MA Applied Linguistics (TEFL), 2015-2016

Current role

I am a Lecturer in the English Department of Yobe State University in Nigeria. I am also currently pursuing a PhD in Linguistics (Forensic Speech Science) at University of York, UK.

How my course benefited me

I benefited a lot from the language teaching skills and strategies learned at the University of Bedfordshire. The structure and organisation of the programme had equipped me with robust practical teaching skills, particularly in language classes.

Campus life

I had an interesting and unforgettable experience at the Luton campus. I learned the English language teaching techniques tremendously from my former lecturers such as Theo Maniski (the Head of the English department), Dr Claudia Saraceni (the programme coordinator) and Dr Andrew Davidson (my supervisor). Their expertise in phonetics/phonology, second language acquisition and language material development was of utmost significance in building my capacity as a qualified language teacher. This had helped me to improve my teaching methods. Having received the required training from the above faculty, I remain confident in discharging my duties as an applied linguist at the English department, Yobe State University, Damaturu. The university library facilities such as computers, uninterrupted internet supply and teaching practice classes had also provided me with tremendous support for accomplishing my mission. I benefited hugely from adequate literature comprising both hard copies and e-resources accessible in the recently constructed modern library.

What I most enjoyed about my degree and studying at the University of Bedfordshire

I most enjoyed the 24/7 365 operational system of the library; the library is open all the time. This had motivated me to progress as planned throughout the year.

A memorable moment/s

I will never forget my graduation day (16th of November 2016) when I received two certificates from the Vice-Chancellor, 1 for the degree of MA in Applied Linguistics (TEFL) and the other 1 for emerging the Best Student with highest dissertation mark.

My future aspirations

I am optimistic after completing my PhD in Linguistics (Forensic Speech Science), I shall be more confident in applying the linguistic expertise in different areas, particularly, the academics and forensic linguistics both locally and internationally.