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'''TEFL''' – '''T'''eaching '''E'''nglish as a '''F'''oreign '''L'''anguage – is often used to refer to a profession offering courses to students studying [[English language|English]] in non-English speaking countries (see [[EFL]]), as well as a parallel profession in anglophone countries for short-term educational tourists (see [[English as an additional language|EAL]]). It also refers to the growing number of elementary school programs in [[United States|US]] schools attempting to provide education for children who have immigrated from other countries. It may be taught by either native or non-native speakers of English, although the former are generally considered preferable, as is the case with instruction of any language. Common qualifications for TEFL teachers within the [[United Kingdom|British]] sphere of influence include certificates and diplomas issued by [[UCLES]] (University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate) and Trinity International [[Examination]]s Board of [[Trinity College, London|Trinity College]], [[London]]. |
'''TEFL''' – '''T'''eaching '''E'''nglish as a '''F'''oreign '''L'''anguage – is often used to refer to a profession offering courses to students studying [[English language|English]] in non-English speaking countries (see [[English as an additional language|EFL]]), as well as a parallel profession in anglophone countries for short-term educational tourists (see [[English as an additional language|EAL]]). It also refers to the growing number of elementary school programs in [[United States|US]] schools attempting to provide education for children who have immigrated from other countries. It may be taught by either native or non-native speakers of English, although the former are generally considered preferable, as is the case with instruction of any language. Common qualifications for TEFL teachers within the [[United Kingdom|British]] sphere of influence include certificates and diplomas issued by [[UCLES]] (University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate) and Trinity International [[Examination]]s Board of [[Trinity College, London|Trinity College]], [[London]]. |
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TEFL qualifications have often been used as a way of traveling abroad for extended periods, which has developed into an educated nomadic community. The pay for EFL teaching is highest in the [[Middle East]], [[Taiwan]], [[Japan]], and [[South Korea]]. In some teaching circumstances it can be adequate in [[Britain]], although plenty of exploitative schools still exist. |
TEFL qualifications have often been used as a way of traveling abroad for extended periods, which has developed into an educated nomadic community. The pay for EFL teaching is highest in the [[Middle East]], [[Taiwan]], [[Japan]], and [[South Korea]]. In some teaching circumstances it can be adequate in [[Britain]], although plenty of exploitative schools still exist. |
Revision as of 08:47, 28 October 2005
TEFL – Teaching English as a Foreign Language – is often used to refer to a profession offering courses to students studying English in non-English speaking countries (see EFL), as well as a parallel profession in anglophone countries for short-term educational tourists (see EAL). It also refers to the growing number of elementary school programs in US schools attempting to provide education for children who have immigrated from other countries. It may be taught by either native or non-native speakers of English, although the former are generally considered preferable, as is the case with instruction of any language. Common qualifications for TEFL teachers within the British sphere of influence include certificates and diplomas issued by UCLES (University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate) and Trinity International Examinations Board of Trinity College, London.
TEFL qualifications have often been used as a way of traveling abroad for extended periods, which has developed into an educated nomadic community. The pay for EFL teaching is highest in the Middle East, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea. In some teaching circumstances it can be adequate in Britain, although plenty of exploitative schools still exist.
Courses for teachers
- UCLES
- CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults). The CELTA course is perhaps the most widely taken and accepted course for new teacher trainees. It is often taught over 6 months or in a very intensive 1 month period.
- DELTA (Diploma in English Language Teaching to Adults). The DELTA is for teachers who already have significant TEFL experience and is often a requirement for teachers wanting to break into school management and or become teacher trainers. The course is very demanding.
For more details on CELTA courses - CELTA Course Directory
- Trinity
- CertTESOL (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). Considered equivalent to the CELTA (see above)
- LTCLTESOL (Trinity Licentiate Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). Considered equivalent to the DELTA (see above).
This site has a good listing of up-to-date ESL, EFL and TEFL Jobs: TEFL Jobs
Teaching Techniques
Reading
The technique of using literature aimed at children and teenagers for TEFL is rising in popularity. Both types of literature offer simpler material ("simplified readers" are produced by all the major publishers), and are often written in a more conversational style than literature aimed at adults. Children's literature in particular sometimes provides subtle cues to pronunciation, through rhyming and other wordplay. One technique for using these books is called the "multiple-pass technique". The instructor reads the book, pausing often to explain words and concepts. On the second pass, the instructor reads the book completely through without stopping.
Issues in NE Asia
South Korea has a great demand for native English speakers willing to teach, to the degree that institutions sometimes even pay for the round-trip airfare of a teacher with any university degree. However, as with all occupations, when working in a foreign country there is a danger of exploitation by employers. Among English teachers, South Korea has the unfortunate reputation of being among the worst offenders, particularly with regard to the payment of salary and benefits.
Teachers considering accepting employment in South Korea should refer to the U.S. Embassy warning concerning such employment and not accept a position with a school that does not give them confidence.
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1018.html
Teaching English in northern East Asia can be stressful, since English courses are often overpopulated, with pupils from 4 to 16 years of age who tend to be rather shy, and who are forced to study after school because of their parents' intent on their academic success.
Monthly pay in such schools is around the USD 2,000 mark, with an extra month's bonus if the teacher fulfills his or her contract. Many teachers who cannot cope with the stresses of teaching leave after receiving their first few salary cheques.
Blended Learning
The concept of Blended learning has been much discussed recently among teachers of English as a foreign language. recent studies have shown that ELT and EFL benefit greatly from a combination of face-to-face teaching and interactive (and therefore frequently electronic) practice activity. This can be achieved through the adoption of a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
VLEs have been a major growth point in the TEFL industry over the last 5 years. They are developed either as an externally-hosted platforms onto which content can be exported by a school or institution (examples being 'Worldwide Web Course Tools, WebCT' or the 'Blackboard' VLE) or as content-supplied, course-managed learning platforms (an example being the 'Macmillan English Campus').
The key difference is that the latter is able to support course-building by the language school. This means that teachers can blend their existing courses with games, activites, listening exercises and grammer reference units that are contained online. This has applications in the classroom and as self-study or remote practice (for example in an internet café).
External links
- www.JourneyEast.org - Jobs Teaching English as a Second Language
- www.Teach-and-Travel.comHas a comprehensive list of TEFL jobs
- TEFL Jobshas a good listing of up-to-date ESL EFL and TEFL Jobs
- OnlineTEFL.net Internet's only accrediting body for online TESL and EFL programs worldwide. Accredited and non-accredited programs
- TEFL.com ELT career portal, real-time database of English language teaching jobs.
- Daveseslcafe.com Comprehensive website for the TESL community; includes job listings and journal entries.
- The TEFL Trade Federation; The first international collective fighting for healthcare and jobs abroad for teachers of English everywhere.
- Jon's ESL Site
- Macmillan English Campus: a blended learning solution