Diploma in TESOL – Dip.(TM)TESOL and DipCoT(TESOL)
The course is accredited by ACTDEC with an ACTDEC diploma awarded to successful candidates.
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 Diploma in (the Theory and Methodology of) Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages - Dip.(TM)TESOL, and to the College of Teachers DipCoT(TESOL). As an ACTDEC level 4 qualification it also leads to Senior Teacher Status.
The distance-training programme is a very substantial one consisting of forty-one modules comprising the following units: Study Skills and Linguistics, The Practice of TESOL, Survey of Language Learning and Teaching, Practical Phonetics and Phonology, Language Awareness, Lesson Planning and Preparation, Self-access Resources, Teaching Listening Skills, Developing Oral Skills, Encouraging and Developing Reading Skills, Encouraging and Developing Writing Skills. Each unit consists of between two and eight modules.
Aim of the Course
For the Diploma programme as a whole the overall aim is to provide an advanced distance training course, for experienced teachers, in the theory and methodology of teaching English to speakers of other languages.
General Objectives
The general objectives of the course require each student to be able to:
- demonstrate a thorough grasp of the main phonological, lexical, syntactical and other aspects of modern communicative English, with particular reference to its rôles as a means of communication.
- predict with reasonable accuracy the learning needs of any group of ESOL, ESL, or ESP learners and to modify and update such a needs analysis in the light of observation and testing.
- write instructional objectives and prepare appropriate lesson plans.
- teach English effectively at any level from beginners to advanced.
- discuss intelligently an extensive repertoire of lesson forms.
- monitor his or her own effectiveness as a teacher of English to speakers of other languages.
Course Content and Approach
The course is designed to provide a systematic approach which is straightforward and thorough, yet reasonably challenging. Each module follows a series of 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 Course is for
This modular course, set at degree level, was designed originally for the in-service distance-training of teachers of English unable to travel to the United Kingdom for a course with a residential component, but who wished to familiarise themselves with the latest methodological approaches, classroom techniques, educational technology and teaching strategies. Almost all the course units are work-related and lead to measurable improvements in performance. This is particularly important for in-post serving teachers of ESOL. The course is also suitable for experienced native-speaker teachers and language graduates wishing to train to teach English to speakers of other languages. This diploma qualification is particularly suitable for teachers seeking to develop their careers, and who are considering applying for senior appointments such as section heads, co-ordinators, directors of studies, etc.
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 Diploma course within eight to twelve months though some people may even take a little longer. The Diploma takes an average of 450 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 a later course can also be arranged if necessary.
Assessment
The Diploma in TESOL is assessed as follows:
- Distance-training Programme Assessment
Candidates are required to successfully complete all the assignments contained in the units and modules of the distance-training programme. These will typically include short tasks requiring candidates to link theory to practice. - Post Mid-course Essay
Candidates are required to submit a post mid-course essay of approximately 2,000 words. A choice of topics is offered. - Practical Project
Candidates are required to submit a practical teaching project during the final phase of the course. A choice of assignments is offered. - Final Assessment Paper
At the close of the distance programme the candidate is required to complete at home, within a given period of time, a 'take-away' proficiency assessment paper. - Extended Essay
Candidates are required to submit, within four weeks of receipt of the final course module pack, an extended essay of 3,500 words approximately. A choice of titles is offered.
Award of the Dip.(TM)TESOL
Award of the Eurolink Examinations Board diploma, validated by the College of Teachers, is restricted to those who successfully complete the course and all assessment assignments. Diplomas, 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 diploma. Diploma holders are entitled to use the postnominal designation Dip.(TM)TESOL.
View the sample awards for this course.
Award of the Qualification - Diploma of the College of Teachers
Award of the College of Teachers DipCoT(TESOL) will follow satisfactory completion of the Dip.(TM)TESOL. At the end of the Dip.(TM)TESOL course the Eurolink Examinations Board 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. At the same time they will be invited to become members of the College of Teachers. No additional work is required for award of the College of Teachers Diploma in TESOL, simply a Pass grade for the Dip.(TM)TESOL distance programme. An ACTDEC Diploma is also awarded to successful candidates.
View the sample awards for this course.
The Diploma as Part 1 of the FCoT(TESOL) Programme
Diploma candidates achieving an overall grade of B- fulfil the requirements for Part 1 of the Fellow of the College of Teachers, an award at master's degree level - FCoT(TESOL).
Eligibility for the Dip.(TM)TESOL Course
Applications will be considered from practising teachers and graduates of all disciplines, and holders of the Cert.(TM)TESOL/ACoT(TESOL).
Applicants with two years' TESOL experience who seek an internationally recognised advanced qualification are especially welcome.
For the Diploma programme a candidate is normally required to be a teacher with at least two years' experience. 'Full-time' is to be interpreted as the equivalent of 30 or more weeks of class teaching a year, the average number of lessons per week being no fewer than fifteen. Candidates who have less than two years of full-time teaching experience but who already hold the Cert.(TM)TESOL or a recognised equivalent may, at the Board's discretion, be accepted for entry to the Dip.(TM)TESOL.
Applications from non-native speaker graduates or teachers are very welcome. However, such applicants must have attained a high level of English language competence in all four skills. For a full description of the levels of attainment sought please click here.
Multiple Awards
A special Eurolink Teacher Training, College of Teachers and ACTDEC feature is the award, at diploma level, of three important senior qualifications for the same course work.
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 Dip.(TM)TESOL and DipCoT(TESOL) is available separately. A course content list is also available for US College credit equivalency assessment by writing to the Academic Director.
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.
Course Completion Options
A number of places are available to successful participants who wish to follow up the distance programme with a two-week intensive practical block of advanced teaching practice and additional distance material.
