Overview
A Practical Base Balanced with Theoretical Knowledge
The Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Second Language (M.A.T.E.S.L.) at Hawaii Pacific University (HPU) is designed with a practical focus: to prepare professionally trained and educated teachers that are ready to take a teaching position in an English-language classroom.
The practical aspect of the M.A.T.E.S.L. curriculum, from classroom immersion to course design, is balanced by thorough investigation of the latest theories, research, methods, and materials. This approach ensures that M.A.T.E.S.L. graduates are not just classroom-ready, but also fully versed in the effects of culture, attitude, and psychology on the learning process.
M.A.T.E.S.L. Prepares Graduates to Teach ESL or EFL
Hawaii Pacific's M.A.T.E.S.L. program objectives were adapted from the TESOL/NCATE Program Standards (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages/National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education). Like many schools, HPU made minor adaptations to expand the standards of the program, so graduates can to teach English as a Second Language (ESL) or English as a Foreign Language (EFL) to adults as well as children both inside and outside the U.S.
The Program Prepares Students in Five Domains of Language
The M.A.T.E.S.L. program prepares students to meet stringent requirements and standards in five unique domains as set forth in the TESOL/NCATE Program Standards.
Language, the 1st domain, focuses on master concepts and theories concerning the nature and acquisition of language, with the goal of constructing better learning environments for promoting English skills.
The 2nd domain, Culture, concentrates on the concepts, theories, and principles that define the cultural identities of ESL/EFL students. Where appropriate, there is discussion of representative aspects of various English-speaking communities, such as North America, UK-Ireland, Australia-New Zealand, former British colonies, and others.
In the 3rd domain, Planning, Implementing, and Managing Instruction, the emphasis is on mastering the standards-based practices and strategies for planning ESL/EFL lessons, managing instruction in primary and secondary education settings, and reaching learners from diverse backgrounds.
The 4th domain, Assessment, teaches how to measure ESL/EFL student learning, including through teacher-made quizzes and standardized achievement tests. Students also discover the various cultural, political, social, and psychological factors that affect assessment of ESL/EFL learners.
Professionalism is domain 5. The course work outlines the history of ESL/EFL teaching and delineates ways to stay current with new instructional techniques, research results, and public policies. The M.A.T.E.S.L. curriculum focuses on ways to improve instructional practices, upgrade the learning environment, provide support for ESL/EFL students, and, in the case of preschool through grade 12, advocate for students and their families.
Core Courses, Electives, and Other Requirements
One prerequisite, Introduction to Linguistics, is required in the M.A.T.E.S.L. program. The core courses range from English phonology, syntax, and grammar to various methods of teaching reading, writing, and speaking. Students may be exempted by exam from some of these courses. Electives courses cover topics such as semantics, language and society, ESL materials development, and teaching ESL to children.
Hands-on job training experience is gained through two practica. In the first practicum the student observes and assists master teachers in ESL classes on and off campus. In the second, the student has the opportunity to practice teach their own ESL classes with supervision.
Students can approach their final capstone activity in one of three ways. They may assemble a portfolio during the entire span of the M.A.T.E.S.L. program, take a comprehensive examination based their specific core courses and electives, or work on an in-service project that is typically connected to a teaching position the student held before entering the M.A.T.E.S.L. program.
Flexibility Is a Key Element of the M.A.T.E.S.L. Program
Hawaii Pacific has made the M.A.T.E.S.L. degree program flexible to keep it accessible to students with varying schedules. Day and evening course are available, students may attend full-time or part-time, and students can accelerate the degree by taking summer courses. Graduate advisers work with each student to develop a curriculum that works best with their schedule.
Graduate T.E.S.L. Certificate Is Offered Full- and Part-Time
Hawaii Pacific also offers the graduate Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) certificate. The 18-credit program includes courses in linguistic theory, teaching methods, and practicum. Full-time students can finish the certificate in one year, and part-time students can take the program at their own pace.
A Variety of Financial Aid Options Are Available to HPU Students
Students may be eligible for a variety of need-based and non-need-based financial aid programs to help make graduate education at HPU affordable. Depending on enrollment status -- full-time, part-time, and the number of credits taken -- students may be eligible for different types of financial aid, from federal loans, grants, and private financing to HPU scholarships and assistantships.
Hawaii Pacific participates in multiple federal loan programs, including both subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford loans. Graduate students may be eligible for up to $18,500 in combined subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford loans.
Students may also select from a variety of tuition payment plans.
University Scholarships and Assistantships Are Also Awarded
Hawaii Pacific University also offers several scholarships and assistantships to help defray tuition fees. They are available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents as well as international students. Depending on the particular program, tuition waivers range from 20 to 50 percent of tuition over either one or two semesters. Assistantships require the student to work 10 hours per week.
Scholarships and assistantships are awarded based on the eligibility requirements of the specific program, as well as academic record, community involvement and service, and professional work experience and achievement.
Hawaii Pacific University Offers a Diverse and Active Learning Environment
Hawaii Pacific University is rated a Best Buy by "U.S. News & World Report" and "Princeton Review" for both its academics and its internationally diverse student body.
Students have formed scores of special interest organizations to balance their studies with fellowship and shared activities, from literary societies and science clubs to community service groups and intramural sports teams.
Honolulu and Oahu and the surrounding Hawaiian Islands offer the HPU community a wide range of cultural, recreational, and entertainment opportunities. Water sports, mountain climbing, and hiking are popular activities across the state, and HPU students can enjoy college and professional sports, museums, and musical concerts of all kinds.
