Completing Assignments in TESOL and Applied Linguistics A Practical Guide

List of contributors

Acknowledgements

Introduction
Nicholas Bremner and Sedigh Mohammadi

PART A   General principles

1 Strategies for success in TESOL and applied linguistics: A student perspective
Sedigh Mohammadi

2 Critical thinking for TESOL and applied linguistics
Alex Baratta

3 Critical reading for TESOL and applied linguistics
Sedigh Mohammadi

4 Academic writing for TESOL and applied linguistics
Dave Rush

5 The assignment process: Planning assignments in TESOL and applied linguistics
Nicholas Bremner

6 The assignment process: Writing assignments in TESOL and applied linguistics
Nicholas Bremner

7 Making the most of assignment feedback in TESOL and applied linguistics
Simon Green

PART B   Specific assignments

8 Critical discussion of an issue in TESOL and applied linguistics
Nicholas Bremner

9 Critiquing a journal article in TESOL and applied linguistics
Jim McKinley, Dina Mehmedbegovic-Smith, Jonathan Stoddart and Nicholas Bremner

10 Critiquing a course, test or digital application in TESOL and applied linguistics
William S. Pearson

11 Language analysis assignments in TESOL and applied linguistics
Sunny K. Park-Johnson and Sarah J. Shin

12 Designing and justifying a lesson plan in TESOL and applied linguistics
Marnie Reed and Christina Michaud

13 Reflective assignments in TESOL and applied linguistics
Fiona Farr and Angela Farrell

14 Academic presentations in TESOL and applied linguistics
Douglas Bell

15 Research proposals in TESOL and applied linguistics
A. Mehdi Riazi

Concluding remarks: Beyond the dissertation
Sedigh Mohammadi and Nicholas Bremner

Index

Biography

Nicholas Bremner is Programme Director of the MEd TESOL at the University of Exeter. Before joining Exeter, he worked as an academic, English teacher and teacher trainer in the UK, Mexico and Colombia. His main research interest is in the implementation of learner-centred education, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

Sedigh Mohammadi is a PhD candidate in Applied Linguistics at University College London. He previously completed an MA in English Language Teaching at the University of Southampton. He has taught at universities in the UK, Turkey, Iran and Qatar. His main research interests are teacher education and programme evaluation.

"This useful and timely book will be welcomed by the many students completing courses in TESOL and applied linguistics worldwide. Supported by case studies and real examples, the book provides students with the support and guidance needed to succeed in their studies."

Professor Jack C. Richards, University of Sydney, Australia

"This is a must-read, transformative book for students pursuing TESOL/applied linguistics degrees. It helps them adjust to new academic contexts more quickly and prevents getting lost or overwhelmed. It provides a clear and practical roadmap and addresses the unique challenges faced by students, offering realistic and genuine strategies."

Paniz Esmaillou, MEd TESOL graduate, University of Exeter, UK

"This clear and useful book will be of interest to all students undertaking studies in TESOL and applied linguistics. The advice it provides will be especially valuable for students doing this kind of work for the first time. I highly recommend it."

Professor Brian Paltridge, University of Sydney, Australia

"I really wish I had this book during my program. You have saved the lives of thousands of students with this book."

Yiviri Rasifatu Tombir, MEd TESOL graduate, University of Exeter, UK

"Educators are quick to give assignments and assume students will complete them successfully. However, successful completion is not guaranteed. This collection of excellent papers provides a range of specific tools and strategies to help students foster a successful completion of their assignments in TESOL and applied linguistics."

Professor Thomas S.C. Farrell, Brock University, Canada

"Completing Assignments in TESOL and Applied Linguistics is a truly practical companion for students navigating the challenges of academic writing, regardless of the level of study. The guidance and examples offered throughout the book are helpful in developing critical thinking and approaching assignments with more confidence. It’s a resource I wish I had from day one of my studies."

Leonardo Marinho Dias Lima, MEd TESOL graduate, University of Exeter, UK

"This comprehensive guide demystifies the assignment process, offering practical strategies that help TESOL and applied linguistics students excel in their academic journey."

Professor Heekyeong Lee, Middlebury Institute of International Studies, USA