Job Discussion Forums

[DeeLyrical]

I have been exploring online programs based in England. Two of them are accredited by ACTDEC: The English Training Centre (TESOL) https://www.englishtc.co.uk and Global English (TESOL) http://www.global-english.com/ Has anyone had any experience with either of these programs?

[Persuasion]

Save your money, DL, as these courses - in fact, ALL online EFL courses - are a complete waste of money. They are not recognised by ANY employer in the UK, and precious few abroad. The fact that the course-providers claim their courses are 'accredited' means nothing more than the fact that they have paid some self-appointed arbiters of training to say the courses are valid.

Online Tefl courses are well-known in the UK as being a good source of revenue for the providers, and a waste of time and money for the students who do them. No online course can ever prepare you for entering a classroom and trying to teach a complete bunch of strangers. If you really want to do a teacher-training course, go with either Trinity or Cambridge/RSA, or whatever they're called now.

[ossie39]

What is it about a 100 hour certificate that is supposed to make it so superior? Of course I refer to the so called teaching certificates of Trinity London and Cambridge. Some establishments refer to the courses as 'intensive' (crammer in other words) as though it is supposed to be positive to developing teaching skills over such a short time. They are generally good courses but not any better than open learning courses necessarily.

Of course those establishments, 'Cambridge' and 'London' wouldn't want to mislead people that they are actual qualifications of university level, would they? They only assess 6 lessons anyway. Providers of these courses make some profit I suppose! Can't be much different to on-line providers. The experience, qualifications and attitude of the trainers speak for themselves. What is that somehow a potential teacher can't read stuff on the web, from a book or correspondance pack but can only be educated at a day school provider? Is TEFL really that technical?

The willingness to form a validating body speaks positive volumes. It is actually wrong to say that some (if not most) correspondance courses are not recognised by recognised external bodies. This is evident from 'Book of Qualifications.' Then there is the subject content and methodology, is that going to vastly change between courses? No it doesn't. The 'British Council' recognises such courses as 'equal', and regarding very introductory courses, "Any training is better than none." QUOTE. As for teaching, nobody knows until the teacher gets into a real classroom in a position of employment. Much depends on the personal quality of the teacher. In reality, it depends on a teacher's ability to convince the interview in applications and demonstration lessons. Yes there are employed teachers from distant learning courses and yes there are unqualified teachers in employment too.

[ThomasGradgrind]

I'm with Persuasion here. Maybe a quick analogy will convince you. I mean, would you prefer to learn to drive by sitting in a real car, driving it on a real road in real conditions, and with a qualified instructor at your side; or an a'virtual driving' machine at home?

Could you learn to swim at home by just doing the movements you see in a book; or by going to the pool and getting your feet wet?

Online teaching courses are pure rubbish - everybody will tell you that, except the providers of course. Avoid them, or risk wasting a lot of money.

[DeeLyrical]

Thanks all for your opinions and posting of same.

After 30 years of librarianship and 30 years of acting in community theatre (both of which have provided invaluable transferable skills), I am currently teaching ESL to 23 individuals from 11 different countries in a local adult education program and I absolutely love it. This has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and I can't wait to get to work everyday.

After much research and debate I'm going with Ontesol's online program (through Coventry House in Canada). An online program will suit me just fine insofar as learning teaching theory, which is what I want.

I believe that the online training, combined with a year's classroom teaching experience (and references and letters of recommendation) should provide me with what I need to secure part-time employment overseas.

If nothing else, I'm confident that the online course will help to at least make me a better teacher in the job which I now hold. And if, in future, I determine that taking the CELTA would be beneficial (or necessary), then the online course would also be excellent preparation for that.

Cheers,

[Dedicated]

Hello DeeLyrical,

I have just read your post and I'm pleased you are enjoying your current teaching so much in an adult education programme.

However, may I just ask how old you are? It sounds as if you are 60+.
If you are thinking of working overseas, you should be aware that many countries do not hire over the age of 55. Also, a country that requires a visa expects full-time employment. I have never heard of a visa for part-time work.

You might want to look into this carefully. Without a formal TEFL qualification, you would be looking at bottom of the rung jobs.

[DeeLyrical]

Dedicated, thanks for taking the time to post. You are correct. I am 60+. I was born in Britain and plan to obtain my British passport and work in Europe.

After months and months of reading posts and researching this issue I have come to the conclusion that no matter what decision one makes there will never be a consensus of opinion on that decision. I don't question your knowledge - I'm sure you have very good reasons for stating your opinion; however, I have heard opinions quite to the contrary from several others. I think the only thing to do is to jump in and test the waters myself.

My students and colleagues and supervisor have all recognized my teaching skills, and at the very least, obtaining this training will help to make me a better teacher in the job I have now. (Also I have been offered work from another employer here in the U.S. once I have secured it.)

And if I end up in a teaching position "at the bottom of the rung" overseas? Well, so be it. I can always pack my bags and come home if it's that bad. (But I'll also have had the enrichment of experiencing another culture along with that BOTR job!) In the end, a person must weigh the advice of others and then simply make up their own mind and take a course of action. I've never been steered wrong when I have listened to my inner guide. I may be playing the gullible fool here (and end up in disappointment) or I may continue to have wonderful adventures - there have been many already! Only time will tell.

Cheers,
Deelyrical

[spiral78]

I realise your decision's already been taken, but for what it's worth - I've worked in Europe for 12+ years, and online courses are (in most cases and places) less than what most newbies fresh on the job market have.

Generally, reputable employers in the region really consider the supervised teaching practice in an on-site course the key to reputability.

Further, there are LOTS of onsite teacher training centres in European capitols - most notably Spain's major cities and Prague. They literally churn out thousands of certified newbies every year.

I realise that you will have some experience under your belt, and the letters of recommendation will be helpful, but the lack of supervision and feedback from experienced teacher trainers will be noted here.

Ultimately, the general situation is that with an online cert, your quals will be sub-par in the European region, though obviously you may well land something - no general advice is going to cover every single situation, of course.

[Dedicated]

Hello again DeeLyrical,

[DeeLyrical]

Hello Dedicated,

No, I was not aware of this. I was born in Torquay to an English mother and an American father.

Deelyrical