Teacher Training Schools
Teachers Latin America offers a TEFL certificate course via the Internet. While cheaper than attending the TEFL certificate course, there are disadvantages to selecting online study.
The Internet as a study-medium does not allow you to engage in practice teaching with peers and real language students. Employers demand experience in front of real students. Solely studying an Online TEFL course will disqualify you from directly starting a teaching job in most places in the world.
To overcome this problem, Teachers Latin America will recommend selecting an Internship after completing the TEFL Online course, and prior to starting a regular TEFL position.
The Online TEFL Program is similar to the TEFL course, with slight modifications for study by mixed correspondence and online. Online TEFL students can work at their own pace.
The Online TEFL Program is divided into three sections, covering 13 chapters of the TEFL Coursebook, accompanying online review and testing, and finishing with an online written exam.
SECTION 1 : Introduction to EFL teaching
This section will introduce TEFL students to the theories behind EFL teaching. Critical teaching skills are introduced and the motivations of EFL students are examined, as well as consideration of Latin American socioeconomic history and current affairs.
The section will continue with a look at the elements of language present in native speakers and EFL students and how they should be presented in a classroom. Cultural differences will be highlighted, and teaching theories will be further detailed.
Covering Chapters 1-4, special Chapter on Latin America Culture in the classroom, and Case Study Project days 1 and 2.
Recommended study time: 20 - 30 hours
SECTION 2 : In the Classroom
Section 2 exposes the TEFL students to the everyday methods of classwork. This section will examine Productive Skills, Receptive Skills, Introducing New Language Structures, Communicative Activities, Teaching Vocabulary, and Practice. Here the TEFL student will become familiar with teaching materials, and learn to design and deliver various lessons covering the four basics: Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening.
Covering Chapters 5-10 and Case Study Project days 3-6.
Recommended study time: 30 - 40 hours
SECTION 3 : Class Management and Planning
Section 3 examines in more detail the necessities of planning and class management. The TEFL student will learn about the administration of classes, the assignment of groups and study material, and how to properly assess a language learning system.
Covering Chapters 11 and 12 and Case Study Project day 7 and Project Presentation.
Recommended study time: 10 - 15 hours