TEFL Course Information
Course 1: Issues of Culture in TEFL
The purpose of this course is for students to reflect on and consider the role culture occupies for individuals teaching English abroad, online, or in their local communities. Students will explore how cultural differences impact all aspects of communication. The focus in this course is to introduce students to some principles of culture, and how it affects both teachers and language learners. Some of the topics we will discuss include cultural context, culture shock, cultural differences in the classroom, and English as a global language. In addition, short examples introducing the structure or grammar of English will be presented each week to provide you with a deeper understanding of the English language when you begin teaching English learners. Taken together, you will develop from this course a better understanding of how culture affects perceptions, students’ learning, and instruction. In addition, you will gain a better understanding of how to explain and teach English grammar. (25 course hours)
- Course instructor information will be updated here when announced.
- Prerequisites: none
Course 2: Linguistics and Language Acquisition
The purpose of this course is for students to develop an understanding about language and the foundation of English as it informs one’s knowledge and instruction for teaching English. Students will also cultivate a deeper knowledge of language acquisition, language learners’ development, and understanding the structure of English. In this course you will learn how a first and second (or additional) language is acquired, what teachers need to know about the English language, the concept of universal grammar, phonemes, and second language acquisition hypotheses such as the critical period hypothesis, input hypothesis, and interaction hypothesis. With a continuation from the first course, this course introduces additional grammatical elements and syntax to develop a deeper understanding of the English language. (25 course hours)
- Course instructor information will be updated here when announced.
- Prerequisites: Completed course one
Course 3: Methods and Materials in TEFL
The purpose of this course is for students to develop an understanding of multiple methodologies for teaching English abroad, online, or in your community as well as models for constructing a lesson plan. Topics addressed in this course include diverse methodologies and approaches to teaching English reading, writing, speaking, listening, grammar, and vocabulary to learners of different ages and in diverse social, academic, or business settings. In addition, we will explore how age differences affect lesson planning and consider how to integrate critical thinking skills and technology in the English classroom. Conducting observations of language lessons during this course will allow students to reflect on the connections between theory and practice in preparation for developing and delivering their own English lessons. (25 course hours)
- Course instructor information will be updated here when announced.
- Prerequisites: Completed courses one and two
Course 4: Instruction, Assessment, and Professionalism in TEFL
The purpose of this course is for students to develop lesson plans, learn strategies for assessing students’ English language ability, and practice teaching English learners. Students will learn strategies to develop lesson plans for teaching speaking, listening, reading, writing, vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. Students will also learn about ways to assess students’ English using an international rubric (IELTS, TOEFL), explore alternative instruments to assess learners’ English, and consider professional and ethical practices when collaborating with colleagues in a classroom. As part of the practicum, students will have an opportunity to teach a lesson and receive feedback on the taught lesson. Students will reflect on their experience teaching an English lesson in the final paper of the course. As the final course of the TEFL Certificate program, students finishing the course will possess skills and knowledge to begin teaching English abroad, online, or in your community. (25 course hours)
- Course instructor information will be updated here when announced.
- Prerequisites: Completed courses one, two, and three
Practicum: TEFL Certificate
During Courses 3 and 4, students will complete the Practicum component of the TEFL Certificate program. This will include both classroom observations and teaching practice. When possible, students can attend in-person classes with international students at the 红莲社区 campus, local schools, community organizations, or other locations. Alternatively, students will watch videos of real EFL classrooms or join live virtual classes conducted online. Course instructors will assist students with arrangements for classroom observations. Students will also have the opportunity to deliver their own lessons and receive feedback from the course instructors. When possible, these lessons can be delivered in face-to-face settings. Alternatively, students can deliver their lessons in live virtual classrooms, record videos of their lessons, hold one-to-one tutoring sessions with international students, or interview English learners. Course instructors will also assist students with the arrangements for their teaching demonstrations. (20 course hours)