TESL/TEFL Curriculum and Information

Course Outline | Course Curriculum | Job Placement | Questions | Advice

Course Outline

Observed Practice Teaching
Participants will get a minimum of six hours of practice teaching.

Interactive classes in teaching all the basic skills
Participants will take classes in teaching speaking, listening, grammar, reading, writing, and pronunciation. These courses will combine lecture, interaction and demonstration.

Mentoring sessions with ALI trainers
Trainers will work with participants in small groups to discuss their progress in the program and issues in EFL/ESL.

Observation of real EFL/ESL classes
Participants will observe actual classes taught by experienced teachers, and will volunteer as teacher's assistants in many of these classes.

Entrance and exit test on grammatical terminology
TESL/TEFL Certificate participants will be given an extensive test and take a ten-hour class on English grammar.

Exit test on EFL methodology and terminology
This test, which will combine short-answer, multiple-choice and short essay questions, will test participants on their knowledge of EFL/ESL concepts, terms, and applications. The test will be based on materials covered in the modules during the four weeks.

Daytime classes will meet from 9 am-4:30 pm Monday-Friday.
Nighttime classes will meet from 6-9 pm Tuesday and Thursday (32 hours of observation and student teaching are required between the hours of 9 am-3 pm, Monday-Thursday).

Curriculum

The TESL/TEFL Certificate curriculum represents the combined efforts of the ALI faculty as well as specialists in other aspects of language education. The participant will receive an overview of EFL methodology, specific techniques for planning and implementing lessons in all the language-acquisition skill areas, and specific techniques for communicating successfully with all levels of students. Additionally, the TESL/TEFL Certificate program will include several specialized modules, which are designed to prepare the participant for the job market, for adjusting to living in a new country, and for success in a variety of teaching environments. These modules include:

• Teaching TOEFL/TOEIC
  Participants will learn the basic methodologies and materials for preparing students for the TOEFL and TOEIC tests. EFL teachers with the ability to teach TOEFL and TOEIC are often paid at a higher rate.
• Teaching Business English
  This module provides TESL/TEFL Certificate participants with a basic overview of the methodology they need to teach English for business, which will open up additional work opportunities for them.
• Teaching Young Learners
  This module provides trainees with useful techniques, including songs, games, kinesthetics, and TPR (Total Physical Response) that will enable them to work more effectively with children. The ability to teach young learners will increase one's job prospects.
• Classroom Management
  Trainees will be prepared to manage and to control classes with large numbers of students, and the module will provide trainees with specific techniques for managing student behavior in a variety of settings.
• Job-hunting and Working Abroad
  This special seminar, taught by instructors who have worked in many countries, and who specialize in the topic, is a detailed introduction to looking for and finding a good position at a reputable school, creating a CV/resume, adjusting to life abroad, and succeeding both in and out of the classroom. The seminar includes information about specific countries and information on resources for new job-seekers.
• Cross-cultural Adjustment
  Ranging from general topics to specific cultural practices, this seminar will provide trainees with an overview of cultural differences and how they affect a teacher living abroad, as well as with information and resources for specific countries.
• Developing and Using Games in EFL Classrooms
  Games are an important teaching tool and can be used with all levels and ages of students. TESL/TEFL Certificate trainees will be shown how to develop and use their own games, and will also be given games ready for use.
• Kinesthetics in EFL
  Kinesthetics (incorporating body movement and the use of the tactile sense in learning) is a crucial and often underutilized technique in language teaching. This class will demonstrate the use of kinesthetics in the EFL/ESL classroom in a variety of interactive exercises.
• English Grammar
  This 10-hour module, which includes an entrance and exit test, is a comprehensive overview of American Standard English grammar, including verb tenses and moods, parts of speech, and specialized terms. A working knowledge of English grammar is essential for success as a teacher in foreign countries.

Job Placement Assistance

Graduates have received jobs in China, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Chile, Brazil, Costa Rica, Saudi Arabia, and many other countries.

After graduating from the American Language Institute's TESL/TEFL Certificate Program, you will have job opportunities worldwide.

Over the course of nearly three decades SDSU's American Language Institute has steadily built its reputation around the world as a premier site for English language instruction and teacher training. Since its inception in 1974, the ALI has developed strong relationships with universities, private schools, ministries of education in many countries, and multinational companies. These resources and contacts will provide TESL/TEFL Certificate graduates with enhanced marketability at schools, universities, companies, and language centers around the world, all eager to hire teachers with top qualifications.

The ALI will provide job placement assistance for all graduates in good standing. Graduates receive assistance in resume writing, practicing interview skills, access to job placement files, and a list of job links and schools.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don't know English grammar very well?
Most native speakers don't know English grammar well, so we have a ten-hour grammar component to the program so that graduates are prepared for this part of their future work.

How can I find a job in TEFL?
The ALI provides details of future employment and professional development opportunities to all candidates and successful TESL/TEFL Certificate graduates. Also professional development input sessions are given to help you find a job.

Are the course fees refundable?
See the Official Refund/Withdrawal Policy for more information.

Are the TESL/TEFL Certificate participants eligible for student loans?
Educational Loans are available through several government programs for financial aid. Contact Jason Greeno for more information.

What books can I read about teaching EFL?
When you are accepted into the TESL/TEFL Certificate program, you are given a recommended reading list with your acceptance letter.

I don't speak any languages other than English. Will this be a problem?
No. When teaching English, teachers should focus on using only English in the classroom. While knowing the local language of the country is useful, many if not most of the TESL/TEFL graduates have worked successfully without knowing the local language.

Can I be accepted into the TESL/TEFL Certificate program if English is not my first language?
Yes. Non-native applicants are welcome to apply. Applicants must have a high-level command of the English language.

Advice

The TESL/TEFL Certificate daytime program is very intensive, so we suggest that you make sure you can devote your full energy to it. It is also crucial to communicate well with your trainers, your mentors, and your fellow participants.

• Disregard any preconceived ideas about teaching EFL before starting the TESL/TEFL Certificate. It is imperative that you keep an open mind.
• You'll come across a lot of people from different generations and backgrounds. Rely on each other and make friends with one another. Excellent help comes from your classmates. They really keep you going and their presence makes it all the work worthwhile.
• The TESL/TEFL Certificate is a graduate-level intensive program, so prepare yourself for a lot of work!
• Free up your schedule during these four weeks. Do not underestimate the time requirement for this course. This is not a vacation course, so schedule vacation time for before or after the course.
• It is critical that you are mentally focused and determined. Devote your full concentration to the individual sessions.
• You must be very dedicated and determined if you want to get through this course successfully.
• Careful time management is required to successfully complete the TESL/TEFL Certificate.