Answer to Three Questions - Evaluate My University Application - Personal Statement Example

Answer to Question I wish to read for Oxford’s MSc in Applied Linguistics as the programme will allow me to realise my long-term desire to effectively practice language teaching. I would like to be able to contribute positively to the educational system by teaching languages. I currently hold a BA (Hons) in Educational Studies and have been teaching language voluntarily for a few years. However, I feel my qualifications are not sufficient to enable me to concentrate deeply in the area of linguistics. I have applied and have been accepted unconditionally to read for Bristol’s and Durham’s MSc and MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Language (TESOL) respectively, and Warwick’s MA in English Language Teaching. However, the area of my desired concentration, which is language learning, does not fit the courses offered as it mainly focus on language teaching of English, while touching on modules in Applied Linguistics for TESOL. On the contrary, Oxford’s MSc in Applied Linguistics offers students the methods and practices in teaching, including its theoretical and practical aspects. The course is designed to include an additional optional module in English Language Teaching, which has been my initial intention of pursuing. The course also provides students with problem solving and research skills, as well as develops critical analysis. Also, the course widens students’ knowledge of language learning as it is integrates different disciplines in the area. What attracts me most to Oxford learning is the fact that the course offered allows students to display their intellect and creativity through extensive research on current issues and discussions. The environment it has created makes for a very conducive place to study, perform research or to merely catch up on leisure reading. The school has a large resource base of libraries to equip students with millions of materials in various formats and numerous reading rooms for students. Moreover, there are available research seminars for students to attend and this can assist students in the normal course of work, and plenty of opportunities for contact with academic staff and graduate students. This support system is very favourable and an attractive point to students. Not only is Oxford’s course relevant to my future endeavour, Oxford is a renowned and recognised institution that has produced promising graduates for many decades. In view of the above, I believe that my time at Oxford would indeed be an unforgettable experience, filled with continuous learning and opportunities. I believe Oxford would be able to provide me with the necessary knowledge and skills that would prepare me to face the real world and eventually realise my passion for teaching languages effectively. Therefore, I am hopeful that I would be given this opportunity to be a part of Oxford family. Answer to Question 2 One major issue in the study of Applied Linguistics is the constant enhancement of methods in language learning. The methods used must ensure that communication is improved through continuous identification of problems in languages and cultures. As the countries become more exposed to people of different background, nationalities and cultures and increasing effect of globalisation, the approach to language learning is changing. Although, in the beginning, Applied Linguistics was associated mainly with first, second and foreign language teaching, it is now considered as an interdisciplinary branch of science. As such, the study of Applied Linguistics must incorporate the workings of human language, including phonics, the psychological aspects of language, the written language, difference in language use, and inter-cultural communication. The study should not be limited to language learning, but must consider issues in speech pathologies and different levels of literacy of societies. In addition, the study must consider the influence of local language policy and the use of language in institutions and even the business world, as well as by children and adults. There is also an increasing need for a wider communication due to globalisation, increased travelling and international dealings. Other areas include new technologies, the growth of English, language in education, and foreign language teaching and learning. All these factors must be considered in the study of Applied Linguistics because it affects the way different people learn a language. The study of Applied Linguistics is problem-driven and in addition to applying the theories of linguistics, it must be able to challenge them and create relevant models of language descriptions. Applied Linguistics looks into real-world problems involving language and it can be difficult to reconcile between the academic skills and real experiences due to the differences in interests and perspectives. Having said that, the study of Applied Linguistics does not necessarily consider the practical needs of teachers. It addresses issues and problems with languages and cultures but the application to real-life events is not easy. Thus, the study should be able to merge the theories and the practical aspects of language learning in order to successfully implement the objectives of Applied Linguistics. Otherwise, conflicts between the two will never be resolved. Therefore, although many researches are done, they are not always applied successfully in reality. Although research on current issues involving language and cultures are regularly performed to better understand the issues underlying the problems, practical solutions must be implemented to rectify the problem areas. The solutions made from such research should be applied in practical situations so that improvements can be made. It is important to monitor and provide feedback about the progress of the outcome to ensure that the problems are being resolved successfully. Answer to Question 3 As part of the dissertation assessment, I would like to investigate the linkage between the role of applied linguists and academic teachers in respect of language teaching. As we all know, language education has increasingly become important in people’s lives, especially the English Language as it is regarded as the world’s common language. Therefore, many institutions, both public and private have introduced numerous language courses, addressing different levels of needs, as part of their curriculum. Prospective students who sign up for such courses wish for improvement in their current proficiency in a language or looking to learn a new language. In Japan, the importance of the English Language is apparent in the way parents are sending their children for private learning, regardless of the costs. This is because many doubt the quality of public education on languages, as most of the teachers do not possess or display relevant qualification of teaching the area effectively. The importance of language learning is increasing due to the positive benefits that it brings; these include effective communication, international trading and wider interaction. However, learning is also dependant on the methods and techniques of teachings used. Indeed, poor quality of teachings will not result in favourable learning outcomes. Therefore, there is a need to revamp the systems adopted by many institutions that provide language teachings, especially when it come to the hiring of qualified and highly trained language educators. The impact of providing low quality education to the country’s economy is greater than investing on a proper system from the outset. As such, there is a need to find out the extent to which the studies of applied linguistics can favourably be applied to the teaching methods and techniques that are practiced in reality. Many language teachers have background knowledge of applied linguistics but its practical application remains in question by many researchers. This is because the study of applied linguistics include the production of new methods and techniques based on researches done and more often than not, these methods and techniques are difficult to apply in real-life scenarios because of the interests and perspectives of both applied linguists and academic teachers are very different. The methods and techniques used must be able to adapt to the ever-changing needs of the global environment. Having said that, both the applied linguists and academic teachers must be aware of the current pressing issues surrounding language learning. Otherwise, the efforts of the study of applied linguistics would be in vain if it is found not to have any direct connection to the way academic teachers carry out their duties in educating. On a positive note, it is never too late to address this deficiency. It would be interesting to draw up methods and techniques that could positively link both the applied linguists’ and academic teachers’ interests and approaches to learning and educating. Most importantly, both roles must be able to impact language users effectively. Moreover, it is important that academic teachers understand the science of language learning in order to effectively deliver and practice realistically. *** End *** Read More