Job Discussion Forums

[Saudi4Ever]

If a person has been teaching for several years and according to new regulations all teachers regardless of experience and degree are to have some sort of TEFL certification, what is the simplest way of just getting a certificate on record. The school is pretty much winking at you saying just get anything so that the Quality Control department leaves them alone.

[BadBeagleBad]

If you think you�d pass you can just take the TKT, but you would need to study for it Or do an online course.

[johnslat]

Dear BadBeagleBad,

FIrst time I'd heard of that:

What does TKT involve?
Most teachers are likely to follow a preparation course before taking the test but you can also prepare yourself through your own reading and study, if you prefer.

TKT has three core modules. These can be taken together in one exam session or separately, in any order, over three sessions. Each module consists of a test of 80 objective questions, lasting 80 minutes, which require you to select the correct answer and mark this on a computerised answer sheet.

Module 1 � Language and background to language learning and teaching:

describing language and language skills
background to language learning
background to language teaching
Module 2 � Planning lessons and use of resources for language teaching:

planning and preparing a lesson or sequence of lessons
selection and use of resources and materials.
Module 3 � Managing the teaching and learning process:

teachers' and learners' language in the classroom
classroom management.
TKT uses a glossary of English language teaching terminology that is regularly reviewed and revised to ensure that all modules reflect continuing developments in core areas of teaching knowledge. The current glossary, released in March 2011, can be downloaded from the link on this page.

Results
Results for TKT are described as being in one of four band scores, 1-4.

TKT band descriptors (PDF 17Kb)
This document outlines what each of the four band scores means in terms of ability for each of the three core TKT modules.

There is no Pass/Fail. Every candidate receives a certificate for each module taken.

TKT results are issued through centres approximately two weeks after receipt of answer sheets by Cambridge ESOL.

Resources available
TKT All Modules brochure (PDF 1.6Mb)
TKT handbook and sample papers (PDF 930Kb)
TKT Information for Candidates (PDF 408Kb)
TKT Glossary (PDF 403Kb)
Online Teacher Resources
Summary regulations for candidates (PDF 59Kb)
Four other modules of TKT are available - these can be added to the three modules above, or can each be taken completely independently
TKT: Practical - NEW
This award offers teachers the opportunity to gain certification for their practical teaching abilities, and can be taken at any stage in their career.

TKT: Content and Language Integrated Learning
TKT: Content and Language Integrated Learning tests a candidate�s knowledge of Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) and the practice of planning, teaching and assessing curriculum subjects taught in English.

CLIL describes an evolving approach to teaching and learning where subjects are taught and studied through the medium of a non-native language. In CLIL, learning a curricular subject in a second, third or sometimes fourth language involves drawing on effective pedagogical practice from a range of different educational contexts.

TKT: Knowledge About Language
English teachers need to be both linguistically aware and able to understand the difficulties students may encounter in the language learning process. To help meet this need, TKT: Knowledge About Language tests a candidate�s knowledge of the language systems needed by teachers for planning and teaching their lessons.

TKT: Young Learners
This module tests knowledge of concepts related to young learner learning and development, knowledge about planning young learner lessons and knowledge of teaching strategies, practice activities and resources used to support and challenge learning. Informal assessment of young learners' work is also an area of knowledge that is tested.

Entries for TKT: Practical; TKT: Content and Language Integrated Learning;TKT: Knowledge about Language and TKT: Young Learners can be made at approved centres.

Please note: existing TKT centres do not need to re-apply to become TKT: Practical or CLIL/KAL/YL centres.

http://www.cambridgeesol.org/exams/teaching-awards/tkt.html

Regards,
John

[Saudi4Ever]

Thanks BBB and John. TKT sounds exactly like what the teacher wants, but not whatt the employer is asking for.They areasking for a CELTA or an equivalant TEFL certificate of 120 hours. I guess what I am asking is if any of the online TEFL course will allow you to take the test and get certified in one day! What exactly are on these test anyway?

[nomad soul]

Saudi4Ever, it appears the employer's expectation is a certificate with at least 6 hours of supervised practice teaching. An online, one-day TEFL certificate program (if one exists) wouldn't cut it.

[spiral78]

Nomadsoul is correct: if your employer wants a CELTA or equivalent, you will have to do a face-to-face course lasting at least one month.

[nomad soul]

Saudi4Ever, what's the issue with taking a valid, 120-hour certificate course? There doesn't seem to be any other option if that's what the employer requires.

[Saudi4Ever]

The issue is the sense of urgency to sign the contract by September 1st.

[nomad soul]

It appears the only options are 1) applying somewhere else where a TEFL cert isn't needed, or 2) biting the bullet and taking time off to complete the requisite cert and then reapplying for the old job. On a positive note, by having a valid TEFL certificate/CELTA, you'd qualify for better paying teaching gigs and have more choices.