There are many reasons why a current or future
teacher of
english may complete a
tefl course-- to become more a more effective
teacher, to advance their career, and to build confidence are just a few. No matter what the reason, teaching
english as a foreign language can be difficult, and it is always best to undertake adequate training and preparation to ensure the students are able to come away from the class knowing more than when they first started.
A
tefl course can help a
teacher think long-term about the course and how best to build an adequate lesson plan. To ensure lessons are not too advanced or too difficult for students, it is important to build upon past lessons and to take into consideration the students' struggles and needs to create an overall cohesive learning experience. By learning how to create proper lesson plans,
teachers can keep the context of the lesson plan in mind, keep a record of the lessons completed, and note any subject material students may have struggled with.
Building confidence is also important before entering the classroom. Standing in front of a classroom of students who do not share the same language with you can be intimidating and nerve-racking. However, students look to the
teacher as a leader and expect the
teacher to have confidence and to provide a well-planned course. It is important for the
teacher to feel comfortable in front of a class and to be able to present the material clearly and concisely. Taking a
tefl course can help an inexperienced
teacher feel more prepared before entering the classroom, understand expectations, and anticipate problems.
Additionally, while individuals who grew up with
english as their first language are fluent, many do not actually understand many of the nuances and grammar behind the language. A
tefl course provides an opportunity for the individual to “freshen up” on grammar, and to even learn additional grammar. A
tefl course also gives an insight into how non-
english speakers may perceive
english grammar and ideas on how to clarify many of the different forms and rules.
Finally, teaching
english in foreign countries has quickly risen to become a sought after occupation, and in turn it has become more and more competitive over the years. Many schools are now requiring
teachers to have completed a CELTA or
tefl course before being considered for a position. While CELTA provides excellent training and can give an applicant a competitive edge, many people find the course expensive and are unable to take the time off to attend a weeks-long course. Completing a
tefl course is affordable, can often be completed on the student's own time, and it can still open many doors to positions in foreign countries.
Whatever a
teacher's reason may be to complete a
tefl course, a
tefl course can give the
teacher additional insight into how to create effective lesson plans and how to construct a positive classroom experience for the students. Additionally, a
tefl course can open the doors to numerous teaching opportunities abroad and give the
teacher the opportunity to travel and learn from different cultures.