Certificate in (the Theory and Methodology of) TESOL
Finally, a Certificate level course from the well-established and highly acclaimed Eurolink Teacher Training programmes. Now available for the first time online.
This 250-hour modular online course leads to the award of the Certificate in (the Theory and Methodology of) Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages - Cert.(TM)TESOL.
Successful completion will almost certainly enable you to obtain teaching posts abroad but the programme does not include any teaching practice though TP is available, following course completion, through the Tlc Study/Vacation Programme. Part Teaching and part holiday. The best of both worlds - and the Teaching Practice is completely Free.
This online programme is a substantial one consisting of twenty-six modules comprising the following units: - The Practice of TESOL - Phonetics and Phonology - Language awareness - Lesson Planning and Preparation - Study Skills and General Linguistics Each unit consists of between two and six separate modules.
This affordable, in-depth, fully accredited professional distance-training programme uses home-study material, tried, tested and regularly updated over a twenty-five year period. The course adopts a systematic approach which is simple, yet thorough, easy to read, follow, and understand.
The all-inclusive fee includes course material, set books, audio cassettes/CDs, registration and certificates, return of all tutor-assessed worksheets with written comment.
This is an ACTDEC Level 3 programme and leads to Accredited Teacher status.
This TEFL qualification programme leads to a long-established and well recognised professional qualification in the field of TESOL - Cert.(TM)TESOL. As an ACTDEC Level 3 qualification it also leads to Accredited Teacher Status.
Course Objectives
The general objectives will require each student to be able to:
demonstrate a firm grasp of the basic phonological, lexical, and syntactical features of modern communicative English.
identify the needs of ESOL students at various levels, and to modify and update such a needs analysis in the light of observation and testing of the learners.
write instructional objectives and prepare effective lesson plans.
handle a repertoire of lesson forms.
Course Content and Approach
This online course is designed to provide a systematic approach which is simple yet thorough, easy to read and understand. Each module follows a series of simple steps with plenty of examples and guidance leading to practical self-assessment exercises followed by tutor-assessed activities. Facilities for guided self-revision are built in.
The opportunity to work with others following the course is provided, as are opportunities to contact your unit tutors regularly. Through these arrangements one need never feel isolated or alone during the programme.
Requirements
The Examination for the Certificate in the Theory and Methodology in TESOL consists of four parts.
Part 1. Distance Training Programme Assessment.
Candidates are required to successfully complete all the assignments contained in the units and modules of the distance-training programme. (See syllabus content.)
Part 2. Post Mid-Course Essay.
Candidates are required to submit a post-mid-course essay of about 1,500 words. A choice of topics is offered.
Part 3. Practical Teaching Project.
Candidates are required to submit a practical teaching project during the final phase of the course. A choice of assignments is offered.
Part 4. Final Assessment Paper.
At the close of the distance programme the candidate is required to complete at home, within a given period of time, a 'take-away' proficiency assessment paper.
The following is a select list of units and topics normally covered during the Certificate distance-training programme.
Study Skills:
planning and organising study time; short-term and long-term memory; various learning techniques; note-taking and filing; task-work and essay writing; distance-learning methodology and procedures.
The Study of Language:
the nature and scope of general and applied linguistics, psycholinguistics, and sociolinguistics; the structures and functions of language, context of situation and use.
The Study of English:
use and usage; syntax and meaning; word classes and word formation; noun, preposition, adjective, and verb phrases; forms and functions of the tenses; cohesion; aspects of lexis; phonetics and phonology, including the articulation of vowel and consonant sounds; linkage and assimilation; stress and intonation, the International Phonetic Association symbols, problems of transcription, etc.; 'standards' and international intelligibility.
The Teaching and Learning of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL):
sources and problems of motivation at different age-levels; subject-matter and procedures; teaching-learning approaches, with particular emphasis on humanistic aspects and task-based communicative activities; receptive and productive skills, reading and listening materials; speaking and writing; integration of skills; discovery techniques; language games; oral and written forms of practice and interaction; problem-solving activities; simulation and role-play; pair-work and group-work; audiovisual aids.
Lesson-planning:
instructional objectives; writing lesson-plans; teacher and learner activities; classroom management and organisation.
Testing and assessment:
scales of attainment; the role of errors; policies of remediation; effects on motivation.
Length of course
The ACTDEC Level 3 Cert.(TM)TESOL course takes a total of 250 hours to complete. Since no two people work at the same pace, or have identical commitments and study time, a Certificate programme may take from fourteen to twenty-four weeks to complete.
Methodology This courses is avaliable in the following formats: Distance - the course is conducted entirely as a distance programme,Blended - part distance and part onsite (study at the centre) including the assessed teaching practice and observation elements of a normal intensive course.
Duration
No two people work at the same pace, have similar commitments or study time available. We try therefore, to be as helpfully flexible as we can. As a rough guide it is possible to complete the online Certificate course within fourteen to sixteen weeks though many people tend to take a little longer. The Certificate takes an average of 250 hours to complete. Some people can devote only 6 - 10 hours a week to the course whilst others, on a full-time basis, can find 20 - 25 hours weekly.
Remember though, finding time to absorb the material and reflect on the content is important. On a purely part-time basis trainees need to find some 10 - 14 hours of study time each week. (These estimates of study hours are approximate since no two individuals work at the same pace.)
Assessment
Examination is by means of continuous assessment.
A continuous assessment mark for the distance-training tutor-assessed worksheets (26 in total).
An assessment mark for a post mid-course essay of 1,500 words approximately. (A choice of assignments and titles is given - see course handbook)
An assessment mark for a practical project submitted during the final phase of the course. (A choice of assignments is given - see course handbook)
An end of course (take-away) assessment paper (completed at home within a strictly specified time limit). Award of the Cert.(TM)TESOL
Award of the certificate is restricted to those who successfully complete the distance course and all assessment assignments. Certificates, sent approximately three weeks following course completion, will be graded in the following manner:
Distinction Excellent Very Good Good Pass
A formal description of the course as well as detailed assessment procedures, is printed on the reverse of the certificate.
Certificate holders are entitled to use the postnominal designation Cert.(TM)TESOL. They may also use the ACTDEC level 3 Accredited Teacher qualification status title. This can be particularly useful when applying for teaching posts.
New Entrants to the Profession and Teaching Practice
For those without teaching experience finding employment, albeit abroad, is very easy when armed with the internationally recognised Cert.(TM)TESOL.
For anyone without teaching experience it's now possible to undertake a two month teaching development practicum.
