Fieldwork

Whether you are an aspiring or experienced teacher, the MAT–TESOL online fieldwork is structured to support your professional development through live observations, small-group assignments and real-world teaching both virtually and in a classroom with English language learners around the world. Beginning in the first term, students will practice applying theories and instructional methods in fieldwork assignments. Throughout the program, students will film many of their fieldwork experiences for evaluation and discussion with USC Rossier faculty and peers in the program. Throughout this collaborative process, students will gain supportive feedback on their practice as well as insights from their peers and instructors.

Please note that credential-seeking students will be required to complete additional fieldwork in Term 2 and Term 3 as part of the ELD Credential track curriculum.

In term one, students will be responsible for:

  • Tutoring a language learner for one hour per week
  • Conducting video-based observations and analysis of selected classrooms for discussion and reflection
  • Designing a classroom-based assessment, administering it in class, grading students' assessments and reflecting on the results.

In term two, students will be responsible for:

  • Conducting a mini-ethnographic case study of a K–12 or adult student who is an English language learner (ELL). The case study is organized around a theoretical focus with three sub-themes of analysis that examine the ELL's social and academic experience as well as their linguistic development.
  • Carrying out guided observations at their fieldwork site or another ESL/EFL setting each week.

In term two, credential-seeking students will also be responsible for:

  • Activities including observations, group work, co-teaching and student teaching.
  • Working with ELD credentialed teachers at their placement sites for four full days – from 30 minutes before bell to 30 minutes after bell – weekly from Monday through Thursday.
  • Carrying out required fieldwork in other courses when concurrently enrolled.

In term three, students will be responsible for:

  • In groups, designing and co-leading a series of online learning experiences with partner classroom sites
  • Carrying out micro-teaching activities
  • Conducting expert interviews by consulting with a more experienced peer, a guiding teacher at their fieldwork site or another master teacher on selected issues
  • Completing a summative assessment.

In term three, credential-seeking students will also be responsible for:

  • Activities including observations, group work, co-teaching and student teaching.
  • Working with ELD credentialed teachers at their placement sites for four full days – from 30 minutes before bell to 30 minutes after bell – weekly from Monday through Thursday.
  • Carrying out required fieldwork in other courses when concurrently enrolled.

Supporting Your Fieldwork

Our Placement Specialist helps beginning teacher students find a field placement in or near their local community and ensures that the chosen school and district meet the program requirements. 

For current teachers, the Placement Specialist will confirm whether their school will allow them to fulfill their fieldwork requirements as part of their program of study.

Whether students are aspiring or experienced teacher, they will receive continuous feedback from USC faculty, host teachers and classmates as they hone their TESOL instructional skills in real-world classroom settings.

For questions about the MAT–TESOL online fieldwork or the role of the Placement Coordinator, please contact an Admissions Counselor at Phone Number: 1-888-628-1872.