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Alan Seaman
TESOL Coordinator
Associate Professor
On faculty since 1993

Campus Phone: (630) 752-7044
E-Mail: Alan.Seaman@wheaton.edu
Education

Ph.D. English Education/TESOL, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA.

M.A. English, M.Ed. English Education, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA.

B.A. English, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA.
 
Professional and Personal Interests
Professional interests include research into language assessment, second language literacy, ESL/EFL program models, English language instruction in China, and the role of English in globalization. I am interested in applied research that helps agencies and teachers make well-informed decisions about English language teaching.

Personal interests include reading, creative writing, calligraphy and classical music

Courses Taught

Membership in Professional Societies
  • Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages, Inc. (TESOL)
  • American Association for Applied Linguistics (AAAL)
  • American Educational Research Association (AERA)
  • Illinois TESOL-BE (2nd Vice President, Chair of 2004 state convention)
  • Phi Beta Kappa

Research
My individual research interests include second language writing processes (my dissertation focus), the history of English language teaching in Africa and Asia, and best practices for teaching English speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

I have worked on a number of collaborative research projects in the areas of second language assessment, program models for elementary and secondary ESL, materials development for adult ESL, and ESL issues in international schools.

Papers Published and/or Presented

  • I have presented or co-presented over 15 papers at International TESOL Conventions, and have presented workshops for teachers in a number of countries, including China, South Korea, the Philippines, Thailand, Hungary, Austria, Germany, Ecuador, Kenya, Colombia, Mexico, Morocco, Egypt, and Kenya.

    Recent publications include the following:

  • Seaman, Alan. (2005). "Six Principles for Teaching Large Multilevel Classes." Teacher's Edition. Vol. 17:10-12, March 2005.
  • Seaman, Alan. (2004). "Current Approaches to Assessment and English -- No Problem." Hot Topics in ESL Website. www.enp.newreaderspress.com/ENP_hottopics.asp
  • English - No Problem! A Five-Level Adult ESL Textbook Series, (2004). Alan Seaman,
    et al, National Editorial Council, Syracuse, NY: New Readers Press.
  • Seaman, Alan. (2002). Methods and Materials for Teaching English as a Second
    Language    . Chicago, IL: Chicago Public Schools, Office of Language and Cultural Education.
  • Seaman, Alan. (2000). Evaluating an Innovative Elementary ESL Program. U.S.
    Department of Education    : ERIC (Educational Resources Information Center) ED444386.
  • Seaman, Alan. (2000). "Evaluating an Innovative Elementary ESL Program," American
    Language Review    . Sept./Oct. 2000.
  • Seaman, Alan. (2000). "Program Evaluation as a Critical Context for Teacher
    Education." TEIS Newsletter, TESOL, Inc., 15:4. Fall 2000.
  • Seaman, Alan. (2000). "Developing Effective ESL Programs in International Schools."
    ACSI World Report. Summer 2000.
  • Seaman, Alan, and Linda Hayward. (2000). Standardized ESL Test Equating Study:
    Equating the CELSA and the NYSPT with the MELT SPLs.     U.S. Department of Education: ERIC (Educational Resources Information Center) ED 445084.
  • Seaman, Alan. and Barry Sweeny, et al. (1997). "Collaboration, Reflection, and
    Professional Growth: A Mentoring Program for Adult ESL Teachers." TESOL Journal 7: 1. Autumn 1997.
  • Seaman, Alan. (1997, 1996). Effective Practices in Teaching English as a Second
    Language: A Guidebook for Mentoring in Adult ESL Programs    . Springfield, IL: Illinois State Board of Education.

Faculty continued: Dr.Robert Gallagher