Introduction to TEFL Courses:

The Island TEFL 4-week TEFL Certificate course has a very practical emphasis and deals primarily with the real skills and knowledge needed by teachers in the EFL/ESL classroom.

In just 4 weeks, you will graduate as a qualified TEFL teacher, equipped with the skills, knowledge and practical teaching experience necessary for you to start your new EFL/ESL career, anywhere in the world!

Trainees on our course receive observed teaching practice covering young learners, adult and one-to-one levels, plus peer observation. This alone, is more than most other TEFL or TESOL courses offer.  (Our graduates can also receive a 120 Hour TESOL Certificate which is notarized and issued from the U.S.A. and is backed by the accreditation of renowned global institutions).

Duration and Times:

Island TEFL's cetificate TEFL course is conducted over a 4-week period, Monday to Friday of each week. Classes begin at 9.00am and conclude at 3.00pm each day. Weekends are generally free to enjoy the many attractions on our beautiful island or to just chill at the beach.

Course Content: Our TEFL certificate course is divided into five main areas: 1. Teaching Techniques This component of the TEFL course covers areas such as: Lesson planning Classroom management Approaches to language learning Teaching vocabulary Teaching grammar Reading and writing activities Pronunciation activities Speaking and listening activities Warmers and modelling Controlled practice Language in context Textbook review and evaluation Games and songs in the classroom Classroom discipline Teaching beginners Teaching advanced students Teaching adults Teaching individual students (tutoring) Teaching young learners Correction techniques Creating materials EFL/ESL terminology

2. Language Awareness

• Grammar - Covers parts of speech, simple sentence elements, phrases and clauses.
• Phonology - Covers phonetics, word stress and intonation, rhythm and intonation, sentence stress and intonation, connected speech, problems for EFL/ESL learners.

3. Teaching Practice & Observation

This is the most practical and fundamental aspect of any TEFL/TESOL course. Island TEFL trainees conduct 6 observed teaching practices, covering young learners and adult students. One-to-one tutoring is also covered in the 4 week period. All teaching practices are conducted with local Thai students, which makes the experience authentic and rewarding.

Our fully qualified trainers will guide you through the process of planning, preparation, delivery and reflection, and will provide you with constructive feedback (both written and oral) on your performance.

4. Materials Project

All trainees must develop and submit two sets of self-produced teaching materials used during their teaching practices. The materials may include realia, flashcards, class handouts or worksheets. Trainees are required to develop original materials. During the last week of the course, you will be asked to present your teaching materials, explain how they were used, how they could be improved, and how they might be used in another context.

NB: Island TEFL's Resource Library will be at your disposal for this project, as well as for all Lesson Planning requirements.

5. Assignments

Trainees are required to complete two written assignments covering aspects of the TEFL course. Our schedule allows for individual study/preparation time, and our trainers are there to guide and assist.

Three Grammar/Phonology/Punctuation Reviews also need to be completed. These are based on Grammar/Phonology/Punctuation covered during the TEFL course. Pre-course study in these areas is not a requirement, however, we strongly suggest that you "brush up" on basic English grammar before beginning the TEFL course. Recommended publications are: Essential Grammar in Use by Raymond Murphy;  How English Works by Swan & Walter.  The internet is also an excellent, free resource for researching anything related to EFL/ESL teaching.

Assessment:

There is no final examination. Assessment is ongoing throughout the TEFL course and is based on the following areas:

• Attendance
• Completion of Assignments and Grammar/Phonology/Punctuation Reviews
• Successful Completion of Teaching Practices
• Completion of Teaching Materials Project
• Completion of 1-1 Tutoring Project
• Active Participation in Class and Work Groups
• Professional Attitude, Preparedness and Behaviour
• Trainees must obtain at least a 70% overall grade in order to pass.