Courses
The next intake is for Fall 2025. The program will run from Fall 2025 to Winter 2027. Courses have both synchronous and asynchronous components, including online (Zoom) class sessions. Any synchronous sessions are in Mountain Time (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada). Dates and times are determined by the course instructor.
These are graduate-level, credit courses, requiring between five and ten hours of coursework per week in the fall and winter terms (13 weeks). This includes time spent on readings, assignments, presentations (group and individual), and writing papers.
Note: you must take a course in the term for which you apply. Course offerings are dependent upon sufficient enrollment.
Fall Term I
EDU 595 English Language Learners in K-12 Classrooms ★3
This course provides educators with specialized foundational knowledge on second/additional language learning and teaching. Participants will examine the influence of different variables (e.g., classroom context; learner characteristics) on learning English as an additional learning in K-12 classrooms. The course will support educators in making connections between theory and practice to enhance their abilities to develop research-informed practices and respond to dynamic classroom environments with diverse ELLs.
Winter Term I
EDU 595 Academic Language and the Alberta K-12 English as an Additional Language Proficiency Benchmarks ★3
This course explores the foundational principles of academic language development and its critical role in supporting English language learners (ELLs) in Alberta’s K-12 education system. Participants will examine Alberta’s K-12 EAL Proficiency Benchmarks, learning how to identify various linguistic learning targets embedded in content-based material. Educators will gain theoretical knowledge and practical skills to scaffold learning and adapt instruction to meet the diverse needs of ELLs, ensuring equitable access to curriculum and academic success.
Fall Term II
EDU 595 Content-Based Instruction: Listening and Speaking ★3
This course focuses on developing English language learners’ listening and speaking proficiency in English to support their academic learning in Alberta’s K-12 classrooms. Educators will explore models of listening and speaking development and evidence-informed methodologies for improving listening comprehension and speaking proficiency.
Winter Term II
EDU 595 Reading and Writing in Content-Based Classes ★3
This course focuses on the role of reading comprehension and writing skills in content-based classrooms. Topics include the role of first language reading skills, foundational reading skills, background knowledge, vocabulary, and oral language in English literacy development. Educators will explore evidence-informed and culturally/linguistically responsive strategies for integrating English oral language, reading, writing, and content knowledge instruction for English language learners.