TEFL Dushanbe

I have personally gained a lot from this course. I started the course with no knowledge of how or what to teach or knowledge of english grammar. I did however come to the course with the experiences of living in a country where people do not speak english, and with the general life experiences of working and raising children – as well as being a native english speaker. These experiences have enabled me to benefit fully from the course and will help with putting in to action the theories and practices of the course. Firstly I now have a good working knowledge of how the english language is structured. It is essential to know your subject if you are going to teach it; it is not enough to be a native speaker. Many students will expect to gain an understanding of the grammar structures - particularly if their schooling in their native language was grammatically based. This, I believe is the case with french students, as their schooling in their native language covers the structure of the language. Another related point is that each language is different and structures do not simply translate like for like from one language to another. In some languages word order is different, tenses are formed in different ways, articles may not be used and so on. Secondly, I learnt the methodology of teaching a language, ie the framework of how to teach. In particular the use of Engage activities to get the students thinking in english and to create a relaxed environment; study activities where students learn or revise structures or vocabulary and practice them in a controlled way; and activate activities where the focus is on free speech and fun. Thirdly, I feel confident now about what to teach and at what level. I have a good understanding about what students should be learning and at what level and also what materials and teaching aids I need to achieve this . I have been able to put the course into practice with a group of adult beginners and also during the combined course in paris where the level ranged from child beginners to advanced students. My general plan is to teach to small adult groups, but teaching to children and business english classes are equally of interest.