EDPS 501: Psychology of Adolescence (3 credit hours)
• EDPS 627: Designing Classroom Assessments (3 credit hours)
• EDUC 592: Teaching Internship (6 credit hours)
• LTEC 602: Technology and Student-Centered Learning (3 credit hours)
• PRCT 588: Practicum in Secondary Classrooms (2 credit hours)
• RDNG 657: Comprehension and the Content Areas (3 credit hours)
• SFCE 655: Education for Justice: Toward a Diverse, Democratic and Sustainable Society (3 credit hours)
• SPGN 510: Introduction to Inclusive Education and Disability Studies (3 credit hours)

Assessment:

The MAT in World Language program utilizes various assessment methods to evaluate student learning and progress:

• Examinations and quizzes in coursework assess knowledge acquisition and understanding of course material.
• Course assignments, such as essays, presentations, and projects, evaluate students' critical thinking, research, writing, and presentation skills.
• The teaching practicum experience is a supervised field placement in a school setting, which allows students to demonstrate their teaching abilities.
• A capstone course synthesizes learning from previous coursework and the practicum and culminate in a final project or presentation that demonstrates students' proficiency in teaching World Languages.
• Content Knowledge Verification assessments evaluate candidates' knowledge of World Language content, linguistics, culture, and civilization.
Evidence of study abroad or extended immersion in a target language culture may also be required.

Teaching:

The MAT in World Language program is designed to provide students with a strong theoretical and practical foundation for teaching World Languages. The program emphasizes:

• Experiential Learning:
The practicum component of the program provides students with real-world experiences in teaching World Languages under the guidance of experienced mentor teachers.
• Collaborative Learning:
Students engage in group work, discussions, and peer feedback throughout the program to enhance their understanding and refine their teaching practices.
• Inquiry-based Learning:
The program encourages students to question, explore, and critically analyze teaching theories and methods to develop their own informed approaches to World Language instruction.
• Individualized Support:
Students receive personalized guidance and support from faculty mentors and advisors throughout the program to help them achieve their learning goals.

Careers:

Graduates of the MAT in World Language program are qualified for teaching positions in secondary schools (grades 7-12), providing them with the following opportunities:

• Teaching World Languages:
Graduates can teach a variety of World Languages at the secondary level, including Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and others.
• Curriculum Development and Leadership:
Graduates can play a role in developing and implementing World Language curriculum and programs within their school districts.
• Educational Consulting:
Graduates may provide professional development workshops or consulting services related to World Language teaching and learning.
• Translating and Interpreting:
Graduates with strong language skills may pursue careers as translators or interpreters in various settings, such as government agencies, businesses, or non-profit organizations.