COURSE INFORMATION
The Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults is an internationally recognised qualification accepted in most countries throughout the world. It is offered at International House Queensland as a full-time intensive course over four weeks. Its main aim is to provide pre-service training in English language teaching. The certificate is intended for people with little or no previous teaching experience. It may also be suitable for candidates with some experience but little previous training.
COURSE DATES & COST
CAIRNS
18 June - 13 July 2007 (Full Time)
10 September - 8 December 2007 (Part Time)
18 February - 17 May 2008 (Part Time)
16 June - 11 July 2008 (Full Time)
9 September - 6 December 2008 (Part Time)
BRISBANE
23 July - 17 August 2007 (Full Time)
14 January - 8 February 2008 (Full Time)
21 July - 15 August 2008 (Full Time)
COSTS
The cost of the course in 2008 is $2,580 (this includes book costs) PLUS $250* Cambridge Certificate Fee. Candidates who pay in full one month before the commencement of the course will be eligible for a $300 reduction of total course cost.
To secure an offer of a place on the program, a non-refundable deposit of $650 is required after acceptance on the course.
Final payment of the balance must be made before the start of the course.
* This is subject to change without notice. If Cambridge ESOL increase their charge, IH Queensland will change this sum accordingly.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Candidates are selected by interview. They are required:
- to be at least 20 years old on the course start date (In special circumstances candidates may be accepted at a minimum age of 18)
- to have a standard of education which would allow entry to higher education (minimum HSC or equivalent)
- to have an awareness of language and a competence in English, both written and spoken, that enables them to follow the course and complete the assignments
- to complete pre-course tasks and interviews satisfactorily
COURSE OUTLINE
The program consists of five units as follows:
Unit 1.
Learners and Teachers and the Teaching and Learning context.
The cultural, linguistic and educational background of the learner.
Learner motivation.
Learning and Teaching styles.
The context for learning and teaching English.
Varieties of English.
Multilingualism and the role of first languages.
Unit 2.
Language Analysis and Awareness
Basic concepts and terminology for describing linguistic form and meaning.
Grammatical frameworks relating to words, sentences, paragraphs and texts.
Lexis: what it means to know a word; semantic relationships between words.
Phonology: formation and description of English phonemes; connected speech.
The practical significance of similarities and differences between languages.
Reference materials for language awareness.
Key strategies for developing learners’ language knowledge.
Unit 3.
Language Skills: Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing
Reading
Basic concepts and terminology used for describing reading skills.
Purposes of reading.
Decoding meaning.
Potential barriers to reading.
Listening
Basic concepts and terminology used for describing listening skills.
Purposes of listening.
Features of listening texts.
Potential barriers to listening.
Speaking
Basic concepts and terminology used for describing speaking skills.
Features of spoken English.
Language functions.
Paralinguistic features.
Phonemic systems.
Writing
Basic concepts and terminology used for describing writing skills.
Sub-skills and features of written texts.
Stages of teaching writing.
Beginner literacy.
English spelling and pronunciation.
Key strategies for developing the above skills.
Unit 4. Planning and Resources for Different Teaching Contexts
Principles of planning for effective teaching of adult learners of English.
Lesson planning for effective teaching of adult learners of English.
Evaluation of lesson planning.
Selection, adaptation and evaluation of materials and resources in planning (including technology based resources).
Knowledge of commercially produced resources and non-published materials and resources.
Unit 5. Developing Teaching skills and professionalism
Effective classroom organisation.
Classroom presence and control.
Teacher and learner language.
The use of materials and resources.
Practical skills for teaching at a range of levels.
Monitoring and evaluation of adult learners.
Evaluation of the teaching/learning process.
Professional development: responsibilities and support systems.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Candidates are required to:
- attend the whole course and to teach practice classes for 6 hours
- observe experienced teachers teaching classes for a total of 6 hours, two of which may be on video
- maintain and submit a portfolio of all course work including all written assignments and materials related to teaching practice
COURSE ASSESSMENT
Assessment takes place throughout the course and is ‘integrated’ (ie both of the components below contribute to the overall grade)
There are two components of assessment as follows:
Component One: Planning and Teaching
Candidates are required to teach for a total of six assessed hours, working with adult learners at a minimum of two levels. By the end of the six hours candidates should have achieved all of the teaching practice assessment criteria (detailed in documentation given during the course).
Component Two: Classroom-related written assignments
This component consists of four written assignments as follows:
1. Adult learners and learning contexts.
2. An aspect of the language system of English.
3. An aspect of language skills.
4. Reflection on classroom teaching and the identification of action points.
The certificate will be awarded to candidates who meet the course requirements and whose performance meets or exceeds the criteria in both the assessment areas.
A ‘Pass’ is awarded to candidates whose performance overall in the teaching practice and written assignments meets the specified criteria.
A ‘Pass Grade B’ is awarded to candidates whose performance in the written assignments meets the specified criteria and who have demonstrated in teaching practice a significantly higher level of achievement in teaching skills and professionalism.
A ‘Pass Grade A’ is awarded to candidates whose performance in the written assignments meets the specified criteria and who have demonstrated in teaching practice a significantly higher level of ability and achievement, and a level of awareness in relation to planning, teaching skills and professionalism.
Candidates who fail to meet criteria in any or all of the assessed components will receive a Fail.
Each course (not each individual candidate) is assessed by an external assessor approved and appointed by UCLES (University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate).
INTENSIVE NATURE OF COURSE
Please note that the course is very intensive and requires a total commitment. There are three hours of methodology each day and two hours of teaching practice followed by feedback. Preparation in the evening may take three or four hours and, in addition there is a significant weekend workload. It is not possible to fulfil course requirements if you have any other obligations over this period including part-time work, other courses etc. You should also be in good health as punctuality and attendance are vital.
Teacher Training Courses
International House Language Awareness Course
(IH LAC)
This is a 28 hour course which aims to familiarise practising teachers with pedagogical grammar and enable them to critique such descriptions, both in terms of their descriptive accuracy and their usefulness to learners.
For more information, download the LAC information brochure.
International House Certificate in Teaching Young Learners (IH CYL)
This 50-hour course provides an extensive overview of teaching younger learners. It includes 30 hours of input in the form of sessions, a teaching practice component and 12 hours of observations. The certificate is awarded by International House World Organisation (IHWO) and is recognised globally.
For more information, download the CYL information brochure.
Teacher Training courses for overseas teachers(TKT)
IH Queensland offers a range of study tour and professional development programs for teachers from other countries. These are tailor made for groups or individuals wishing to improve their English language proficiency and increase their knowledge of language teaching methodology. These training programs can prepare participants for the Cambridge ESOL Teaching Knowledge Test (TKT).
For more information, download the TKT information brochure.
