| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
gogogertie
Joined: 05 Dec 2004
Posts: 6
Location: Portland, OR USA
|
 Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2004 3:23 am Post subject: TEFL vs. TESOL |
 |
|
Hi all! I may be a wide-eyed newbie here but I have done my research and still can't find an objective answer to this basic question:
Is there any difference between these two certifications (TEFL/TESOL) in terms of quality or versatility? Does one carry more recognition than the other? Does the institution granting the certification make any difference in its legitimacy?
I'd like something that would allow me to work with any age group, in any country, and be from a school that offers life-long job support/prospects. I've already ruled out CELTA, DELTA, and online courses.
Any feedback is greatly appreciated!
-ggg  |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
shmooj
Joined: 11 Sep 2003
Posts: 1758
Location: Seoul, ROK
|
| Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2004 5:19 am Post subject: |
|
|
TEFL/TESOL - no difference to the vast majority of employers
Why shoot yourself in the foot and rule out CELTA/DELTA?
If you did so becuase the A in them is "adults" then what about the CELTYL or even the CELTYL Extension to the CELTA once you've got it?
Seems a tad of a knee-jerk reaction to knock what might well be the most solid courses in the world to get into TEFL |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
gogogertie
Joined: 05 Dec 2004
Posts: 6
Location: Portland, OR USA
|
| Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2004 6:34 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Seems a tad of a jerk reaction to offer advice so heavily clothed in presumption. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Ben Round de Bloc
Joined: 16 Jan 2003
Posts: 1946
|
| Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2004 11:18 am Post subject: |
|
|
| shmooj wrote: |
| Why shoot yourself in the foot and rule out CELTA/DELTA? |
The OP stated a desire to have a qualification that would allow working with any age group in any country. CELTA/DELTA wouldn't cut it if he/she wanted to work as an ESL teacher in regular public and private schools in the USA (the OP's home location) some day. To do that would most likely require a degree in TESOL or an endorsement from a university.
| gogogertie wrote: |
| Is there any difference between these two certifications (TEFL/TESOL) in terms of quality or versatility? Does one carry more recognition than the other? Does the institution granting the certification make any difference in its legitimacy? |
TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language) targets teaching English in places/countries where English is not the main language used, while TESOL (teaching English to speakers of other languages) covers both TEFL and TESL (teaching English as a second language.) TESL focuses on teaching English to non-English speakers in places/countries where English is the main language. In other words (perhaps overly simplified,) do TEFL if you want to teach abroad, TESL if you want to teach in your home country, and TESOL if you want to do both.
As for institutions and their legitimacy -- as well as course quality -- there's lots of variety to choose from. Naturally, some institutions offer better programs/courses than others. As you have probably already discovered, differences include the number of hours required to complete the courses, qualifications of instructors/trainers, practicum vs. no practicum, and whether or not the institutions are accredited. I think these are some of the main points regarding certification that employers who want certified teachers would consider.
(I'm not sure if this is the type of information you were looking for.) |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
shmooj
Joined: 11 Sep 2003
Posts: 1758
Location: Seoul, ROK
|
| Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2004 11:28 am Post subject: |
|
|
| gogogertie wrote: |
| Seems a tad of a jerk reaction to offer advice so heavily clothed in presumption. |
Take it or leave it. The more you provide, the less we will have to presume to give you tailor made advice.
And you want to check your language too. Did we leave out a knee or do you just like me? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
shmooj
Joined: 11 Sep 2003
Posts: 1758
Location: Seoul, ROK
|
| Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2004 11:35 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Ben Round de Bloc wrote: |
| shmooj wrote: |
| Why shoot yourself in the foot and rule out CELTA/DELTA? |
The OP stated a desire to have a qualification that would allow working with any age group in any country. CELTA/DELTA wouldn't cut it if he/she wanted to work as an ESL teacher in regular public and private schools in the USA (the OP's home location) some day. To do that would most likely require a degree in TESOL or an endorsement from a university. |
You're absolutely right (although I cringe at your wanton presumption  )and I would hope that no school in their right mind or of any real value would take someone for a graduate degree course without a few years experience in the field under their belt. To get that experience i.e. a first step on the ladder, you can do worse than get a CELTA which will open doors into some quality schools in order to get that experience.
Hard reading between the lines isn't it though... |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Ben Round de Bloc
Joined: 16 Jan 2003
Posts: 1946
|
| Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2004 5:32 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| shmooj wrote: |
| Hard reading between the lines isn't it though... |
Yes, it certainly can be.
| gogogertie wrote: |
| Any feedback is greatly appreciated! |
Obviously, gogogertie didn't really mean it. Smooj, watch those jerk reactions especially when your advice is so heavily clothed. Also, it would probably be easier to watch your jerk reactions if your advice were naked. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
gogogertie
Joined: 05 Dec 2004
Posts: 6
Location: Portland, OR USA
|
| Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2004 7:23 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Hey Ben Round - thanks a heap. Do you know any specific names of the "better" institutions? If not, then what sort of hours or training buzzwords should I be looking for?
Shmooj - Ha! Cute.
Thanks again!
-ggg |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
