This site is a resource for second language writing and also hosts the Second Language Writing Interest Section (TESOL), which has more resources. If you have suggestions or recommendations for this site or the SLWIS site, please let me know.
Below are the last five items from News. To read more, go there. To read (very) sporadic entries on teaching, learning, writing, and using technology, go to Explorations in Learning.
Multitasking Impairs Memory
Annie Murphy Paul (Slate) reports on how multitasking impairs memory.
evidence from psychology, cognitive science, and neuroscience suggests that when students multitask while doing schoolwork, their learning is far spottier and shallower than if the work had their full attention. They understand and remember less, and they have greater difficulty transferring their learning to new contexts. So detrimental is this practice that some researchers are proposing that a new prerequisite for academic and even professional success—the new marshmallow test of self-discipline—is the ability to resist a blinking inbox or a buzzing phone.
Doctoral scholarships in English linguistics
To fully funded doctoral scholarships in English linguistics are available at Linnaeus University.
Position Opening: Language Program Director (CLP & TCP)
Teachers College, Columbia University
Position: The TESOL and Applied Linguistics Programs at Teachers College, Columbia University seek a Language Program Director. This position entails directing two related programs: the Community Language Program (CLP) and the TESOL Certificate Program (TCP). The CLP provides English and foreign language instruction to adult learners and is an onsite language lab for students and faculty in TESOL and Applied Linguistics. The TCP currently offers an 8-week intensive summer program in TESOL, preparing students to teach adult learners of English as a Second Language.
Responsibilities: Provide vision and leadership for the CLP and TCP. Oversee the day-to-day operations of the two programs. Manage the expansion of both programs, including online course offerings and a part-time, year-round certificate program. Manage and monitor the budget, direct recruitment, and marketing of both programs. Hire and supervise instructors and staff. Serve as liaison between the TESOL/AL faculty, the CLP, and the TCP instructors and staff. Work closely with the TESOL/AL faculty and assistant directors on the curricula, teacher training, and assessment. Prepare annual reports of each program. The successful candidate may also be invited to teach one or more courses in the TESOL and Applied Linguistics MA programs (for extra pay) depending on qualifications.
Required Qualifications:
* An MA in TESOL or Applied Linguistics; Ed.M. or doctorate preferred
* A minimum of 5 years experience as an ESL or EFL instructor
* 3 to 5 years experience in language program administration (LPA)
* 3 to 5 years experience in managing personnel in an academic setting
* Experience supervising teachers on their teaching
* Experience in recruitment and marketing for academic programs
* Experience developing curricula and/or assessments for language programs
Desired Qualifications:
* Experience developing, implementing and directing online learning programs
* Background in teacher education or CALL
* International experience
* Grant-writing experience
To apply: Go to the Human Resources website at TC.
https://careers.tc.columbia.edu/applicants/jsp/shared/frameset/Frameset.jsp?time=1364994855250
Click on Staff Positions. Then look for Professional Director posted 04-01-2013. You will need to upload a cover letter specifying how your skills meet these job requirements, your CV, and list of at least 2 references to:
Review of applications will begin on Apr. 20, 2013, and will continue until the search is completed.
Teachers College as an institution has long been committed to a policy of equal opportunity in employment. In offering higher education in the discipline area of TESOL, the College is committed to providing expanding employment opportunities to minorities, women and the disabled in its own activities and in society.
Job Opening: Miami University of Ohio - Instructor/Visiting Assistant Professor position
Instructor/Visiting Assistant Professor in ESL Composition (two positions) to teach full load of introductory composition courses to international students; provide departmental committee and program service; opportunity to work with the Director of Composition, the ESL Committee, and other faculty members in shaping and developing the ESL composition curriculum and participate in activities related to instructor training, assessment, technology initiatives and program development. Require: PhD (for appointment as Visiting Assistant Professor), MA (for appointment as Instructor); specialization TESOL; knowledge of research and/or graduate study in ESOL theory and practice; college-level experience teaching ESL composition courses. Desire: experience with digital writing instruction and instructional technology. The faculty member will be joining a strong cohort of faculty in rhetoric/composition and ESL in a department with both MA and PhD program in rhetoric/composition and an expanding program in ESL composition. For more information, see www.miamoh.edu/composition/ESL_courses.html.
Submit letter of application, curriculum vitae, evidence of teaching excellence and contact information for three references by email to LuMing Mao, Department of English, at English@miamioh.edu. (Hard copy submissions will not be considered.) Screening of applications begins April 25, 2013 and will continue until the positions are filled.
Miami University is an EOE/AA employer with smoke-free campuses. Right to Know – Consumer Information http://www.miami.muohio.edu/about-miami/publications-and-policies/student-consumer-info/. Hard copy upon request.
2013 TESOL CALL-IS Resource Site
The TESOL CALL-IS has set up a site where you can find many resources of the 2013 Electronic Village and Technology Showcase program at this year's TESOL Convention, including:
1. webcast recordings of the CALL-IS Academic Session
2. webcast recordings of three InterSection sessions (CALL/EE/ITA/ESP/VDM)
3. presentations from the EV Fair Classics
4. resources used in the presentations
5. the EV Program Book in case you'd like an electronic copy
6. a map indicating the countries of visiting webcast participants