Master in Applied Linguistics: Teaching Spanish to Speakers of Other Languages
Program Overview
This Master's program trains individuals to teach Spanish to non-native speakers, focusing on professional development and practical skills. It covers a comprehensive range of topics, including second language acquisition, Spanish grammar, methodology, and cultural aspects. The program is designed to prepare educators for various contexts and encourage critical reflection and innovation in teaching practices.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Master in Applied Linguistics: Teaching Spanish to Speakers of Other Languages is designed to address the growing global demand for qualified Spanish teachers. The program's content is identical to the Master in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language; the only difference lies in the name and qualifications awarded, depending on the enrolling university. The program aims to provide comprehensive and updated training, developing the academic and professional skills necessary for teaching Spanish as a second language (SL) in various contexts. It focuses on current knowledge in professional practice, providing insights into second language teaching and learning, and developing the perceptions, knowledge, resources, and practical skills needed to complement theoretical foundations. A key aspect is the stimulation of critical reflection, bridging theoretical training and practical application. Specific objectives include: providing a comprehensive understanding of the work of a Spanish as a SL professor and strategies for improvement; familiarizing professors with relevant methodological proposals; emphasizing individual professional development and innovation; and advising students on independent research related to their teaching assignments. The program encourages interpreting the relationship between theory and practice, adapting new ideas to classroom situations, experimenting with and innovating teaching practices, applying analytical skills, critically evaluating literature and research, evaluating teaching strategies, and applying acquired knowledge for continuous teaching improvement. The program focuses on professional development related to current or future work.
Outline:
The program is structured into several modules, grouped thematically:
- Introduction (6 credits):
- Modes of directing the classroom. Techniques and reflection on the practice (3 credits)
- Observation and research in the classroom (3 credits)
- Acquisition and Learning (9 credits):
- Second language acquisition (3 credits)
- Individual factors in learning (3 credits)
- Learning strategies (3 credits)
- Social Aspects of Language (6 credits):
- Communication and pragmalinguistic adequacy (3 credits)
- Language, culture, and bilingualism (3 credits)
- Spanish as a Foreign Language (9 credits):
- Grammar for teachers of Spanish as a SL (3 credits)
- Spanish and its varieties (3 credits)
- Teaching vocabulary (3 credits)
- Methodology (21 credits):
- Methodological foundations (3 credits)
- Skill development in the classroom (3 credits)
- Creation, adaptation, and evaluation of materials and resources (3 credits)
- Educational technology in language learning (3 credits)
- Projects and tasks (3 credits)
- Evaluation of the language learning process (3 credits)
- Curriculum design and programming – Theory and practice (3 credits)
- Practicum and Final Project (30 credits): This involves developing a new final practical and written master’s report. The program's standard length is 25 months, and the number of credits may vary depending on the awarding university. The program content is subject to modification based on updates and improvements. There is also the possibility of a double degree, combining this master's with a Master in Teaching English as a Foreign Language or Master in Linguistics Applied to Teaching English as a Foreign Language. This is facilitated by automatic validation of common subjects.
- Specific TESL Assignments (15 credits):
- Approaches to language in the classroom context (3 credits)
- Teaching pronunciation (3 credits)
- English in the community (3 credits)
- Teaching English through translation (3 credits)
- Content Language Integrated Learning (3 credits)
Assessment:
Assessment aims to optimize academic achievement and teacher performance. Methods include examinations, papers, and parallel activities during tutorials for each subject. In distance education, comments and corrections on student work are crucial, providing tutor support and progress indication. The assessment focuses on training and insight into program topics to improve professional development. The program promotes autonomous and reflexive learning, with collaboration and interaction between peers and tutors.
Teaching:
The program uses a cooperative and collaborative training model, based on dynamic and socio-constructivist learning concepts. It assesses learning processes regarding both materials and results, stimulating critical insight into teaching practice and educational thinking. The model considers the whole person in the learning process (affective, motivational dimensions). A research-action work method is employed, utilizing interactive and multicultural groups. The model rests on four pillars: students, professors, materials, and activities.
Other:
FUNIBER offers FUNIBER Training Scholarships periodically. The Evaluation Committee determines scholarship eligibility.
The European University of the Atlantic (UNEATLANTICO) is a Spanish higher education institution dedicated to providing a comprehensive education grounded in academic excellence and practical skills. It offers official undergraduate and postgraduate degrees and operates within the Spanish university system. The university’s educational model emphasizes classroom-based learning, integrating information technology, communication, and hands-on training to prepare students for professional challenges. Additionally, it guarantees English proficiency and fosters teamwork, project management, and technological expertise.
UNEATLANTICO collaborates with industries and professionals to enhance students' readiness for the job market. Through real-world projects and partnerships, students gain practical experience and develop leadership and entrepreneurial skills. The university supports innovation and business initiatives by working with investment funds and providing resources for student startups.
The university boasts a diverse teaching faculty, including academics, researchers, and professionals from Spain and abroad. Its faculties cover Health Sciences, Social Sciences and Humanities, and Polytechnic studies, offering a variety of academic programs to meet students' needs. UNEATLANTICO combines personalized attention with a dynamic learning environment, preparing students for success in competitive and innovative fields.
Entry Requirements:
Academic requirements: Applicants must hold a university degree or equivalent to access the Master's program. If applicants have a degree in another area, they must take an entrance test. Linguistic requirements: Non-Spanish speakers must demonstrate sufficient command of Spanish. This can be proven by providing documentation of an accredited university degree in a related area from a Spanish-speaking country (though this is not automatic and requires review of the applicant's documentation). Alternatively, a Higher Diploma of Spanish as a Second Language from the Cervantes Institute or equivalent certifications can be submitted. If neither of these is available, an entrance test is required.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
Non-Spanish speakers must prove sufficient command of Spanish for academic purposes. Acceptable proof includes:
- An accredited university degree in a related area from a Spanish-speaking country (subject to review).
- A Higher Diploma of Spanish as a Second Language from the Cervantes Institute or equivalent.
- Passing an entrance exam if neither of the above is available.
