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This is how our TEFL graduates feel they have gained from their course, and how they plan to put into action what they learned:
There are a number of reasons why someone would want to study a tefl course. From my limited experience the main reason, I believe, that many people study tefl, is to teach english in another country, and in being paid to do so, can live there for a period of time.
My reason for studying tefl is different. The Government of the country I live in has decided correctly, I believe, that all foreign english language teachers must have a qualification to do so. Previously, a foreigner simply had to have a University degree and be a native speaker.
As I was already in-country, me studying a tefl course was not so much about a career change but rather in response to a Government shift in policy.
That being said, I knew that I was not a knowledgeable teacher of the english language. While I think that I speak english correctly, am a good reader and speller of english, my knowledge of grammar, structure, parts of speech and use of various tenses, for example, was very limited.
If a student was to ask me prior to studying this course, what is the difference between a present simple tense and a present continuous tense, I would simple tense up!
I knew what to say however I could not explain to a student why I would say what I said.
Understanding that this course I am now completing is a general introduction to teaching english, I have learnt a great deal about the constructs of my mother tongue.
The course has given me a desire to learn more about how the english language is formed and the many terms that, honestly, I cannot ‘for the life of me’ remember studying, either in secondary school or at University. The course materials were an eye-opener for me to the complexities of the english language.
Of particular interest to me was the study of phonology and of understanding the phonemes. I had seen the phonemes listed on boards in a few cities in my classroom experience but had never taken the time to study and know these, so as to be better equipped to teach and help students know and use these valuable tools.
The course has also helped me in my teaching skills, in 2 main areas. The unit on Class management was very helpful, understanding how to use my voice, eyes and physical presence in the class, as well as understanding more on grouping students for control.
One of the best things to come from the course was learning about lesson planning and especially in learning about Harmer’s ‘ESA’ model as a workable framework for planning my lessons.
I have found this model one that suits me in that I like structure; but a structure I can jump from at any time. Being one who can easily get distracted, the have this ‘ESA’ model has helped me to be a more effective and efficient teacher.
I also appreciated the many resources and Internet links listed during the course, which have helped me begin to research and store any number of resources, from being able to print graph paper to my style, a myriad of games suitable for all ages, to academic papers about the effectiveness of various lesson plans and lesson content.
The DVD’s, which came as part of the course, were shared among 2 colleagues and myself and I found them to be a great complement to the reading materials from each of the Units.
Studying the tefl course has given me a much greater competency and confidence in my teaching, which I hope, in turn, will benefit the students as they develop competency and confidence to use this wonderful language.
