Certificate in TESOL – Cert.(TM)TESOL and ACoT(TESOL)

An ACTDEC accredited level three course

Course validated and qualification awarded by the College of Teachers.

Eurolink Courses is a Centre of the College of Teachers that provides accredited courses and abides by its Code of Practice.

This modular course leads to the joint awards of Certificate in (the Theory and Methodology of) Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages - Cert.(TM)TESOL, awarded by the Eurolink Examinations Board, and to Associateship of the College of Teachers ACoT(TESOL). As an ACTDEC level 3 qualification it also leads to Accredited Teacher Status.

The distance-training programme is a substantial one consisting of a total of twenty-six modules comprising the following units:

Course Aim

The course aims to equip each trainee with the knowledge and skills necessary to function effectively as a teacher of English to speakers of other languages at a number of levels and in a variety of teaching situations.

Course Objectives

The general objectives will require each student to be able to:

1. demonstrate a firm grasp of the basic phonological, lexical, and syntactical features of modern communicative English.
2. identify the needs of ESOL students at various levels, and to modify and update such a needs analysis in the light of observation and testing of the learners.
3. write instructional objectives and prepare effective lesson plans.
4. handle a repertoire of lesson forms.

Course Content and Approach

The course is designed to provide a systematic approach which is simple yet thorough, easy to read and understand. Each module follows a series of simple steps with plenty of examples and guidance leading to practical self-assessment exercises followed by tutor-assessed activities. Facilities for guided self-revision are built in.

The opportunity to work with others following the course is provided, as are opportunities to contact your tutors regularly. Through these arrangements one need never feel isolated or alone during the programme.

Who the Certificate Course is for

The Certificate course, basically Part One of the Diploma programme, aims to provide a thorough introduction to the theory and methodology of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. There are many practicing teachers who do not want to tackle the full Diploma immediately, preferring instead, to dip their toes into Certificate water first. Since the Certificate also leads to the award of the College of Teachers ACoT(TESOL) many will wish to take the opportunity to obtain the Associateship on route to the Dip.(TM)TESOL and DipCoT(TESOL), or Advanced Diploma in TESOL.

The course is also particularly suitable for those considering joining one of the 'live in a teacher's home' programmes. The course is also appropriate for non-teaching staff in a variety of institutions and rôles concerned with a wide range of ESOL programmes: e.g. subject librarians, publishers' representatives, marketing personnel, self-access centre counsellors and TESOL administrative staff.

Duration

No two people work at the same pace, have similar commitments or study time available. We try therefore, to be as helpfully flexible as we can. As a rough guide it is possible to complete the Certificate course within fourteen to sixteen weeks though many people tend to take a little longer. The Certificate takes an average of 250 hours to complete. Some people can devote only 6 - 10 hours a week to the course whilst others, on a full-time basis, can find 20 - 25 hours weekly. Remember though, finding time to absorb the material and reflect on the content is important. On a purely part-time basis trainees need to find some 10 - 14 hours of study time each week. (These estimates of study hours are approximate since no two individuals work at the same pace.) When commencing the course we will give you a completion date but more time may be taken if needed.

Transfer to the Diploma Course

In the case of practising teachers applications for transfer to the Diploma course, following satisfactory completion of the first ten distance-training packs of the Certificate course, will gladly be considered.

Assessment

Examination is by means of continuous assessment.

1. A continuous assessment mark for the distance-training tutor-assessed worksheets (25 in total).
2. An assessment mark for a post mid-course essay of 1,500 words approximately. (A choice of assignments and titles is given.)
3. An assessment mark for a practical project submitted during the final phase of the course. (A choice of assignments is given.)
4. An end of course assessment paper (completed at home within a strictly specified time limit).

Award of the Cert.(TM)TESOL

Qualification awarded by the Eurolink Examinations Board. Validated by the College of Teachers.

Award of the certificate is restricted to those who successfully complete the distance course and all assessment assignments. Certificates, sent approximately three weeks following course completion, will be graded in the following manner:

    Distinction - Excellent - Very Good - Good - Pass

A formal description of the course as well as detailed assessment procedures, is printed on the reverse of the certificate. Certificate holders are entitled to use the postnominal designation Cert.(TM)TESOL. They may also use the ACTDEC level 3 accredited teacher qualification status title. This can be particularly helpful when applying for teaching posts.

Award of the qualification ACoT(TESOL)

At the end of the Cert.(TM)TESOL course Eurolink will submit course marks and, in some cases, samples of candidates' work for external moderation. Pass lists will be reported to the College of Teachers every two months starting with January. Once marks have been approved by the Awards Committee they are communicated to candidates.

On completion of the course they will be invited to become members of the College of Teachers and use the post-nominal MCoT.

Award of the qualification Associate of the College of Teachers - ACoT(TESOL) follows satisfactory completion of the Cert.(TM)TESOL programme.

Eligibility for the Cert.(TM)TESOL and ACoT(TESOL)

Applications are welcomed from teachers and graduates of all disciplines. For the Certificate programme a candidate needs to have a good general education up to the generally accepted level for university entrance. Consideration will also be given to applicants who have professional or other qualifications, are capable of communicating clearly, and who feel confident in their ability to bring a clear, analytical approach to the English language and to develop a teaching style appropriate to learners with a wide range of needs.

Should you have any queries regarding eligibility for either qualification; simply wish to talk things through, or just seek friendly advice please telephone Eurolink Teacher Training on 0114 262 1522 during weekdays.

Dual Awards

A special Eurolink Teacher Training and College of Teachers feature is the award, at Certificate level, of two qualifications for the same course work.

Note that while the Associateship is an award for life, use of the post-nominal ACoT can only be used by those graduates who are members of the College.

View the sample awards for this course.

Course Dates

Enrolment is continuous, so you can enrol at any convenient time.

Formal Regulations and Syllabus

A copy of the formal regulations and syllabus for the Cert.(TM)TESOL and ACoT(TESOL) is available separately.

Obtaining Employment following Course Completion

Trying to find employment with a qualification that is recognised only by the distance-training provider awarding it can, for obvious reasons, prove exceedingly difficult. On the other hand obtaining employment with an internationally recognised qualification, i.e. one validated and/or accredited by an external independent body is, for most, a relatively simple process. Holders of the Cert.TM(TESOL) coupled with the ACoT(TESOL) backed up by an ACTDEC level 3 certificate usually obtain a teaching post within a month of gaining the qualification.

Advice on obtaining employment is provided in the course handbook as are website addresses for jobs. Eurolink Teacher Training regularly receive offers of posts from around the world which are passed on to trainees nearing the end of their course. Read more about gaining employment.

Visit Eurolink

If you would like to visit us here at the Eurolink Distance-training Centre in Sheffield and talk to us about the courses and job prospects you will be most welcome. If you live some distance away you can, of course, always telephone. We will be glad to discuss any concerns you may have or to answer any questions.

Most months Eurolink runs a visitor open day.

Joint awards sample certificates

View the sample awards for this course.

Sample Course Material

View sample material for this course.

Course Fees

View the fees for this course.