new program pathway decisions

Pathway | Chris Baldwin | June 22nd, 2005

Hi all,

I'm at the pathway choice stage now, and have checked out Jerry's DL archive site, which is always helpful, but most of the comments refer to the old programme. I'm not sure how long the new one has been running, but I've got a question for those who are further along in it:

I'm thinking of doing MET, EMT, TYL, and CMD. In other words, I'd like to do all the practical, pedagogical modules, and none of the more theoretical ones. How would you say that they fit in together? Would I lose out by going broad, rather than deep?

Any comments?

Have a good one.

Chris

Re: Pathway | Robert Haines | June 22nd, 2005

I've only completed MET from your list above, so our fellow CPs can probably give you more insight into this; however, it might help you to know that I posed a similar query to a successful teacher trainer, EFL teacher and author. The response was (I'm paraphrasing here, of course) that applied linguistics knowledge had helped this person gain an understanding of language but not had any direct impact on pedagogy/teaching. Again, do you want to teach (research) language, or do you want to teach people? Not an either/or scenario, but one can tend toward one or the other. I think the Aston program aims at a healthy balance through its action research model.

I have also looked at the CMD module: it includes some interesting references and information on SLA, which could take you quite deep, couldn't it?

In a way, your decision is like choosing where to live (a luxury not everyone has, I know). It's a matter of priorities, practical considerations and preferences, and other things that don't begin with 'p'. By gathering feedback as you're doing and remaining true to your interests and professional pursuits, you should discover the pathway you need to follow. And, because the Pathway system is flexible, you can always change your mind if you find it worthwhile.

Good luck!

Rob

Re: Pathway | Jerry Talandis Jr. | June 22nd, 2004

Hi Chris,

Yeah, I agree that reading some of those older threads about course pathway decisions can be confusing. Things have changed a lot on this program, so much is now out of date. I'm therefore glad about this new thread.

The new program has been in effect since last fall, I believe. We're in a stage now where some CPs are still working under the "old" system, while all the new people are doing the new way. Some folks (like me) are kind of straddling both. I finished all my modules on the old system, but now I'm on the new one.

Would I lose out by going broad, rather than deep?

Well, to each his own, but I'm sure you're going to get comments like "you're missing out on a lot if you don't take any theoretical/linguistic modules". In the end you have to do what you think is best for yourself, and as long as you are clear about that, then you're ok. Still, I would really try at least to do the ASI module- that has so much good practical info about basic research methods and issues. The MET and TYL modules especially would benefit from ASI a lot... but that leaves you with having to drop another one... tough decision!

But, in the new program, you already have all the modules at hand via the CD-Rom. So, you can officially take all the modules you think are best, and just read the others for fun/pleasure as your needs and interests dictate. So, you could read through ASI, doing the bits that will help set you up for MET & TYL, then begin your "official" modules with a firmer grounding. This approach is TOTALLY different than before- previously, the only way you'd ever see a module was if you paid up your 600 pounds and made some more shelf space for the binders. Now with everything at your fingertips, it really changes the nature of deciding one's course pathway. If you have enough motivation and time, then theoretically it doesn't matter which courses you take officially, for you can do them all if you like.

Jerry
Japan

Re: Pathway | Paul Raper | June 22nd, 2005

On a personal level, I found that all the modules had something to offer each other. I chose ASI, AWD, MET and CMD for the simple reason that I wanted to do TESP. As Sue knows I'm now thinking slightly differently from when I made that initial decision, but that is not a problem since the course is designed to allow for changes of mind.

My advice would be to decide what you want as a goal and choose modules that interest you, if somewhere between where you are now and the end you have a change of mind or circumstance, then let the Aston tutors know via the pathway form which you have to complete at the end of each module. Just remember, you are not locked into anything.

Paul

Re: Pathway | Dawn Grant-Skiba | June 22nd, 2005

Hi Chris,

This will probably be my last entry before I fly off on my vacation.

Well, it so happens that you have chosen EXACTLY the same courses as I have. I must say your choice is spot on if you would like to concentrate on the professional side of your chosen career. In fact the Study Companion does confirm that this course is, in fact, a professional one. Personally, I'm not very interested in linguistics so what I did at the FND stage was quite enough for me. I try to support whatever linguistic interest I have by attending one or two conferences when I can.

If I could advise you, I'd say the most profitable order would be: FND, MET, EMT, CMD, TYL. The last two you should try together- the benefits are great. I know because I have done it. In fact, I haven't written my TYL paper yet but the CMD was re: children, where I designed a course for them. In that way, I had a host of references from the TYL course that was a good lead to look for books and other materials!! Additionally, the articles file for the TYL course if full of ideas and you may find an idea your CMD assignment. I also found the tutors to very supportive (I'm not saying others haven't been).

Good luck. Follow your heart and think a bit about what you want to do at the end with this masters degree. Finally, I have to say that my chosen pathway is the best- it has given me hands-on experience which I continually use in the classroom (and I think that's what it's all about).

Have a nice summer,

Dawn
Poland

PS: Oh, I forgot to add that if you have already done a course in management, you might want to re-think the EMT module. I have a BSc in that area and so it was a bit, um, let's say, not what I expected. However, for someone who has never done a management course it will be ideal.

Thanks | Chris Baldwin | June 23rd, 2005

Thanks to everyone who gave me lots of good advice on the pathway.