Job Discussion Forums

[bexely2000]

There seem to be so many distance learning qualifications around, and coupled with the general disreputable nature of many internet 'things', how can you trust a company?

Go with a nice web site? That they re authenticated by some random body?

Hints and suggestions appreciated.



bexely2000

[Aramas]

This question comes up from time to time, so a search of the forum might prove useful.

Assuming you're referring to TEFL qualifications, the consensus seems to be that any course that doesn't involve lots of practical teaching experience is a waste of time and money. I'm not aware of any 'reputable' online TEFL qualifications.

[Sheep-Goats]

[sojourner]

Bexley,

What sorts of distance qualifications do you have in mind ? If you are thinking about doing a basic teaching qualification in order to get your foot inside the proverbial door, don't waste your time with online and distance education courses.The only sorts of short courses that reputable employers are interested in are those that involve the trainees having to teach actual students in actual classes - and such courses, by their very nature, can't be undertaken online.Thus, anyone contemplating entering the world of TESL should possess an actual teaching qualification, as well as a degree.The most basic qualifications would be those of 1 month's duration, such as CELTA and the Trinity certificate, both of which involves a component in which the trainee is assessed on his/her ability in teaching several classes of ESL students. Ideally, one should possess a proper teaching qualification, such as the UK's PGCE or Australia's Grad.Dip.Ed., B.Tchg, etc. Admitedly, at some institutions, certain subjects for such qualifications can be done online or via distance education - but you still need to be assessed by your lecturers when doing practice teaching .

If you are thinking about doing a Master's programme in TESOL or Applied Linguistics, by distance learning or online, make sure that the institution in question is a reputable university. In Australia, the institutions that provide such programmes are all quite reputable and are recognised by the relevant govt bodies. I'm currently enrolled in UNE's online MA (Applied Linguistics) programme. UNE is definitely NOT a 'diploma mill' !

UNE also has an M.Ed programme, in which you can do some TESOL units - however, not all units can be done online. Also, as a practicum may be involved , you'll have to arrange to teach at a school - and to be assessed - as this, I'd imagine, could be a real hassle, it might be best to do such a course as an internal student.

Apart from UNE, Macquarie and USQ also have online and distance learning Masters' programmes in areas involving Applied Linguistics, TESOL, and Education

Peter

[joshua2004]

I think if one recognizes the traditional method of teaching of how it "works", pouring information into empty student's minds, then you can see how online education has evolved.

However, if one recognizes there are superior methods of instruction then you might be inclined to not seek an entirely online education program.

My girlfriend is also trying to decide on whether to do an online masters of education program. Its three years long. It has NO practicum. I can�t see how it could be a quality education, having to talk with the teachers through email and not getting the crucial interaction with peers over the subject matter. On top of that, it is offered by one of the top schools in Mexico, Tec de Monterrey. I am telling her to look around.

[merlin]

I can count on one hand the times I actually talked to a professor in my 4 years of Bachelor's study (ok, to be honest it took me 7 years).

I can also count on one hand the number of professors who did anything besides just stand and speak from the same notes year after year. My face to face undergraduate studies were a series of "talking heads".

On the other hand online tutors rarely or never lecture and online discussions often bring new and fresh ideas to light due to the longer thinking period involved in asynchronous communication. There is more time to reflect and consider a response than there is in a face to face class discussion.

Instead, it more depends on the subject to be taught (learned). Of course things that have to be performed or skills that have to be show (like tennis) cannot be taught online. Teaching observation is less effective through video, I feel, so an actual teaching how to teach course should involve at least some face to face classes with real students.

[bexely2000]

Thanks for all your input.

I've already got an 'introductory TEFL' certificate which was one week long and had minimal teaching. I ve taught 2 summers in China, and was thus looking at getting an online TESOL thing, costing around �350, but, obviously, with no actual teaching.

Would it be horribly shallow of me to say that i don't give a rat's ass if it makes me a better teacher, i was just thinking/wondering it that �350 course would enable me to get a job paying >�350 per year? If you see what i mean.

Thanks all again

[Rice Paddy Daddy]