Ph.D. in English Language Teaching

Overview

Language is always considered a systematic means of communication by the use of sounds and symbols. It's the code that all human beings use to express themselves and to communicate with others. Language is something specific to human beings as it's the basic capacity that distinguishes humans from other living beings. Therefore, language remains a communicative means to express ideas, concepts, thoughts, moods, feelings and attitudes. In fact, language is what makes us humans. It is true that people acquire one language by birth as it is vital for their survival; however, a second language has always brought benefits to its users, power and prestige, if it is learnt and used well. As People are living in multilingual communities, they have always sought to learn other languages for various purposes. During the 20^th and 21^st centuries English language has become the most widely spoken language in the world, and has more second-language speakers than any other language. It is considered as a universal language. Most of the universities worldwide include English as one of their major subjects. Hence, we are forced to meet global standards as we are living in the world of globalization. English is the first and foremost criteria when someone is applying for a job or he is seeking admission in a reputed college/university/institution. Companies welcome those candidates who are fluent in English and have the relevant qualification and skill set. However, candidates with the relevant qualification without having proper knowledge of English language are being rejected. As English increasingly becomes the 'international language of communication' between people who are more than likely to be non-native speakers, we should think about the best possible ways of teaching English language, how to produce a capable language teacher who can turn out students with good knowledge of English.

Continuing professional development is deemed to be the systematic maintenance, improvement, and broadening of knowledge and skill and the development of personal qualities necessary for the execution of professional and technical duties throughout the practitioner's working life.

In the case of the ESL/ EFL teacher, continuing professional development would aim at updating him or her with knowledge about the field as well as refining the teacher's skill in using procedures and exploiting material. In the process, the ESL/ EFL teacher should become more aware of his or her role as a teacher-facilitator; of the process of teaching and learning; of choice made in the domains of methodology, material, interaction, and so on, enabling self-propelled and self-monitored further development Marks (1990, p.8). For all this, a PhD program in English language teaching would help all people concerned to meet the increasing requirements in the fields mentioned.

Finally, this program will be the first program in Palestine to offer a PhD certificate in the field of English Language Teaching. It will provide graduates with excellent career opportunities for those who wish to become professionals in education and language teaching, working for educational establishments, public and private universities, researchers or administrators.

Goals

1. Improve English language teaching and learning based on evidence and research.
2. Prepare specialists, researchers, teacher educators and other related professionals who can respond to current educational issues and modern theories.
3. lead change and implement innovation to improve real practices in language teaching built on advanced knowledge in the different areas of the language.
4. Create better learning opportunities for students at different stages and ages mainly using technology in language teaching.
5. Build on content knowledge to lead educational organizations and drive innovation.
6. Provide students with experience, knowledge and skills required to pursue careers in academia or educational leadership.
7. Develop students’ research skills through conducting research and participating in college and collaborative research teams, seminars, workshops, expert panels, on-line discussion groups, and local, regional, and international conferences.