Korean Job Discussion Forums

[monnymite]

Hello.

I have applied for a job, which they say I am suitable, but to be considered I need a TEFL.. they gave me a few online course website and weekend intensive programs.

My predicament is, which one to do?

70 hour online course?

100 hour online course?

Weekend intensive course?

I know in Asia you don't particularly need a TEFL but this one seems to be well paid and good hours...

are online courses even good?

what to do!

[Vimfuego]

I wouldn't bother with either unless there is some actual 'in class' time, both you teaching and you observing other teachers.

[monnymite]

[nycbabyblue67]

I don't think it matters to your potential employer.
That said, I did a 60 hour weekend classroom intensive in NYC. It was held all day Sat and Sunday for 3 consecutive weekends.
I think I got more out of the classroom experience than I would have had I done it online.
We did mock lesson plans in small groups and presented them to the rest of the class. At the end, there was a practicum, which required each of us to create a lesson plan, present it and receive a written evaluation.
The hands on practice was vaulble, because it boosted my confidence. It also gave me a chance to see different teaching styles and pick up ideas for lessons.
My instructor was great, in the sense that she had taught in Japan for 5 years and shared her expereinces with us. I also met and made friends with people who went/are planning to teach in abroad, so I have people to visit all over the world.

[noobteacher]

If you want the pay raise, it will have to be 100 hours or more. I would suggest doing a search as there are tons of other threads. The nitty gritty is basically that if you're doing it for the pay raise, do a cheap online TEFL/TESOL course. If you want to make teaching your career, want more in-depth experience, etc. then do CELTA/DELTA, etc.

[sunnata1]

I have 18 months of teaching experience in China and I just finished my first semester in Korea. I wanted to do a TESOL cert course just to have a little foundation to what I do in the classroom.

I signed up for a 100 hour online course - 20 units that take around 5 hours per unit to complete (read, study, worksheet/quiz.)

I've only completed 4 units - I'm doing about a unit per day - but I've found the material professional and my online tutor helpful.

Since I have lots of classroom experience and have attending plenty of workshops I can easily apply the material being covered to my previous experiences. When spring semester begins I'll use some of info in my lessons.

So for me, since I have classroom experience I felt that I didn't need a program where I had to attend classes in person.

As a side note - I signed up for the TESOL cert program for personal/profession development. I'm not looking for a bump in pay but it might be helpful if I pursue an university position in the future.

[monnymite]

thank you for your advice.. I have found this online course, anyone think this is worth it??? at �140 roughly $260 if two people sign up...

http://www.teflcorp.com/tefl_which_course.htm