How do I choose a TESOL course?
Selecting the right TESOL certification course requires careful consideration due to the lack of standardized guidelines across providers. To make an informed choice, consider these key factors:
- Accreditation and Recognition: Look for courses offered by well-established providers that are accredited or recognized by reputable educational bodies. This ensures the course meets certain quality standards.
- Course Content and Curriculum: Examine the course curriculum to ensure it covers essential areas such as language theory, teaching methodologies, classroom management, and practical teaching experience.
- Mode of Delivery: Consider whether you prefer an online or in-person course. Online courses offer flexibility, while in-person courses provide hands-on teaching practice.
- Duration and Intensity: Check the course duration and intensity to see if it fits your schedule and learning style. Intensive courses might be shorter but require a significant time commitment.
- Feedback and Support: Look for courses that offer comprehensive support and feedback from experienced instructors, which is crucial for your professional development.
- Career Services and Job Placement Assistance: Some courses offer job placement assistance and career services, which can be a valuable resource for starting your teaching career.
- Reviews and Testimonials: Research reviews and testimonials from past students to gauge the effectiveness and reputation of the course.
By considering these factors, you can choose a TESOL course that aligns with your educational needs, career goals, and learning preferences, ensuring you acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to start your teaching career.
Table of Contents
What should I look for when choosing a TESOL course?
How long should an online TESOL course be?
What are the benefits of an in-class TESOL course?
What are the key points to consider when choosing a TESOL course?
What should I look for when choosing a TESOL course?
When choosing a TESOL course the best place to start is by looking at the length of the course. If you go online you can find courses of 40 hours or less and some in-class options that only take a weekend to complete. These courses will provide a decent introduction to ESL teaching, but they are unlikely to be sufficient for the majority of employers worldwide. The generally accepted standard for international teaching jobs is a course of at least 120 hours. Unless you are considering working in a voluntary position, short format courses are probably best avoided.
How long should an online TESOL course be?
The ideal duration for an online TESOL course is typically around 120 hours. A 120-hour course usually encompasses crucial areas of ESL teaching, such as teaching methodologies, classroom management, and grammar structures, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience. Additionally, such courses are designed to be affordable and accessible, catering to a wide range of aspiring teachers. Moreover, a course of this length is generally recognized and valued by employers worldwide, enhancing job prospects. In essence, a 120-hour online TESOL course provides a balance of detailed educational content, affordability, and global recognition, making it an optimal choice for those aiming to start a career in ESL teaching.
What are the benefits of an in-class TESOL course?
An in-class TESOL course offers distinct benefits that make it a valuable option for aspiring ESL teachers, despite being more expensive and time-intensive than online courses. The key advantages of an in-class TESOL course include:
- Extensive Teaching Practice: Unlike online courses, in-class TESOL programs provide ample opportunity for hands-on teaching practice with real English language learners. This practical experience is invaluable for understanding classroom dynamics and student interactions.
- Immediate Application of Theory: In-class courses allow you to immediately apply the theoretical knowledge gained during training in a real classroom setting. This direct application of learning helps solidify teaching concepts and strategies.
- Preparation for Real-World Teaching: The immersive nature of in-class courses prepares you thoroughly for the challenges of teaching. By the end of the course, you are ready to confidently manage and teach your own class.
- Networking Opportunities: Being in a physical classroom environment allows you to network with peers and instructors, forming valuable connections and gaining insights from experienced educators.
- Comprehensive Course Design: The structure of in-class TESOL courses is meticulously designed to cover all aspects of ESL teaching, providing a solid foundation for starting a teaching career.
While the commitment in terms of time and finances is significant, the benefits of in-class TESOL courses, including extensive practical experience and thorough preparation for real-world teaching scenarios, make them a worthwhile investment for those looking to pursue a career in ESL teaching.
What are the key points to consider when choosing a TESOL course?
When choosing a TESOL course it is important that you do not simply pick the cheapest course or the first option that you come across as it might not be suitable for your goals. Time spent researching the expectations of employers in your preferred countries, as well as any specific visa requirements, is time well spent. It is also a good idea to research the course provider to make sure their previous graduates were generally happy with the course and the service they received during their studies.
