Author Topic: Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) TEFL Diploma programme  (Read 6655 times)

Offline علم دوست

  • Editorial board
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1288
  • My Points +2/-1
Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) TEFL Diploma programme
« on: September 27, 2008, 10:10:40 PM »
AIOU TEFL Diploma programme

AIOU surveys TEFL Diploma effectiveness


Islamabad: Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) conducted a countrywide survey to analyze the effectiveness of Diploma TEFL being offered by the Department of English Language &Applied Linguistics.

The students were asked about course content and organisation, student contribution, learning environment and teaching methods, learning resources, quality of delivery, assessment, instructor/teaching assistant evaluation, tutorials, practical/workshops, etc.

The Department of English & Applied Linguistics was established with the inception of Allama Iqbal Open University in 1974. The department offers courses in English language at different levels and a two-year Master's programme in TEFL (Teaching of English as a Foreign Language).

The aim of the programme is to create awareness in the students about approaches, techniques and methods involving the learning and teaching of English in the classroom. It carries 10 AIOU credits/60 credit hours.

The students are required to attend tutorials, submit assignments, make presentation of projects and attend face-to-face workshops. The Department also offers a one-year Post-Graduate Diploma in TEFL (Teaching of English as a Foreign Language) through open distance learning system. The students acknowledged the significance of the Diploma TEFL in developing their personal and professional skills as English language teachers.

They were satisfied that the objectives of the course were fully achieved.

They also commented that the contents of curriculum were advanced and met programme objectives. They appreciated the course contents, presentation of the study material, tutorials and assessment system.

They acknowledged the role of the tutors who not only taught them the courses but also encouraged them to use the latest teaching techniques in their classroom. They mentioned that the programme administration was effective in supporting learning.

They appreciated the new scheme of studies introduced by the department in 2005, in which tutorials, assignment presentations and workshops were made compulsory.

A teacher's analytical and problem-solving skills are very important in an effective teaching/learning environment. Also the respondents' feedback reflects successfulness of the programme in terms of disseminating information regarding teachers analytical and classrooms management skills.  The Dip TEFL was successful in developing independent thinking of the students as well. All courses in Dip TEFL programme have been designed to create a culture of student-centred teaching-learning environment.  It also envisages an atmosphere of independent learning leading to student's autonomy. The Dip TEFL also helped the students to incorporate ethical values in their teaching.

On the one hand students appreciated the programme; on the other they mentioned their problems as well. They suggested that there should be more-co-curricular and extra-curricular activities. They also asked for provision of scholarships/grants available to students in case of hardship.

Another important area identified by the students was provision of library facilities to the students who are studying at distance.

They suggested that the AIOU should issue identity cards to the students to consult libraries and resource centres of different Universities/organisations.

Future programmes of the department include M Phil in TEFL /Applied Linguistics, Certificate level courses in ELT, a non-broadcast video on phonology, a series of television programmes on conversational English, a non-broadcast video on microteaching and Certificate in English for Specific Purposes. The Nation
..........

میں بہت عظیم ہوں جو کہ بہت ہی عظیم علمی کام کررہا ہوں