One-Year Foundation Program in TESOL
Lexicon Institute of Technology – Kandy-Kurunegala, Sri Lanka
1. Introduction
The Foundation Program in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) is a one-year preparatory program designed for students who aspire to pursue the Bachelor of Arts in TESOL at the Lexicon Institute of Technology. This program provides students with the essential academic, linguistic, and study skills required to succeed at the undergraduate level. It bridges the gap between secondary education and higher education by equipping students with a solid foundation in English language proficiency, critical thinking, and academic literacy.
2. Rationale
Sri Lanka’s increasing demand for qualified English teachers emphasizes the need for a clear pathway into TESOL degrees. Many students finishing secondary school struggle to meet the direct entry requirements for a BA TESOL because of gaps in academic English, communication skills, and independent learning strategies.
- Achieve the necessary English proficiency level for undergraduate study.
- Acquire a grounding in linguistics, language awareness, and teaching basics.
- Develop critical academic skills such as essay writing, research literacy, and presentation skills.
- Build confidence in adapting to higher education learning environments.
3. Program Objectives
The Foundation Program aims to:
- Develop students’ English proficiency to at least B2 (CEFR) level
- Introduce students to fundamental concepts in linguistics and TESOL.
- Equip students with academic reading, writing, and research skills.
- Enhance oral communication and presentation skills.
- Foster independent and collaborative learning abilities.
- Prepare students for smooth progression into the BA TESOL program.
4. Program Structure
- Duration: 1 Academic Year (2 Semesters)
- Mode of Study: Full-time
- Medium of Instruction: English
- Progression: Successful completion leads to direct entry into Year 1 of the BA TESOL at Lexicon Institute of Technology.
5. Curriculum Overview
Semester 1
- English Proficiency Development I (Grammar, Vocabulary, Reading, Listening)
- Academic Skills I (Note-taking, Referencing, Essay Writing)
- Introduction to TESOL & Language Learning
- Communication Skills in English I (Speaking & Pronunciation)
- ICT for Academic Purposes
Semester 2
- English Proficiency Development II (Advanced Reading & Writing)
- Academic Skills II (Research Literacy & Critical Thinking)
- Foundations of Linguistics (Phonetics, Morphology, Syntax – simplified)
- Communication Skills in English II (Presentation & Group Discussion)
- Study Skills & Personal Development
6. Duration
- Total Length: 1 year (2 semesters of 16 weeks each)
- Total Hours: Approx. 600–700 guided learning hours
- Independent Study: 200+ hours
7. Assessment Methods
The program adopts continuous assessment and final evaluations, including:
- Written examinations
- Coursework essays and assignments
- Oral presentations and group projects
- Listening and speaking assessments
- ICT-based projects
- Portfolio of academic work
Students must achieve a minimum GPA/percentage (to be defined by the institute policy) to progress to the BA TESOL.
8. Admission Requirements
- Successful completion of GCE O/L or equivalent qualification.
- Basic competence in English (placement test and/or interview may be required).
- Applicants with GCE A/L but insufficient English proficiency may also be admitted.
9. Teaching and Learning Approaches
- Interactive lectures and tutorials
- Task-based learning and project work
- Language labs for listening and speaking practice
- ICT-integrated learning (online research, presentations, multimedia)
- Peer learning and collaborative activities
10. Graduate Attributes (at Foundation Completion)
Upon successful completion, students will:
- Demonstrate intermediate-to-advanced English proficiency.
- Apply basic linguistic and TESOL concepts in academic discussion.
- Produce structured essays, reports, and presentations.
- Use ICT tools effectively for academic tasks.
- Be ready for the academic rigors of a BA TESOL program.
11. Credit Structure
- Total Credits: 60 (30 per semester)
- Credit Definition: 1 credit = 10 notional hours
- Total Study Load: 600 notional hours (approx. 16–20 hours per week)
Semester 1 (30 Credits)
| Module | Description | Credits | Notional Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Proficiency Development I | Core English skills (grammar, vocabulary, reading, listening). | 8 | 80 |
| Academic Skills I | Note-taking, referencing, paragraph & essay writing. | 6 | 60 |
| Introduction to TESOL & Language Learning | Basic principles of language learning and teaching. | 6 | 60 |
| Communication Skills in English I | Speaking, pronunciation, role-plays, and dialogues. | 6 | 60 |
| ICT for Academic Purposes | Digital literacy, MS Office, and research databases. | 4 | 40 |
Semester Total: 30 Credits (300 hours)
Semester 2 (30 Credits)
| Module | Description | Credits | Notional Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Proficiency Development II | Advanced reading, writing, and listening. | 8 | 80 |
| Academic Skills II | Research literacy, critical thinking, and report writing. | 6 | 60 |
| Foundations of Linguistics | Phonetics, morphology, syntax (introductory). | 6 | 60 |
| Communication Skills in English II | Public speaking, group discussions, and debates. | 6 | 60 |
| Study Skills & Personal Development | Time management, goal setting, and reflective practice. | 4 | 40 |
Semester Total: 30 Credits (300 hours)
12. Program Summary
- Total Credits: 60
- Total Guided Learning Hours: 400
- Independent Study & Assessment: 200
- Total Notional Hours: 600
13. Progression Requirement
- Students must achieve a minimum GPA of 2.0 / 50% overall with no failed core module to progress to Year 1 of the BA TESOL.
- Exit award: Certificate of Foundation Studies in TESOL (for those who complete but do not continue).
14. Weekly Timetable – Foundation Program in TESOL
Lexicon Institute of Technology – Kandy-Kurunegala, Sri Lanka
Semester 1 (16 Weeks, 30 Credits)
| Module | Weekly Contact Hours | Mode of Delivery |
|---|---|---|
| English Proficiency Development I | 6 hrs. | Lectures, tutorials, and language lab |
| Academic Skills I | 4 hrs. | Workshops, writing practice |
| Introduction to TESOL & Language Learning | 3 hrs. | Interactive lectures + tutorials |
| Communication Skills in English I | 4 hrs. | Speaking workshops, role-plays, and lab practice |
| ICT for Academic Purposes | 3 hrs. | Computer lab sessions |
| Total | 20 hrs/week |
Semester 2 (16 Weeks, 30 Credits)
| Module | Weekly Contact Hours | Mode of Delivery |
|---|---|---|
| English Proficiency Development II | 6 hrs. | Lectures, tutorials, and lab |
| Academic Skills II | 4 hrs. | Seminars, workshops |
| Foundations of Linguistics | 3 hrs. | Lectures + exercises |
| Communication Skills in English II | 4 hrs. | Presentations, group discussions, debates |
| Study Skills & Personal Development | 3 hrs. | Seminars, reflective learning workshops |
| Total | 20 hrs/week |
15. Program Workload Summary
- Contact Hours: 20 hrs/week (guided learning)
- Independent Study: 10 hrs/week (reading, assignments, projects)
- Total Student Workload: 30 hrs/week (aligned with international norms for full-time study)
16. Additional Notes
- Each semester includes formative assessments (class tests, assignments) and summative assessments (final exams, presentations).
- A mid-semester progress review will help identify students needing extra English support.
- Language labs and ICT labs will be timetabled flexibly to ensure practice opportunities.
This program includes:
- Credit framework (60 credits, 600 notional hours).
- Curriculum map (alignment to program objectives).
- Operational timetable (20 guided hrs/week + independent study).
17. A visual diagram of program progression
(Foundation → BA TESOL Year 1 → Year 2 → Year 3).
TESOL Pathway at Lexicon Institute of Technology
18. Conclusion
The Foundation Program in TESOL at Lexicon Institute of Technology offers a structured, supportive, and comprehensive transition into undergraduate studies. In addition to developing essential English proficiency and academic skills, the program fosters confidence, critical thinking, and independent learning. Graduates will be thoroughly equipped to pursue the BA TESOL and make meaningful contributions to the field of English language education in Sri Lanka and internationally.