Further Feedback from Teaching Practice in Gran Canaria

Peter Howes

To Terry and all the staff at Tlc.

Thanks again for a great stay...the accommodation and the food was great...La Garita is a proper beautiful place (with proper beautiful bar staff :P). The experience was extremely valuable...not only has it boosted my confidence a lot and made me able to relay what I know in a much better manner than before I arrived, but it has also made me see that there are some major differences in teaching English to people who live in England and teaching it to those who don't...it is a lot more challenging.

Regards
Peter

- Peter Howes, Manchester.
College of Teachers Advanced Certificate course May 2008

Reply from Terry:

Thanks Peter, I'm glad you enjoyed it. The paperwork has been sent off and is now in the system. It's interesting that you picked up on the difference between Tesl and Tefl. It is very different. Teaching English to non native speakers living in the UK (who have to use their English all day everyday in the street) can give a new teacher the impression that teaching is easy - that students "pick it up very quickly," but when students only use their English in your classroom for a couple of hours a week - it's a whole new ballgame that demands a different approach, different strategies and methodologies.

Well done once again and keep in touch.

Terry

Feedback from Teaching Practice in GC, 2008

One student's experience

I have just completed the course held in La Estrella in Las Palmas.I went with much trepidation about what I would find there (coming from a small mining town in Southern Africa).

I was warmly greeted by Terry at the airport, and my misgiving were soon put to rest. Theresa welcomed me into their home and soon I felt part of the furniture. Their relaxed home and mealtimes meant that I could concentrate on the course. The course itself was demanding both mentally and physically as the days were long and there was a lot of teaching and preparation involved. I am a primary school teacher, but found the TESOL requirements challenging.

I really enjoyed being introduced to the Business element of TESOL teaching and can only thank Terry and TLC for affording me that opportunity.

I felt at home in the staffroom at TLC and was immediately brought into the fold with the members of staff. For anybody considering this course, Go For IT.

I WAS EXHAUSED AND EXHILERATED AT THE SAME TIME.

- Jane Macefield, Botswana
College of Teachers Advanced Diploma course Jan 2008

Another opinion

Las Palmas in Gran Canaria was an ideal location for taking the Advanced Certificate in TESOL. The hosts were friendly and hospitable, providing transport to the centres and delicious food. There were a variety of teaching scenarios, including General English for company employees and Business English, as well as classroom teaching for young learners. Mentoring and advice were given for all stages of lesson preparation. I would wholly recommend the TLC at Gran Canaria.

- John Elliott, Peterborough
College of Teachers Advanced Certificate course Jan 2008