What features should a valid
training course in TESOL
possess?
Traditionally, teacher
training in any subject
involves acquiring adequate
knowledge of the subject to
be taught, sufficient
background in the theory and
practice of learning and
teaching the subject, and
practice teaching which is
observed. Your course should
therefore exhibit the
following features:
Content:
Tuition in the Grammar and
Phonology of English
Tuition in the approaches to
language learning, the
techniques of language
teaching and classroom
management
Practical work in the
preparation and adaptation
of classroom materials
Lesson planning and
preparation under
supervision
Observation of experienced
teachers and peers
Completion of practical
assignments
Observed teaching practice
with tutor feedback.
Assessment
of trainee work in the above
areas.
External
Scrutiny
by IATQuO, or other
specialised body.
What standards should a
valid training course in
TESOL attain?
Content:
Tuition in the Grammar and
Phonology of English should
account for up to 30% (or 30
hours) of the course input.
Tuition in the approaches to
language learning, language
teaching techniques and
classroom management should
account for up to another
30% (or 30 hours).
The coverage of the above
components should be as
comprehensive and relevant
to the classroom as time
allows.
The remaining components
will account for from 40 to
60 hours.
Practical assignments should
include a Foreign Language
Experience Journal, a
Profile of an individual
Student learning English and
a Materials Preparation
Project, and should be
assessed.
Length:
Minimum of 100 contact hours
with tutors. Minimum of 4
intensive weeks.
Observed Practice Teaching:
Minimum of six hours per
trainee, teaching classes
from 1 to 20 learners, at
two or more levels.
Tutorial Staff:
Lead tutors should possess a
post-Certificate
qualification, several years
of experience teaching
English, and experience of
teacher training.
Premises and resources:
Premises should be able to
accommodate:
up to 16 trainees (or agreed
maximum number) per group
for input sessions,
up to 16 trainees (or agreed
maximum number) per group
for lesson and materials
preparation,
sufficient learners and
classroom space for trainees
to do their practice
teaching.
Resources should include:
adequate photocopying
facilities for course and
teaching materials,
sufficient word processing
and printing facilities for
course materials production,
internet access,
video and sound cassette
playing facilities,
one or more camcorders (for
filming lessons if
necessary),
Assistance with finding
lodging for those trainees
not living locally.
Tuition in the Grammar and
Phonology of English should
account for up to 50% (or 30
hours equivalent) of the
course input.
Tuition in the approaches to
language learning, language
teaching techniques and
classroom management should
account for up to another
50% (or 30 hours
equivalent).
The coverage of the above
components should be as
comprehensive and relevant
to the classroom as
possible.
Worksheets should be
provided for each of the
major topics covered in the
online material and should
be submitted to the course
provider’s tutors for
assessment and feedback.
Open book tests may also be
set.
It should be noted that an
exclusively online course
cannot normally contain
practical components. Or at
the most it could contain
observation of class
teaching on video, and could
require a trainee to write
reports of live lessons they
may be able to observe and
evaluations of class
textbooks or other
materials.
©
2006