On-line TEFL Starter Course

Who is the course for?

The on-line TEFL starter course is an introduction to TEFL. It is aimed at people who would like an effective and flexible low-cost introduction to TEFL, in some cases before going on to take a full face-to-face qualification, such as an intensive 4-week Trinity Cert TESOL.

It caters for:

people who are already teaching or about to teach but do not have time, money or opportunity to do a full four-week Cert TESOL course. They would like, however, at least a quick guide to the basics of teaching English and a TEFL certificate to show for it.
People who do not live near a centre where the course is run and need a distance/on-line course in TEFL.
People who are considering a four-week intensive Cert. TESOL course, but would like a taster course in teaching English to see if teaching would suit them and if they can meet the demands.

What are the criteria for acceptance? The course is open to native and non-native speakers. Non natives need to demonstrate an intermediate level of English (Level B1, Common European Framework, Cambridge ESOL PET, Trinity Grade 6).

What areas does it include?
8 modules of approximately 5 hours each, covering an introduction to basic TEFL skills and knowledge:

Good teachers and learners.
Language Awareness.
Approaches and methods in ELT.
Phonology.
Using Coursebooks and materials.
Observing and evaluating teaching on DVD.
Teaching English around the world.

How is it taught?
One to one tuition via e-mail with a tutor, who will set you reading, research and reflection tasks as well as exercises on language and give you feedback on your work. You will receive a DVD sample EFL lesson for you to observe and discuss with your tutor. Our approach is based around three key features, which ensure on-line learning is effective as possible:

Challenging, practical tasks
Prompt and helpful feedback from your tutor
Support and encouragement throughout
You will need regular access to e-mail and Internet and a DVD player.

How long is the course? 40 hours. Each module includes 5 hours work. There is some flexibility with regard to pace, with a recommended maximum of 2 months. Participants can opt to do 5 hours a week for 8 weeks or 10 hours a week for 4 weeks depending on the time they have available. This can be discussed with your tutor.