Job Discussion Forums

[andysedlak]

Has anybody went through the TESOL training program at ACT TESOL in Guangzhou, China? If so, what is your opinion of the program?

To anybody else, what is your opinion of such certification programs in general? Are the programs widely accepted by schools inside and outside of China? It seem strange to me that the TESOL certification program in my home state (at the University of Wisconsin-Madison) takes three semesters to complete and requires 336 classroom hours while the program at the ACT center in Guangzhou only takes one month to complete. I appreciate any and all opinions.

[AnomanderRake]

I just completed an online 50 hour Tesol course from linguaedge.com. I actually learned a lot. ...and I did a cram of completing it in 8 days. It is certified and pretty informative if your looking at just needing the certificate.

[nickpellatt]

I cant comment on that program as I dont know it BUT the standard entry level minimum requirement for TEFL courses is that they offer 120 hours of instruction and have a minimum of 6 hours observed teaching with feedback. That observed teaching must involve teaching genuine EFL students (not other trainees). So a one month course is pretty standard, think CELTA and Trinity etc.

The Uni module you mention may or may not 'match up' in the eyes of many employers if it doesnt involved observed teaching practice. This is seen as the key feature for many employers.

Some employers (but not many) in China may insist on this minimum requirement, almost all employers in the EU do, and this may extend to other countries too. It often isnt a legal requirement, but as the market becomes more competitive, having a proper recognised cert is bound to help in a) securing a job and b) in doing a good job.

TBH ... a TEFL course in China, may not be recognised outside of China, unless it is accredited by a recognised body. The certified course mentioned above wouldnt cut it in the accreditation stakes IMO. Lots of thread on the newbie forum about such claims and courses.

Bear in mind many/most employers in China wont require this courses either.

I personally think all teachers should do a proper course, with teaching practicum and so I could never say they are a bad idea. I do think doing one in China, with someone who may not be accredited, may not be the best idea. If a CELTA or Trinity was available elsewhere....that would always be my first choice.

[Non Sequitur]

In China's public schools colleges and unis, an ESL qual is a 'nice to have' as far as the employer is concerned. Not essential, although as some have mentioned this will change.
The advantage from my viewpoint is the confidence it gives you as a newbie teacher to tackle the task particularly if, as is likely, you are confronted with a big class to be taught Oral English.
Having a lesson plan with a beginning a middle and an end PLUS that all important minimising of TTT (teacher talk time) are key to your enjoyment of teaching and the progress of your students.
Witnessing a non ESL qualified teacher in his 5th or 6th year talking for 90% of the class time in an Oral English class is excrutiating.
On the 'which course?' aspect my course was class time plus online modules. Grammar was my stumbling block. But I got there and I doubt I was asked a grammar question ever.