Online TEFL Certificate Courses

Module 1: Introduction to Teaching English as a Foreign Language

In this module we discuss advantages and disadvantages of popular teaching approaches and methods and look at common misconceptions of learning a language.

Module one contains the following unit:

1. Approaches and methods in TEFL

The 60 and 120 hour courses go into more detail on:

• Specific approaches and methods, such as
  • The Grammar Translation Method
  • The Direct Method
• A reflective survey on language assumptions
• Extra task option
• Knowledge vs Acquisition podcast

Module 2: Learning about English language

In this module, we analyse grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, receptive and productive skills from a learner’s perspective, helping you to better anticipate common problems your learners will encounter, and plan effective solutions for your classes.

Module two contains the following units:

1. Learning about grammar
2. Learning about vocabulary
3. Learning about phonology
4. Learning about receptive skills
5. Learning about productive skills

The 60 and 120 hour courses go into more detail on: 

• Connected speech

Module 3: Preparing lessons

In this module we look at effective lesson planning through writing specific aims and choosing appropriate lesson staging, as well as evaluating and adapting materials, and sharing activities with peers.

Module three contains the following units:

1. Lesson planning
2. Lesson staging
3. Using materials
4. Sharing activities

The 60 and 120 hour courses go into more detail on:

• Learner motivation
• Task planning
• Using course books
• Communicative activities

Module 4: Teaching techniques

In this module we cover key strategies for classroom management with specific reference to an online environment, how to present, elicit and concept check language, how to give effective instructions, how to monitor learners, check answers and correct errors, how to use drilling effectively, and how to assess learners.  

Module three contains the following units:

1. Online class management
2. Eliciting and concept checking
3. Giving and checking instructions
4. Monitoring and checking answers
5. Feedback and error correction
6. Drilling
7. Assessing learners

The 60 and 120 hour courses go into more detail on:

• In-person classroom management
• Grammar lesson video example
• Speaking lesson video example
• Monitoring and checking examples from the classroom
• Drilling specifics
• Assessing learners – washback effect

Module 5: Teaching language and skills

In this module we focus on the practical aspects of teaching grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, reading, listening, speaking and writing, and observe experienced teachers deliver lessons in-person and online. 

Module five contains the following units:

1. Teaching grammar
2. Teaching vocabulary
3. Teaching pronunciation 
4. Teaching receptive skills
5. Teaching productive skills

The 60 and 120 hour courses go into more detail on:

• Grammar teaching in action, with video lesson observation
• Planning what vocabulary to teach
• Vocabulary teaching in action with longer video example and tips
• Pronunciation teaching in action, with video example from the classroom
• Receptive skills teaching in action, with video example from the classroom
• Teaching speaking
• Teaching writing and the writing process

Module 6: Teaching in specific contexts

In this module we explore teaching young learners, teens and adults in academic and business contexts, as well as specific strategies for teaching online. 

Module six contains the following units:

1. Teaching one-to-one
2. Teaching young learners
3. Teaching teens and adults 
4. Teaching online 

The 60 and 120 hour courses go into more detail on:

• Teaching online (in-depth focus and advanced techniques)
• Teaching young learners (implications, classroom management and myths about young learner teaching)
• One-to-one teaching with young learners and associated myths
• Researching common ESOL exams (Trinity and Cambridge)

Module 7: Teacher pathways

In this module we discuss options for continuing professional development and different directions you can take in your teaching career. 

Module seven contains the following unit:

1. CPD and qualifications

The 60 and 120 hour courses go into more detail on:

• Reflective practice
• DipTESOL and DELTA
• Alternative careers in TESOL
• TEFL terms

Extra unit: Motivation

The Motivation unit reflects on previous learning and looks at extrinsic and intrinsic motivation. It also covers Harmer's angel analogy and looks at how to keep learners motivated and the practical application of these ideas.

Extra module: Teaching online

The Teaching online module covers the benefits and challenges of teaching online with practical ways to overcome challenges. You will learn how to use and share online tools, keep young learners engaged and see examples of online teaching in action.