Graduation Date
Fall 2017
Document Type
Project
Program
Master of Arts degree with a major in English, emphasis Peace Corps Service with TEFL
Committee Chair Name
Suzanne Scott
Committee Chair Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Second Committee Member Name
Marianne Ahokas
Second Committee Member Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Subject Categories
English
Abstract
English as a foreign language (EFL) is a mandatory part of public education in Nicaragua, Central America. Many Nicaraguan EFL teachers, however, lack the English and teaching skills to be able to do their job effectively. Furthermore, teacher training and professional development opportunities for EFL teachers in Nicaragua are often inaccessible and/or of low quality. As a Master’s International Program student, I studied Teaching English as a Second Language/Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TESL/TEFL) and served in the Peace Corps in Nicaragua, where I sought to improve EFL education. This M.A. Project tells the story of my Master’s International Program.
In Chapter 1, Introduction, I outline the project. In Chapter 2, Master’s International Training and the Nicaraguan TEFL Context, I describe the TESL/TEFL training I received at Humboldt State University and in the Peace Corps, and the relevancy of that training to my later TEFL development work in Nicaragua. Chapter 3, Co-Teaching, discusses the two years I spent as a Peace Corps volunteer training Nicaraguan EFL teachers through co-planning and co-teaching high school English classes. Chapter 4, Secondary Projects, details the other TEFL development work I did in Nicaragua, including teaching English at the community and university levels and giving workshops to Nicaraguan EFL teachers. Lastly, in Chapter 5, Conclusion, I summarize my thoughts and feelings regarding my Master’s International Program.
Throughout this project, I discuss the methodological approach, techniques, and activities that I used to improve the English and TEFL skills of the Nicaraguan students and teachers with whom I worked. In addition, I note unresolved professional challenges that I encountered, as well as what I might have done differently. Overall, my Master’s International Program was a successful and enjoyable experience. I hope that this M.A. Project will provide guidance, as well as generate productive questions, for others working to improve EFL education in Nicaragua and similar contexts.
Citation Style
MLA
Recommended Citation
Richards, Deva, "EFL teaching and teacher training in Nicaragua: a master's international experience" (2017). Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects. 77.
https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/etd/77