10-Step Module Plan

(Note: I follow on from my first Newsletter with this general guide to getting through each module of the MA. I'm aware that it's not really a newsletter at all, but it is a convenient format for these tips. The next one will deal with the Language Learning (SLA) Module and will be quite a bit longer. And the one after that might be a pause to let me comment on something that's going on this autumn; we'll see how it goes. Meanwhile, I'd be happy for your comments.)

Introduction

If you do a presential course, you’ll attend lectures and seminars, and hang out with your peers in the uni facilities and nearby haunts. If you do a distance course you’ll watch videos, attend video conferences, and hang out with your peers in virtual spaces.?Such elements of the course are important, but the real job is to produce a series of written assignments and a final dissertation – that’s what determines whether you fail, pass or get a distinction in the MA.? ????????

The content of an MA TESOL is divided into modules. Compulsory modules are on Language Learning, Language Teaching, the English language (grammar and pronunciation), and a Dissertation. Options (typically, you’ll have to choose two) include Language Testing, Course and Syllabus Design, Materials Design, Technology-Enhanced Language Learning and Teacher Education.

You’ll get a Course Handbook and a Guide to the library and other facilities. Scan the Handbook and pay very careful attention to how to use the library and other facilities.?

?Essential steps in working through a module.

?Step 1:? Identify the core content of the module. The study materials provided by the university are your main source for this step. DON’T READ ANYTHING ELSE YET.?

The materials for the module are often divided into 8 to 10 Units, each one about 3,000 words, plus mini tasks and long reading lists.?You should read ALL of the Units carefully, but DON’T STUDY THEM: don’t take notes and don’t go off and start reading articles or books that are referred to. Don’t get lost in detail: you’re just trying to get the overall picture.?You should be able to read each Unit in 2 hours maximum.

?Step 2: Clear the deck. Do any small assignments that are required, including the mini tasks in the course materials, but don’t spend much time on anything that doesn't count towards formal assessment. ?

?Step 3: Identify the topic of your written assignment(s) for the module. THIS IS THE CRUCIAL STEP!?You might decide that it’s contained in one of the Units, but it might be a bit wider. Reach this point of “flexible focus” as fast as you can in each module: the sooner you decide on the topic, the sooner you can focus, and the better your reading, studying, writing and results will be.

?Step 4: Start reading about your topic and start marshalling your ideas. You can take notes, or highlight bits of text, but don’t get lost, don’t read a whole book or charge down some rabbit hole, if you get what I mean. Keep in the back of your mind that you’re looking for an interesting problem to tackle, something that results in a good, well-defined, manageable topic for your main written assignment.

?Step 5: Articulate the Thesis Question. This is another absolutely crucial step. The Thesis Question defines your paper and must be very carefully considered. You’ll see examples in subsequent Newsletters, but, as I’ve already suggested, the Thesis Question articulates a problem that you want to investigate, and you might have some ideas about the answer vaguely forming. ???

?Step 6 Write an Outline of your paper. The outline is for your tutor, and it can indicate areas that you’re not sure about. Try to make this outline – and the questions / doubts you have - as clear and content-rich as possible. Include a few references and ask for suggestions (each assignment should have a minimum of 8 references). You should make sure that your tutor reviews your outline, gives you detailed feedback and the final go ahead.

?Step 7: Write the First Draft of the paper. This is the hardest and probably longest step. Everybody has their own way of writing, but you’ll need lots of your sources to hand – books, articles, online stuff – and you will have to do some more reading (maybe a lot more reading!) while you're writing, and talk some more to trusted fellow students and your tutor. Write this draft as if it were the final version: don’t say “I’ll deal with the details (references, appendices, formatting) later”; make it as good as you can.

?I’ve done a post here on Linkedin called “Writing an MA Assignment: How to Write an Academic Paper”. It’s 16 page long and I urge you to download it You’ll find the first assignment tough, the second one a bit less so, and you’ll slowly find your “voice”. Go easy on yourself – re-writing sentences several times is a natural part of the process, as is re-organising paragraphs and even sections, but there are also “diminishing returns” to consider – there comes a point when you say “That’s it!”????

?Step 8: Submit the draft for feedback. Send the draft (or part of it if there’s a limit) to your Tutor, and also ask a friend or colleague to read it. Make sure you get detailed feedback on it. Don’t be content with any general “Well that look’s OK” stuff. Ask “How can I improve it?” and get the fullest feedback possible. Take detailed notes of ALL suggestions, and make sure you incorporate ALL of them in the final version.

?Step 9:? Write the final version of the paper. Carefully proofread it. Use a spell-checker. Check all the details of formatting, citations, Reference section, Appendices. Ask a friend or colleague to proofread it.?

?Step 10: Submit the paper!

If you want my help with some aspect of your own MA studies, I'm available for consultations. Just send me a message here on Linkedin.