(Cert TEFL) Certificate
Teaching English as a Foreign Language
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Language and Linguistics
Colchester Campus
Diploma Higher Education
By credit accumulation
CTFLX162
10/05/2023
Details
Professional accreditation
None
Admission criteria
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code
Course qualifiers
A course qualifier is a bracketed addition to your course title to denote a specialisation or pathway that you have achieved via the completion of specific modules during your course. The
specific module requirements for each qualifier title are noted below. Eligibility for any selected qualifier will be determined by the department and confirmed by the final year Board of
Examiners. If the required modules are not successfully completed, your course title will remain as described above without any bracketed addition. Selection of a course qualifier is
optional and student can register preferences or opt-out via Online Module Enrolment (eNROL).
None
Rules of assessment
Rules of assessment are the rules, principles and frameworks which the University uses to calculate your course progression and final results.
Additional notes
None
External examiners
External Examiners provide an independent overview of our courses, offering their expertise and help towards our continual improvement of course content, teaching, learning, and assessment.
External Examiners are normally academics from other higher education institutions, but may be from the industry, business or the profession as appropriate for the course.
They comment on how well courses align with national standards, and on how well the teaching, learning and assessment methods allow students to develop and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and skills needed to achieve their awards.
External Examiners who are responsible for awards are key members of Boards of Examiners. These boards make decisions about student progression within their course and about whether students can receive their final award.
Programme aims
The Essex Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) is as an initiate level qualification for EFL teachers. Its aims are:
1. To equip students with a range of practical skills required to teach English.
2. To equip students with the subject, methodological and resource knowledge to allow them to begin to plan for and deliver effective lessons.
3. To enable students to develop as teachers by providing opportunities for them to put theory into practice;.
4. To develop a range of skills required in the evaluation and production of teaching materials.
5. To enhance knowledge of the theory and research underpinning current TEFL methodology.
6. To provide opportunities for students to develop the ability to provide effective feedback to peers;.
7. To foster the ability in students to critically reflect upon their own teaching practices and those of others as part of their on-going professional development.
8. To enable students to plan, adapt and critically evaluate their teaching, independently of a tutor, to meet the differing and changing needs of learners.
9. To foster an awareness of collaborative practice and of how to contribute to the professional development of other teachers.
Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods
On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:
A: Knowledge and understanding
A1: Understanding of current TEFL methodology and the theory behind it
A2: Understanding of the interface between theory and practice in ELT
A3: Knowledge and understanding of standard and current TEFL terminology
A4: Understanding of EFL learning processes and behaviours
A5: Knowledge of the English language as a system and its use, including grammar,
vocabulary and phonology and how to analyse them for teaching purposes
A6: An understanding of the key role of reflective practice in EFL
Learning methods
Knowledge and understanding of outcomes A1-A5 is acquired through a mix of workshops and seminars, directed and non-directed reading and individual and group tasks. Knowledge and understanding of A6 is acquired throughout the course
Assessment methods
A1- A6 outcomes are assessed by means of written assignments on a range of topics, evaluation of teaching materials and lesson plans produced, microteaching and evaluation of teaching skills by means of 1-1 feedback with the observing lecturer.
B: Intellectual and cognitive skills
B1: Analyse, evaluate and reflect upon lessons taught and observed
B2: An ability to apply appropriate theories/knowledge to classroom practice and to derive theory from practice
B3: An ability to engage in independent study and planning for teaching
B4: An ability to plan and teach effective and appropriate lessons on three language levels (Beginner, Intermediate and advanced), based upon consideration of learner needs and backgrounds
B5: An ability to locate and select information from reputable ELT sources and reference appropriately
Learning methods
Intellectual and cognitive skills B1-B5 are practised throughout the course, in workshops, seminars, Teaching Practice (TP) preparation sessions, TP feedback groups and tutorials.
Assessment methods
B1-B4 are assessed through a combination of TP classes, lesson plans, feedback sessions, written reflections and reflective log. B5 is mainly assessed through coursework, which requires from students to complete lesson plans by reference to ELT sources and the relevant literature in the field.
C: Practical skills
C1: Demonstrate the ability to deliver a range of structured and effective English Language Teaching lessons
C2: An ability to design handouts and other visual aids to accompany English Language Teaching sessions
C3: An ability to evaluate, adapt and develop teaching materials and ideas for teaching procedures
C4: Demonstrate the ability to write lesson plans following the appropriate conventions
Learning methods
C1-C4 outcomes are developed principally through the workshops, seminars, TP preparation sessions, TP feedback groups and tutorials.
Assessment methods
C1-C4 are assessed through a combination of assignments, TP, lesson plans, contribution to feedback sessions, TP reflections and reflective log.
D: Key skills
D1: In teaching practice learners will be expected to demonstrate the ability to establish a good rapport with the individuals in their class. An ability to effectively communicate each of the following is therefore expected. Teaching and learning aims of lessons, explanations of language points for different learner levels, classroom instructions, feedback on errors, feedback on learners' progress. In addition, learners will be expected to give feedback to their peers on their teaching, requiring sensitivity and clarity in communication. A mixture of oral and written communication skills is required.
D2: A sound ability to use internet search engines, electronic library resources and word-processing packages.
D3: n/a
D4: An ability to identify and evaluate problems when planning and teaching and an ability to identify and implement potential solutions (possibly 'on-the-spot' in the case of teaching).
D5: Pair and group work are an integrated feature of this course as is the development of a collaborative approach to teaching, learning and research and the sharing of good practice. The teaching practice element undertaken in groups requires and fosters teamwork skills between teachers. In the teaching practice classroom, learners will demonstrate an ability to work successfully with students who have different learning styles and cultural backgrounds
D6: An awareness of the importance of reflective practice and continuous professional development as an EFL teacher and of professional development publications, networks and pathways which support this
Learning methods
D1: Effective communication techniques are highlighted, emphasized and practised throughout all modules of the course.
D2: The research element will be part of all modules. Most intensive use of IT will be in LG665 and LG666.
D4: Problem solving in relation to planning will be a feature of all modules. Problem solving in the classroom while teaching is an element of LG666 and LG667.
D5-D6: Working in collaboration with others and planning for professional development are integral aspects of the course and these outcomes are relevant to all modules.
Assessment methods
D1: Written assignments, teaching practice and microteaching.
D2: Presentation of written work is assessed in all assignments. Quality of materials created and given to students when teaching is assessed. The quality of research undertaken to find useful materials and relevant articles is assessed in the annotated lesson plan in LG667.
D4: Forms part of the assessment for planning lessons and delivering them.
D5: LG666 has assessed teaching practice and the ability to work well with TP students is one criterion against which learners are assessed.
D6: is an element of all assessment tasks, given the emphasis placed on reflective practice throughout the course.