I have recently completed an online teaching qualification with TEFL, teaching English as a foreign language. This was a really useful course for me in a number of ways. Firstly, I am increasingly finding myself teaching international students which I love doing – and this course has helped me see the English language through their eyes. It is an incredibly difficult language to master, there are so many nuances and idiomatic words and phrases that native speakers take for granted.
However the course has also taught me about teaching itself and I’m pleased that TEFL also aligns with my own teaching philosophy of getting the students to do the work in class. TEFL are really keen on large amounts of Student Talking Time in class, and this was a really interesting perspective. They have really useful teaching structures to follow and lots of useful tips and tricks to keep students engaged: before, during and after class.
I’m looking forward to continuing my journey with TEFL and have already signed up to further courses – I’d highly recommend their courses, if you are involved with teaching home, or international, students.