Blog

Posted on

What is TESOL certification good for?

What is TESOL certification good for?

Toput it briefly, many things!

Preface and review

As stated in previous posts, there is a common misconception that anybody can teach English so long as they can speak it. This is simply not the case. A TESOL qualification is proof that you have the knowledge and skills to deliver engaging and effective TESOL instruction to your students. Remember: If you have successfully obtained a TESOL qualification from a registered training organisation, then you are “TESOL certified.”

Since most certified TESOL courses require learners to demonstrate proficiency in a variety of areas, a successful completion of the course will also be proof that you can deliver lessons for a variety of different learners. Skilled teachers must be able to identify different learning styles and interests amongst the various different demographics amongst their students.

For example, an Intermediate project manager learning business English in Japan will have different needs to a group of Moroccan children who have just migrated to Australia. Not only will you have to adjust the complexity of your speech / instruction, but you’ll also need to adjust the content and topics, so that your students can get the most out of your lessons.

Certificate IV in TESOL –Giving you the tools you need

There is more to teaching English than oral communication. For a TESOL teacher to excel at their work, they will need to possess skills in many language areas, including (but not limited to) vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar, reading, writing, test preparation, lesson planning, resource design and more. Certified TESOL courses will cover every section of these and will give you the confidence and know-how to deliver on these language areas.

One of the most common questions aspiring TESOL teachers face during their job-hunting is the classic: “How would you teach the difference between bored and boring?” Even if it’s your first time seeing this question, have a think about it for a moment. Now imagine trying to explain the difference to a beginner non-native English speaker. It’s not that easy, is it? Even if you grew up in an English-speaking country, questions like these aren’t ones we often think about, but knowing how to explain things like this is vital for a TESOL teacher.

For example, most native English speakers aren’t ever really taught what passive voice is, the difference between voiced and voiceless consonants, what a coordinating conjunction is or even the International Phonemic Alphabet (IPA). While this general knowledge might not necessarily be useful in most situations, these are vital aspects of learning English as a second (or third, fourth, etc.) language. The Certificate IV in TESOL offered by the Sydney Higher Education Institute, will cover all of these things, and reduce the chance of any embarrassing slip-ups while on the job.

Certification and its many benefits

There is a chance that you might be reading this and think “I already have experience as a TESOL teacher. That should be enough, right?” While it would be silly to discredit your experience, many organisations both Australia and abroad, might be hesitant to consider hiring you unless you have some form of TESOL certification.This may be because they’re unsure about bringing people on board without a qualification to support their application, or they may be required to have this stance due to governmental legislation.

Depending on the organisation, you may be able to secure more specialised roles or even a higher wage if you have the right qualification. With all this being said, TESOL work experience is valuable, but combined with the seal of approval that is TESOL certification, it’s a winning combination.

A common reason many people enrol with us is that they have prior teaching experience or qualifications, and they want to branch out their career into other areas. Included in the Certificate IV in TESOL course are videos that focus on and discuss teaching methodologies, tips on addressing cultural challenges which may arise in the classroom, and information on developments in Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) software. Even veteran teachers are often surprised at the new information they learn.

Having a deeper understanding of the intricacies of the English language can be helpful in your day-to-day life, as well. You may develop a deeper understanding of grammar and punctuation or knowledge on how the language characteristics of English present unique challenges to non-native speakers, depending on their first languages.

To sum it up,

TESOL certification is good for your progressing your career, improving your employability or earning-potential, further-developing your teaching skills or even just to deepen your understanding of the English language. Every person who has enrolled with us has their own unique reason for pursuing certification, and the benefits are many.

If you are interested in getting enrolled, learning more about TESOL certification, or if have any questions about the Certificate IV in TESOL course offered by the Sydney Higher Education institute, please don’t hesitate to contact: info@sydneyinstitute.org

Posted on

What is TESOL Certification?

What is TESOL Certification?

Preface

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages(TESOL) is a profession that first gained a lot of traction in the 1970’s and 1980’s. Since then, the world has become much more connected, thanks largely to the Internet, booming international trade and improved accessibility to international travel.The TESOL industry has expanded in turn and is expected to continue to grow. Recent developments have altered the landscape of the industry however, and it is no longer the unregulated and somewhat disorganised sector that it was decades ago.

A common misconception is that anyone can be a TESOL teacher, as long as they can speak English. In truth, many organisations and countries have separate requirements for people wishing to enter the field. While a solid command of the English language is certainly a pre-requisite for a successful teacher, anyone who is serious about pursuing TESOL as a career, should strongly consider becoming certified.

The demand for quality English teachers remains high across the globe. Certified TESOL teachers will stand out from the rest and will be much more likely to secure employment. Many institutions across Australia and overseas such as private language schools or business English programs have specific requirements for applicants, such as a completed course of study. Some institutions are also likely to offer a higher paygrade to fully certified TESOL teachers.

TESOL Certification

In simple terms, if someone has completed a qualification or accredited course in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), then they are TESOL certified. A successful completion of a TESOL course is essentially a professional endorsement from the registered training organisation (RTO) you were enrolled with. It is also proof that you have demonstrated the necessary knowledge and skills required to instruct students learning English as a new language.

TESOL is a generic term that isn’t copyrighted by any one organisation, much like TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language). This means that a fully accredited TESOL certification from a licensed RTO will be recognised by institutions and organisations all across the globe.

In Australia, there are several different TESOL courses available to prospective teachers, with varying coursework, study-load, and pricing.Applicants need to make sure that the course they choose is right for them, and that the course is VET Accredited. (For more information on what constitutes an accredited course, visit: https://www.asqa.gov.au/course-accreditation/overview )

Certificate IV in TESOL

A Certificate IV is one of the most popular choices for prospective teachers looking to get TESOL certified, whether it’s for improving their chances at employment, expanding on their existing knowledge and skills, or even just for personal development. The Certificate IV in TESOL (Course code: 11245NAT), offered by the Sydney Higher Education Institute, is a fully accredited and internationally recognised qualification. The purpose of the course is to produce skilled and knowledgeable entry-level TESOL teachers, teaching assistants and tutors. The course will also enable experienced but unqualified people to acquire a formal qualification in TESOL. This course is intended to provide participants with a range of knowledge and skills to perform a variety of functions associated with teaching English to speakers of other languages, and to help them obtain teaching assistant, tutoring, or teaching positions. A successful completion of this course will mean that you are certified to teach English to non-native speakers.Throughout their studies, learners will also gain a deeper understanding of the English language and TESOL industry, as well as develop a toolset to instruct students of a wide range of demographics. There is also a practical component at the end of the course, where learners will gain valuable experience in delivering TESOL lessons to a group of students. Potential future employment may include:
  • English teaching assistants
  • Teaching English to visa holders
  • Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) in Australia
  • Teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL) outside Australia
  • English tutors
  • Volunteer teaching of migrants and refugees
In addition to studying through the course, there is another option where experienced teachers can apply for credit in one or more of the course’s units. This is often referred to as “Recognition of Prior Learning” or RPL. By pursuing RPL, applicants who have had past experience in teaching English to speakers of other languages can get work through the course and get accredited faster, including the practicum. For example, one of the units (TAEDEL401 – Plan, Organise and Deliver Group-Based Learning) is a popular unit in other qualifications, and can be skipped entirely if the applicant already completed it in a previously studied course.

Want to Get Certified?

In conclusion, getting TESOL certified is a great idea if you wish to improve your career prospects and develop the fundamental skills required to deliver engaging lessons to your students.If you are interested in getting enrolled, learning more about TESOL certification, or if have any questions about the Certificate IV in TESOL course offered by the Sydney Higher Education institute, please don’t hesitate to contact: support@sydneyinstitute.org

Posted on

What is tesol?

What is TESOL?

TESOL stands for “Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.” It is a common term used to describe the professional activity of teaching English to students whose first language isn’t English. Similar terms include TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) and TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language).

In the past few decades, TESOL has been a growing practice. Many countries across the globe are expanding on the number of English classes in their schooling system. At the same time, companies wishing to remain competitive in the global market, place a high value on English fluency. Regardless of the demographics, there is a clear and growing worldwide demand for effective English instruction. As a result, many people are being drawn to the TESOL profession, or are seeking to diversity their skills.

TESOL teachers can have students ranging from beginners in primary education, to migrants / refugees, international students, and adults in business settings. Lesson content is often tailored to the individual needs and learning styles of students, and include a combination of styles to improve listening, speaking, reading, writing, grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary skills. Many TESOL teachers remain in their home country to instruct incoming students or deliver lessons online, but many also travel and live abroad to lend their talents internationally. Popular locations for TESOL teachers include Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and South America, with many growing opportunities and incentives for prospective teachers. (For example, Chile has recently expressed a national goal to make the country bi-lingual in the next few years.)

TESOL teachers do not necessarily need to be native English speakers, but it is generally accepted that they need to have a solid command and understanding of the language. Most professional TESOL teachers are expected to have obtained a qualification, such as the Certificate IV in TESOL (11245NAT). Having an internationally recognised qualification such as this, can increase the number of potential job opportunities, and is an official endorsement of a teacher’s knowledge and skills in English language instruction.

Language learning approaches

TESOL teachers often incorporate multiple different teaching methods, in order to meet the needs and learning styles of students most effectively. These can include, but aren’t limited to:
  • Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) – An approach that puts emphasis on oral communication and authentic interaction. Common activities in CLT include role plays, discussions, debates, and interviews. CLT is an effective method to increase student confidence and ability to use English in real-life settings. Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT) is considered an offshoot of CLT.
  • Lexical Approach – An approach that instructs students recognise grammar patterns and build upon their vocabulary. By combining “chunks” of lexical phrases together, students can become proficient communicators.
  • Total Physical Response (TPR) – An approach that sees much success with younger and beginner students, particularly with kinaesthetic learning styles. TPR excels at teaching through listening and focuses on the coordination of language and movement. It is often taught alongside other approaches and incorporates games, action-based tasks and “learning by doing.”
  • Grammar-Translation method – An approach where students learn the grammatical rules between their native language and target language. This approach incorporates heavy textbook work and language drilling, and instruction is often given in the students’ native language. While this method is considered by some to be outdated, it is still used in some settings.
  • Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) – CALL is a generic term that describes the application of computer software into a language-learning concept. The accessibility and ease-of-use of the Internet, combined with the expansion of language-learning apps, social media, and video-chat services, has made it easier than ever for teachers to adapt material into a CALL resource. CALL software also encourages students to take charge of their learning.
Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) – An approach designed to immerse students in English language instruction. This is often taught by combining a learning subject with second language instruction, essentially teaching two subjects at once. For example, a student could be given a math class in English, improving their mathematical skills, but also expanding on their English vocabulary. With English being a “global language,” the need for qualified and skilled TESOL teachers remains higher than ever. Whether it is to improve their ability to communicate with native speakers, improve their quality of life in a new country, improve their academic or professional opportunities, or even just for fun, students all over the world, from all walks of life, are studying English every day. With a formal, internationally recognised qualification in TESOL, aspiring teachers can acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver engaging and effective language instruction to their students. Many people have found fulfilling and transformative careers through TESOL, by providing their students with the tools and confidence they need to improve their quality of life in today’s global, hyper-connected society. If you are interested to learn more or have any questions about the Certificate IV in TESOL offered by the Sydney Higher Education institute, please don’t hesitate to contact: info@sydneyinstitute.org

Quick Link

Online Study Apply Now Sitemap Terms and Conditions

Online Study

Support Team Dedicated Tutors Virtual Class Room

Contact

Sydney Higher Education Institute
Level 6, 187 Macquarie St
Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia

1300 794 683

info@sydneyinstitute.org

Sydney Higher Education Institute. RTO Code: 45393 © 2024 All Right Reserved.