TEFL Downs Chapel Delaware

There are a number of important reasons why any person, considering teaching english, should complete a tefl course. I, for one, could not decide whether or not to complete the course. Being a native-speaker of english, I could not think of reasons why it was necessary to complete the course. A question I kept asking myself was whether it is all that necessary to do the course. The only reason I could think of was that a teacher with a tefl certification would possibly be qualified to receive a higher salary than others who do not possess it. Is it not enough that an english teacher enjoys teaching and is a native-speaker of english? Hence, in order to answer my question, I decided to do some research to find out about the benefits of obtaining a tefl certificate. There was bound to be an explanation as to why so many people complete a tefl course every year. Through my research, among others, I came to realize that although native-speakers of english use grammar correctly they may not always be aware of the grammar they are using or why. Although teaching english without a clear knowledge of grammar might be possible, the teacher would soon come to see the gaps that exist in his/her teaching. In fact, he/she will not be able to satisfactorily answer questions regarding grammar or explain various grammar structures. This information should, of course, not frighten away native-speakers. Since they have always been using grammar, identifying and learning grammar will come quite naturally and easily while completing a tefl course. It is a fact that something that comes so naturally to a native-speaker may be the most difficult thing for a student learning english to comprehend. Therefore, substantial knowledge of, for instance grammar, receptive or productive skills, is crucial when teaching english. The teacher needs to be at a level where he/she is able to accurately explain certain structures of the english language. As mentioned in unit one of the ITTT tefl course, a teacher needs to be knowledgeable in his/her subject. Even if all other factors of being a great teacher are met, lack of this important factor will ultimately prevent the students from relying on the teacher's teachings. Moreover, being a native-speaker in english does not mean that the person will automatically have the skills to teach english. It is a skill that needs to be taught and obtained through practical implementation of the theory learnt. For instance, through the tefl course, I have learnt how to structure and plan lessons according to the different levels of students. I have learnt that different and specific approaches should be used to teach students of various categories such as english for business people. Another reason why it is beneficial to complete a tefl course is because of the support system that comes along with the courses. teachers will not only receive invaluable skills in teaching english, but will be provided with assistance in finding jobs, job applications and provide information on various countries where they could potentially teach english. Unless, the teacher is not intending to teach english in his/her country of origin, it would be a good idea to receive essential information of other countries and information on the teaching jobs available there. This would definitely be a safer route to take. In short, there are only advantages in completing the tefl course. A teacher can only gain from the course. This is, of course, merely my own viewpoint, but I have no doubt that many people who have taken the tefl course will agree. Sources: 1. http://www.teflcorp.com/articles/45-tefl-why-complete-a-tefl-tesol-course/136-why-complete-a-tefl-course.htm 2. ITTT online tefl course units