Job Discussion Forums

[ames0523]

Hi everyone, i am concerned about which online TEFL course i should take. I've read that online courses are not recommanded since there's no practicum, but i think online is the best option for me right now.

Because:
1) I will be going to Taiwan this May, so basically i only have 1 1/2 month left to do my certificate. Therefore, i am really short on time, since i have full time school (2nd yr undergrad) and a part-time job.

2) I am planning to teach little kids, such as kindergarten age 4-6ish), and this is only a summer job b/c i'll be returning to Vancouver in Sept. So i guess teaching little kids you wouldn't be required to teach them grammar and all those hard stuff! And i have 2 yrs of experience working in a childcare as a teacher's assistant. So i guess i am pretty experienced around kids.

3) I can't afford a on-site course! B/C i am poor! All those tuition costs.......and now my money's gone!!!

So, my only option is an online course and best if it's 40 HRS!!! And i was thinking if i am able to find a job (which i probably will) then i'll be able to obtain teaching experiences that could be useful in the future! (which then = practicum since employers only want to know if you can handle real life situations right?)

Anyway, it would be great if i can get any advice at all! thx in advance!!
Amy

[tedkarma]

Not everyone can afford a full course - but any training is better than no training at all. So, good for you that you are considering getting at least something.

I think lots of people on the board here have taken a short on line course - so they can tell you what their experience was.

In the absence of observed teaching practice, and since you are most likely going to take a very short course - I would suggest looking for a course that spends most of its time on what to do in the classroom - and less time on theory and terminology.

See if you can find something that focuses specifically on kids, as that is your focus, and look for lots of ideas about activities and games that are related to the language you will want/need to teach.

Kids are an altogether different animal from teaching adults and require that you have a very active class, be much better prepared, and have lots of back up in case your class runs short. Songs, activities, games - and how to use them to teach language - would be most helpful.

Just my opinion.