Advanced Language Awareness for English Teachers Take your knowledge of the English language further. Join us online from anywhere in Greece.
This course is designed for teachers of English (C2 proficiency level) to improve their awareness of the English language. It will help you develop a deeper understanding of the English language and how it functions in real-world communication.
The course will explore key areas of phonology (pronunciation), lexis (vocabulary), grammar (including lexical grammar), functional language and discourse. We will cover both written and spoken language with equal
emphasis, addressing questions such as: • What makes speech and writing coherent? • What do we mean by inductive and deductive approaches to grammar? • How does spoken grammar differ from written grammar? • What do we mean by grammaticalised lexis? • Which are the most frequent words (or lexical items) in English? • How do we pronounce the words ‘can’ and ‘to’?
A 12-week workshop-based course with live/synchronous sessions from 10:00-12:00 every Monday, plus 3 hours of asynchronous collaborative work online in Moodle (5 hours per week = 60 hours overall).
The cost is €480 (payable in 3 instalments, with a 10% discount for QUALIFY CertTESOL alumni).
Places are limited to 12 participants. The course will be in English so that you will practise using the language productively and receptively, although translanguaging is OK. And the online experience of learning will help you gain valuable skills for your own teaching online.
The Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (DipTESOL) is an internationally respected, widely available qualification for experienced teachers of ESOL/EFL.
The focus is on the application of theory in practice, developing an understanding of teaching contexts, and on individual professional development:
Language: candidates must show understanding of the language systems and language-related issues as commonly taught in beginner to advanced syllabuses.
Learning and Teaching: candidates must show an understanding of the current principles and practices of language learning and teaching and show an ability to demonstrate these in the classroom.
Professional Development: candidates must demonstrate knowledge of the principles and procedures facilitating personal and professional development.
The DipTESOL is regulated in England by Ofqual and registered at Level 7 on the Ofqual Regulated Qualifications Framework, the same level as master’s degrees and many other post-graduate qualifications.
Career prospects
The DipTESOL is accepted by the British Council as a full English Language Teaching (or ‘TEFL’) qualification for teachers in its accredited teaching organisations in the UK and in its own teaching operations overseas. Having the DipTESOL enables holders to have roles such as examiners, teacher educators and centre managers/directors of studies.
Here are two of the reasons teachers commonly give for taking this qualification:
They are planning to work in a position or organisation that requires a diploma-level qualification. Examples include academic management, teacher training or work within the Higher Education sector.
Having completed an initial certificate course and two years of ESOL teaching, they now feel they need to develop their skills and knowledge both for their own sake and so that they can support and guide less experienced colleagues.
Content and assessment
Candidates are examined according to the following four units.
Unit 1: Three-hour Written Paper. This has three sections – a short answer section on language topics and two essay sections on 'learning and teaching' and 'professional development'. It is externally assessed and there are three set examination dates per year.
Unit 2: Coursework Portfolio. This is a compilation of three assignments, firmly rooted in classroom practice. Section one is based around a self-designed classroom observation instrument, section two is a developmental record of the candidate's own teaching and section three is an independent research project. The portfolio is internally assessed and externally moderated.
Unit 3: the Interview. This is an externally assessed 30-minute interview designed to give the candidate the opportunity to describe, illustrate and evaluate their understanding and application of phonological theory in the classroom and includes a prepared talk and a phonemic transcription exercise.
Unit 4: Classroom Teaching. Candidates complete four hours of internally assessed teaching practice and one hour that is externally assessed. In addition, candidates complete a self-reflection teaching practice journal.
Each unit allows participants to focus on English language teaching in specific contexts — for example, English for specific or academic purposes, for young learners, for business English, or teaching within CLIL (content and language integrated learning) settings.
The QUALIFY course
The QUALIFY DipTESOL course is part-time and lasts 12 months.
Part 1: Distance Learning Mode (6 months) synchronous sessions are every 4 weeks for 90 minutes (via Zoom) - most of the activity is asynchronous in Moodle.
Part 2: Blended Learning Mode (6 months), synchronous sessions are every 2 weeks for 4 hours each time (either via Zoom or in-class) - plus ongoing work on assignments and teaching practice.
Synchronous sessions are normally on Saturday mornings, but this may vary according tο the needs of the cohort.
Entry requirements
The DipTESOL is designed as an advanced qualification for teachers of ESOL/EFL. In order to be eligible to take this course you will need to fulfil the following entry criteria:
You must have a first degree (any discipline) or equivalent. An equivalent qualification would be one that shows evidence of sustained academic study, potentially enabling you to cope successfully with the requirements of the diploma.
You must have two years full-time ESOL teaching experience at the time of interview, the minimum for a year's experience normally being at least 15 hours per week over 32 weeks. The minimum amount of teaching required for entry is therefore 960 hours of which 75% of these hours must be with classes. You should not have taken more than a year's break from ESOL teaching prior to interview.
You can be a speaker of English as a first, second or foreign language. If English is your second or foreign language, you will need to demonstrate the appropriate competence in your spoken and written English, for example by holding a C2 certificate (CEFR).
In general you should have a high level of competence and interest in both language and language teaching that will enable you to follow this demanding course of advanced study
An initial TESOL training qualification such as the Trinity CertTESOL is highly recommended but not essential.
Equipment: you will need an internet-enabled device (ideally laptop or computer) and a good internet connection to follow the course. For online observations, you will need a Zoom account, an additional device and a multidirectional microphone.
Course fees
The fees are €2,200 for the QUALIFY online course and tuition + Trinity examination fees (approx. €520) + 6 course books (which you must obtain if you don't already have them or access to them).
The deposit to secure a place is €500, and the balance can be paid in instalments.
The CertTESOL is accepted by the
British Council and other international teaching organisations as an
initial teaching qualification suitable for teachers working in
English language teaching. As an Ofqual-regulated qualification,
there is the possibility for credits to be used towards degree
programmes offered by universities in the UK and overseas. There are
also many jobs available for those who hold a reputable certificate
in TESOL, such as Trinity's CertTESOL. You will learn more about
employment opportunities on your course.
Before committing yourself to any post,
in the UK or elsewhere, you should be sure that you have as much
information about the organisation and position as possible:
What sort of contract or agreement will you be given?
How many hours will you teach?
How much will you be paid and on what basis, and to cover which duties?
Will you be paid for non-teaching activities?
Will there be professional support for you from other more experienced teachers?
If you are going to another country, what will be the tax and national insurance arrangements?
Will there be help in finding accommodation?
Entry requirements
The entry requirements include:
minimum age: 18 although some course providers specify 20 or 21.
educational background and qualifications: enough to allow trainees to enter higher education in their own countries.
excellent competence in spoken and written English. Speakers of English as a second or additional language should have a minimum overall ability at C1 (CEFR). All applicants are assessed on their language skills at interview equally.
demonstrate an ability to learn how to explain the relevant features of English to learners and teach these in a communicative context.
willingness to work cooperatively as a member of the training group and respond constructively to feedback on personal performance.
potential for combined study including language description and analysis, and also rigorous practical training" - not an entrance requirement but a feature of the course.
Course content
The main course content is delivered and assessed through five units. The work for Units 1, 2, 3 and 5 is marked by your internal course tutors and moderated or sampled and checked by a member of the Trinity moderators panel at the end of every course. The moderator externally assesses the work for Unit 4. The units are:
Unit 1 : Teaching skills, assessed through:
tutors’ evaluation of six hours of teaching with real learners.
a journal covering trainees’ reflective comments following observation of four hours of ESOL teaching by experienced teachers.
Unit 2 : Language awareness including grammar and phonology, assessed through:
a test or practical project.
ongoing use of spoken and written English.
Unit 3 : Learner profile, assessed through:
the preparation of a simple linguistic profile and needs analysis, including some basic phonemic transcription, of a single learner.
the planning of, and reflection on, a one-to-one lesson.
the preparation of recommendations for the learner’s future language development.
Unit 4 : Materials assignment, assessed through:
written rationale for the development of one piece of teaching material.
interview with a Trinity moderator to discuss the above and the ways in which materials development is beneficial to the development of teaching skills.
Unit 5 : Unknown language, assessed through:
a journal covering trainees’ reflective comments on four hours’ tuition in an unknown language from the point of view of the beginner, including an analysis of the key aspects of methods and classroom management that affect the learner positively and negatively.
Professional awareness and development
are ongoing themes. Successful trainees must demonstrate an awareness
of the needs of other colleagues in the team, teaching and
non-teaching, and the value of mutual support in the teaching,
learning and training environment. They must also demonstrate an
awareness of the need for professional development during and after
the course, based on a constructive response to training input and
feedback from tutors and peers.
The Trinity College London Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CertTESOL) is an initial teaching qualification designed to equip new and developing practitioners with the basic knowledge and skills they need for teaching English language.
The Trinity CertTESOL covers a comprehensive introduction to contemporary theory and practice of contemporary English language teaching. It provides an insight into the challenges facing learners and teachers in the classroom, with an emphasis on professional awareness and development.
The CertTESOL is rated at Level 5 on Ofqual’s Regulated Qualifications Framework, a comparable level to the second year of an undergraduate degree.
Career prospects
The CertTESOL is suitable for aspiring teachers from any background who are attracted to the English language teaching profession. A career in TESOL offers teachers opportunities to work at home and internationally and to experience life in different cultures.
The Trinity CertTESOL is accepted by the British Council and other international teaching organisations around the world as an initial English language teaching certificate.
Testimonials
The CertTESOL is one of the best courses a teacher could do. It changes everything you know and if not then it adds more to it. It is hard but it’s worth doing it and every single step you make you gain something without any question. All the tutors in the course are excellent and always there for you at anytime and that was one of the reasons I chose to do this particular course. Efthychia Vrouva (2020)
The [CertTESOL] course assignments are designed in such a way that are educational, helpful and insightful for even the most experienced teacher. Our tutors were approachable and always available to answer our questions. I was looking forward to the days of the course to learn with friends in a fun way! I definitely recommend the course to any teacher who is interested in improving their skills whether experienced or not! Denise Theodossi (2020)
The CertTESOL course was by far the most rewarding teacher training experience I had ever received. It was a demanding course, but the guidance and support offered by the highly professional course tutors enabled me and the other course members to achieve our goals. We received consistent and frequent feedback on our performance, which meant that we were always aware of our progress and any necessary changes we needed to make. Marianna Antonopoulou (2020)
Content and assessment
The main course content is delivered and assessed through five units. The work for Units 1, 2, 3 and 5 is marked by your internal course tutors and moderated or sampled and checked by a member of the Trinity moderators panel at the end of every course. The moderator externally assesses the work for Unit 4. The units are:
Unit 1 : Teaching skills, assessed through:
tutors’ evaluation of six hours of teaching with real learners.
a journal including trainees’ own lesson plans, with self- and tutor-evaluation.
a journal covering trainees’ reflective comments following observation of four hours of ESOL teaching by experienced teachers.
Unit 2 : Language awareness including grammar and phonology, assessed through:
a take-home assignment.
ongoing use of spoken and written English.
Unit 3 : Learner profile, assessed through:
the preparation of a simple linguistic profile and needs analysis, including some basic phonemic transcription, of a single learner.
the planning of, and reflection on, a one-to-one lesson.
the preparation of recommendations for the learner’s future language development.
Unit 4 : Materials assignment, assessed through:
written rationale for the development of one piece of teaching material.
interview with a Trinity moderator to discuss the above and the ways in which materials development is beneficial to the development of teaching skills.
Unit 5 : Unknown language, assessed through:
a journal covering trainees’ reflective comments on four hours’ tuition in an unknown language from the point of view of the beginner, including an analysis of the key aspects of methods and classroom management that affect the learner positively and negatively.
Professional awareness and development are ongoing themes. Successful trainees must demonstrate an awareness of the needs of other colleagues in the team, teaching and non-teaching, and the value of mutual support in the teaching, learning and training environment. They must also demonstrate an awareness of the need for professional development during and after the course, based on a constructive response to training input and feedback from tutors and peers.
The QUALIFY course
The QUALIFY CertTESOL course is part-time over 12 timetabled weeks and delivered online.
The course uses a blended learning approach combining a printed coursebook, Moodle (asynchronous) and Zoom (synchronous) so you can attend the course from any location.
Synchronous Zoom input sessions are held 2 days per week and each last 2.5 hours. They are normally on weekday mornings.
The assessed teaching practice (Unit 1) can be classroom based, online via Zoom, or a mixture of both. This could be with your own learners and/or we can arrange suitable classes for you (there needs to be at least 5-6 learners in a class and at 2 different CEFR levels, e.g. A2 & B2).
As part of the course, we will cover continuing professional development and career paths, including advice and support on finding teaching work overseas (e.g. UK summer schools) and/or online.
Entry requirements
Minimum age: 18
Education and qualifications: enough for entry to higher education
Excellent competence in spoken and written English: C2 (CEFR)
Equipment: you will need an internet-enabled device (ideally laptop or computer) and a good internet connection to follow the course.
Course fees
€1,500 (includes Trinity examination fees and all materials). Payment in instalments can be arranged.
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