Syllabus for the Tlc Cert.(TM)TESOL

Aim of the Course

For the Certificate programme as a whole, the overall aim is to provide a thorough introduction to the theory and methodology of teaching English to speakers of other languages.

General Objectives

The general objectives of the course require each student to be able to:

1. demonstrate a sound grasp of the basic phonological, lexical, syntactical, and other aspects of modern communicative English, with particular reference to its roles as a medium of communication.
2. identify the needs of ESOL learners at various age and proficiency levels, and modify a needs analysis in the light of observation and testing.
3. write instructional objectives and prepare appropriate lesson plans.
4. intelligently discuss a repertoire of teaching and learning resources.

Requirements

The Examination for the Certificate in the Theory and Methodology in TESOL consists of four parts.

Part 1. Distance Training Programme Assessment.
Candidates are required to successfully complete all the assignments contained in the units and modules of the distance-training programme. (See syllabus content.)

Part 2. Post Mid-Course Essay.
Candidates are required to submit a post-mid-course essay of about 1,500 words. A choice of topics is offered.

Part 3. Practical Teaching Project.
Candidates are required to submit a practical teaching project during the final phase of the course. A choice of assignments is offered.

Part 4. Final Assessment Paper.
At the close of the distance programme the candidate is required to complete at home, within a given period of time, a 'take-away' proficiency assessment paper.

The following is a select list of units and topics normally covered during the Certificate distance-training programme.

Study Skills:
planning and organising study time; short-term and long-term memory; various learning techniques; note-taking and filing; task-work and essay writing; distance-learning methodology and procedures.

The Study of Language:
the nature and scope of general and applied linguistics, psycholinguistics, and sociolinguistics; the structures and functions of language, context of situation and use.

?The Study of English:
use and usage; syntax and meaning; word classes and word formation; noun, preposition, adjective, and verb phrases; forms and functions of the tenses; cohesion; aspects of lexis; phonetics and phonology, including the articulation of vowel and consonant sounds; linkage and assimilation; stress and intonation, the International Phonetic Association symbols, problems of transcription, etc.; 'standards' and international intelligibility.

The Teaching and Learning of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL):
sources and problems of motivation at different age-levels; subject-matter and procedures; teaching-learning approaches, with particular emphasis on humanistic aspects and task-based communicative activities; receptive and productive skills, reading and listening materials; speaking and writing; integration of skills; discovery techniques; language games; oral and written forms of practice and interaction; problem-solving activities; simulation and role-play; pair-work and group-work; audiovisual aids.

Lesson-planning:
instructional objectives; writing lesson-plans; teacher and learner activities; classroom management and organisation.

Testing and assessment:
scales of attainment; the role of errors; policies of remediation; effects on motivation.

Length of course

The ACTDEC Level 3 Cert.(TM)TESOL course takes a total of 250 hours to complete. Since no two people work at the same pace, or have identical commitments and study time, a Certificate programme may take from fourteen to twenty-four weeks to complete.

Course entry requirement

For the Certificate programme a candidate needs to have a good general education up to the generally accepted level for university entrance. (In British terms this will usually include at least two passes at 'A' level.)

The Certificate in the Theory and Methodology of teaching English to speakers of other languages - Cert.(TM)TESOL.

Course accredited by the Accreditation Council for TESOL Distance Education Courses. (ACTDEC).

Award validated by ACTDEC. Associate Teacher of ESOL Status.