TESL
TESL or teaching English as a second language is one of the internationally recognized qualifications that English teachers can obtain to be allowed a teaching stint for non-English speakers. Many people throughout the world want to learn to speak English for a variety of reasons, and TESL programs are designed exactly to meet their needs.
TESL Programs
TESL is different from English courses taught in countries in which English is either the native tongue or used as the medium of instruction. In most cases, TESL programs are designed as a preparation for students who are bound to study in American or British universities, and help them improve their English for professional purposes.
TESL schools employ various approaches but they hold one common characteristic: it can be rigorous and academic. If you go for more in-depth programs, classes can run from 4-5 hours a day, or 20-25 hours a week. On top of that are piles of homework that needs to be completed everyday. TESL programs are generally offered in four different levels: high beginning, intermediate, high intermediate, and advanced. The leading countries offering TESL courses include the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and New Zealand. Of course, there are other English-speaking countries that offer such courses as well, such as the Philippines and India. Many of these countries also offer TESL online with corresponding TESL certificate online upon completion of the course.
Students only need to meet system requirements and a web cam to be able to access the site and speak with an English teacher. Sometimes, these types of courses do not stringently follow TESL standards but cost lower than on-campus or internationally recognized institutions. Program length can range from a few weeks to three months, depending on the course level.
Who May Qualify To Teach English As A Second Language?
Many employers today require a TESL certificate and an undergraduate degree from TESL teachers. To employers, a TESL certificate can imply teaching experience (no matter how short it is) and skills to be able to lead a class of students who can barely speak English. This can be quite a challenge and sometimes frustrating to both the students and teachers.
Having a teaching experience can provide prospective TESL teachers the confidence to stand in front of a class and effectively convey lessons systematically, starting from the basic to more complex lessons.
How To Help Students Pass TESL Courses
Although the best TESL teachers and well-designed curriculum can make a lot of difference in a student’s pursuit towards learning to speak English as a second language, a student’s attitude and motivation can hasten learning. Whether you are the teacher or a friend, you can give these tips to students to enhance learning by using the language constantly.
Remember how small children learn to speak – it’s when you speak to them often. Hence, using a language frequently and immersing yourself in the language you’re trying to learn is the best teacher. But don’t dump your teacher just yet. TESL teachers are trained to specifically teach English as a second language, along with that are techniques, tools, and experience.
The best way to learn a language is to use it continuously. The brain grasps better with repetition. Speak English to fellow students no matter how awkward it might seem or how crooked your grammar is. As soon as you feel comfortable using the language, that’s when things will start rolling in. It helps to watch English movies to pick up the accent and proper word pronunciation. In other words, engross yourself with the English language every hour of every day.
It can be exciting and challenging to teach English as a second language. But on top of that is the fulfilment of finally getting your students to speak a grammatically correct full sentence for the first time.