Flexible TESOL Course

Flexible TESOL Course Locations

• Barcelona, Spain
• Crete, Greece
• Cusco, Peru
• San Jose, Costa Rica
• Sicily, Italy
• Guanajuato, Mexico
• Nantwich, Cheshire, UK

Who is this TESOL course for?

Most of our Flexible TESOL course trainees are planning a career break or change, but value the opportunity to continue in employment whilst working towards their accredited TESOL/TEFL qualification. After completing 70 hours of supported distance learning in your own time, you can attend one of our training centres for two weeks of onsite classroom based tuition, including observed teaching practice and interaction with other TESOL trainees.

Course Aims

The aim of the Flexible TESOL course is identical to the 4 week TESOL - to prepare you to teach in any overseas environment and equip you with the techniques to be a confident and resourceful teacher.

As a Flexible TESOL trainee you will benefit from the flexibility of studying most of the theory in your own time, enabling you to absorb the course material fully. Following this thorough introduction to TESOL theory you will join other TESOL trainees at a choice of training centres in Europe. Whilst onsite you will have the chance to learn from experienced teacher trainers, exchange ideas with fellow trainees and practice on real language students.

Eligibility

The course is open to all with a good academic background, usually graduate status. If you do not hold a degree you should hold qualifications for entry into higher education, i.e. 'A' Levels or High School Diploma. No prior teaching experience is required. Non-native speakers will be accepted onto the course under the same terms as native speakers, provided they have a high command of the English language. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age upon commencement of their chosen course.

In Preparation

Once you have been accepted onto the Flexible TESOL course and you have paid your deposit we will send you a pre-course task designed to help you refresh your knowledge of English grammar. You will receive a grammar workbook with exercises to complete.

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Your Arrival

On arrival at your course destination, you will be given a welcome pack consisting of all sorts of practical information on how to get about (map, public transport timetables, places of interest, local doctors who speak English, hairdressers, restaurants and shops where English is spoken, essential and emergency telephone numbers, cell phone information, etc). Plus, our local student coordinator will always be there to help you with their extensive local knowledge.

Course Structure and Contents

During the supported distance learning phase you work on a number of modules. These materials can be sent to you by post on paper, CD-ROM, or emailed to you. The distance learning section requires an estimated 70 hours of study. How many weeks you take to complete the distance learning section depends on your other commitments. As long as you have finished before you arrive onsite we will not put any pressure on you to complete in a fixed timeframe. You will be assigned a personal tutor during the supported distance learning. They will guide you through the modules and provide you with feedback on each of the tasks you are required to do.

We are highly committed to producing the best teachers possible and we will be working with you so that your teaching meets the highest of standards. During the onsite section of the course you will be mainly involved with lesson planning and teaching practice.

Theory classes are known as 'input sessions' and are designed so that you take part in dynamic activities and discussions where you are encouraged to actively participate and learn 'through doing'. We can guarantee you won't be bored!

The core modules of the Flexible TESOL course are:

1. Study skills

2. The Study of English

• grammar
• pronunciation: phonetics, stress, rhythm and intonation
• lexis

3. The Teaching and Learning of ESOL

• basic principles: motivation, leaning styles, communicative competence
• reading and listening skills
• speaking and writing skills
• visual aids
• errors and error correction
• testing

4. Lesson Planning

• lesson stages and plans
• lesson delivery
• classroom management

Observed and assessed teaching practice

You will complete a minimum of six hours' teaching practice with real foreign language students, which is observed by your trainer. You will be graded on different aspects of your teaching performance, and receive an overall grade for the lesson. This practical side of the course will enable you to learn from first-hand experience. It will equip you with the techniques and teaching tools necessary to become a versatile TEFL / TESOL teacher and deal with a range of different teaching situations and environments when teaching English abroad.

As well as learning from your own and your peers' teaching practice, you will have the privileged opportunity to observe experienced teachers deliver lessons to the very students you will be teaching.

TEFL Course Weekly Schedule

The weekly schedule will normally consist of input sessions in the morning and early afternoon, followed by teaching practice. After teaching practice a feedback session is held where trainees and trainer sit together, exchange constructive criticism and reflect on the different lessons they observed. The onus is on reflection, as we believe this to be the most important aspect of the TESOL course. What really matters, even more than a good performance in the classroom, is for you to be able to reflect on your own and others' teaching experience and learn from it for your future development.

A typical weekly schedule may look like this:

10.00 am - 12.30 pm: Input sessions
12.30 pm - 13.30 pm: Lunch
13.30 pm - 15.00 pm: Input sessions
15.15 pm - 16.30 pm: Preparation for teaching practice
16.30 pm - 18.00 pm: Teaching practice
18.00 pm - 19.00 pm: Feedback session

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Assessment and Grading

The course is continually assessed - there are no final examinations. You will be set tasks throughout the course, which are submitted for assessment by your trainers. These tasks are graded and returned with comments and guidance for your development. The course sessions are always conducted in small groups with on-going support and instruction, helping to ensure your successful completion of the course.

At INTESOL we pride ourselves on personalised service, and we are constantly available to offer individual support and coaching. This means that your success on the course is virtually guaranteed.

Upon successful completion of the course, you will be awarded a certificate with one of the following grades:

A1 - Distinction
A2 - Excellent
B1 - Very good
B2 - Good
C - Pass

The final certificate you will be awarded upon successful completion of the Flexible TESOL is equivalent to the certificate trainees receive at the end of the 4-week TESOL course.

After Completion

Upon successful completion of the course you will receive three certificates:

• INTESOL Certificate of Educational Studies in TESOL
• College of Teachers Certificate in TESOL
• INTESOL Teaching Practice Certificate with performance report

In order to earn your accredited Certificate of in TESOL you need to pass both the theoretical and practical components of the course. In addition full attendance is required.