Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language (TAFL) - MA
Program Overview
AUC Master of Arts in teaching Arabic as a foreign language (TAFL) is a distinctive degree program with few counterparts in other American Universities. The master’s degree consists of either 30 credit hours and a thesis or 36 credit hours and a written and oral comprehensive exam. Required courses cover the following topics: principles of linguistic analysis, second language acquisition, methods of teaching a foreign language focusing on Arabic, sociolinguistics, methods of research, and challenges facing Arabic as a foreign/second language teachers. In addition, the program also offers electives that focus on specific aspects of Arabic language and language teaching like: language variation, material development, teaching culture and intercultural competence, assessment, teaching the various language skills (reading, writing, speaking, and listening), and pragmatics.
Degrees and Admission Requirements
Non-native speakers of Arabic and holders of university degrees with specializations other than Arabic language or Islamic studies must demonstrate that their proficiency in Arabic is adequate for study in the program through an Arabic language entrance exam and an interview offered by the TAFL program.
Learning Outcomes
Conduct well-structured research in the field of Applied linguistics in general and Arabic linguistics and teaching of Arabic as a foreign language (AFL) in specific.
Demonstrating knowledge of theoretical frameworks that guide sound pedagogical decisions in foreign language classes in general and AFL classes in specific.
Demonstrating ability to use practical skills expected of qualified foreign language teaching professionals.
Demonstrate ability to understand the complex continuum of linguistic varieties that exist in the Arab world today and the challenges AFL learners face when dealing with such varieties, as well as the change in views of how to successfully address them in their classes.
Practical Experience
The MA program for teaching Arabic as a foreign language enhances various aspects of students' abilities and skills. Here are some aspects that can be enhanced by the program:
- Teaching Methodologies: The program equips students with effective teaching methodologies and strategies specifically tailored for teaching Arabic as a foreign language. They will learn how to design lesson plans, create engaging activities, and assess students' progress.
- Pedagogical Knowledge: Students will gain a solid foundation in educational theories and principles related to language teaching. They will also learn about second language acquisition theories, curriculum development, and assessment techniques, which will enhance their ability to effectively teach Arabic to non-native speakers.
- Professional Development: The program offers opportunities for students to engage in professional development activities, such as attending conferences, workshops, and seminars related to Arabic language teaching. This helps them stay updated with the latest trends and research in the field.
- Cross-Cultural Communication: Teaching Arabic as a foreign language involves facilitating cross-cultural communication. The program enhances students' intercultural communication skills, enabling them to effectively interact with students from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
Career Opportunities: Graduates of the program pursue various career paths, such as Arabic language instructors, curriculum developers, language program coordinators, or researchers in the field of Arabic language education. The program can provide students with the necessary skills and qualifications to excel in these roles.
Career Paths and Opportunities
The MA program offers various hands-on learning opportunities. These opportunities aim to provide students with real-world exposure and enhance their teaching skills. Here are some potential hands-on learning opportunities offered:
- Internships and student exchanges: The program collaborates with educational institutions that offer Arabic language instruction abroad specifically Leiden University in the Netherlands. Students have the opportunity to intern at this institution as teachers, and as students taking courses that address their academic interests. Students also have the opportunity to join exchange programs that AUC has agreements with, giving them the opportunity to study for one semester or academic year in academic institutions around the world.
- Classroom Observations: Students have the chance to observe experienced Arabic language teachers in real classroom settings. This allows them to learn different teaching techniques, classroom management strategies, and effective ways to engage students.
- Teaching Practicum: The program includes a teaching practicum component where students have the opportunity to teach Arabic to non-native speakers. This takes place in Arabic Language Instruction program in AUC. Students get to reflect on their teaching experience and receive feedback and guidance from veteran AFL instructors to improve their teaching skills.
- Research Projects: Students are encouraged to conduct research projects related to Arabic language teaching. This could involve designing instructional materials, developing innovative teaching methods, experimenting with and exploring specific aspects of Arabic language acquisition, or exploring new tech tools used for teaching.
Collaborative Projects: The program facilitates collaborative projects where students work together on language teaching initiatives. This could involve creating teaching resources, organizing language exchange programs, or replicating second language acquisition experiments.
Instructors
Our MA program for teaching Arabic as a foreign language boasts instructors with extensive expertise and qualifications in the field. They possess advanced degrees in Arabic linguistics, extensive teaching experience, and a deep understanding of language acquisition and language variation. Their competitive advantage lies in their expertise as teachers of Arabic as foreign language, their awareness of innovative teaching methods and their commitment to creating engaging and immersive learning experiences to all participants in the program.
Fellowships
Applicants to TAFL program could apply for TAFL teaching fellowships specifically tailored for students of this program. Recipients of this fellowship are waivered from payment for their courses, receive a stipend, and are allowed to teach several hours parallel to the number of hours for which they received their fellowship.
Applicants may also apply for other forms of financial support available to all AUC applicants.
The TAFL program at AUC not only provided me with the fundamentals of teaching and linguistics, but it also provided me with practical experience as a fellow student by giving me the chance to observe AFL classes, assist teachers in their classes and teach.
Being at AUC is like being in the middle of a bridge between two worlds. I have had the opportunity to learn under the tutelage of classical Arabic teachers from the prestigious Dar al-Ulum and from Westerners. AUC gave me the unique chance to teach Arabic and apply the theory I was learning in class on the same day.
