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Brian Franks · Wed 19-Mar-08, 08:12 PM

Hello All,

I am a TEFL trainer/recruiter. I came across this site and thread while checking CV references for an applicant. I have decided to take the time to add a comment on this topic - of which course to choose - as it is an issue I deal with frequently. I am weary of having to inform applicants that they have an unrecognised TEFL/TESOL qualification and I can't employ them. Be warned, this happens a lot!

Firstly, having been a trainer for some years on a Dept of Education recognised course I can say that EFL/ESOL is not something that can easily be learned from books or an online course. In my experience, it is only in the final stages of an intensive class-based course that the penny drops for trainee EFL teachers. I've seen it happen time and again and it's very rewarding to see someone find their own style and command in the classroom. Trainees on 'in-class' courses get the chance to observe experienced EFL teachers work their magic in the classroom and try it out for themselves with several different groups over the duration of the course.

The first TP (teaching practice) with real students is a baptism of fire that almost always ends up going down in flames, however the rate of acceleration is steep and learning through gargantuan mistakes is the most effective and affective way to learn.

As with most things the cheap option rarely cuts the mustard. I'm sure someone somewhere has an online driving course, but I wouldn't lend a graduate of that course my car, would you? Be smart, avoid disappointment and go for a proper 'in-class' course of at least 100+ hours duration with the appropriate Dept of Education recognition in the countries you're hoping to teach in. If you want to teach in Europe, the only acceptable option for employers - like myself - is a CELTA or equivalent(120+ hours including 6 hours TP). These usually cost about 1,000 euro. If you have a PGDE, B.Ed, or HDip you often only need to do a 30-hour SQT (state qualified teacher) TEFL/TESOL Cert. If you're going to spend a few hundred euro/dollars take your time and research it thoroughly, you are buying an expensive product.

Finally, as was mentioned above the acronym makes no difference - TEFL/TESOL/whatever - once you have done it in a class with real students and experienced tutors observing your gestural as well as verbal mistakes for at least 100 hours you will be welcome in most good/recognised schools.

EFL is a fun and rewarding way to travel and make money, but it is a NIGHTMARE if you are ill-equipt in the classroom.

All the best,

Brian Franks

Wed 19-Mar-08, 08:12 PM	#15 (permalink)
Brian Franks ESL Newbie Join Date: Mar 2008 Occupation: EFL Teacher/trainer/recruiter Location: Posts: 1	Re: TEFL v TESOL ? Hello All, I am a TEFL trainer/recruiter. I came across this site and thread while checking CV references for an applicant. I have decided to take the time to add a comment on this topic - of which course to choose - as it is an issue I deal with frequently. I am weary of having to inform applicants that they have an unrecognised TEFL/TESOL qualification and I can't employ them. Be warned, this happens a lot! Firstly, having been a trainer for some years on a Dept of Education recognised course I can say that EFL/ESOL is not something that can easily be learned from books or an online course. In my experience, it is only in the final stages of an intensive class-based course that the penny drops for trainee EFL teachers. I've seen it happen time and again and it's very rewarding to see someone find their own style and command in the classroom. Trainees on 'in-class' courses get the chance to observe experienced EFL teachers work their magic in the classroom and try it out for themselves with several different groups over the duration of the course. The first TP (teaching practice) with real students is a baptism of fire that almost always ends up going down in flames, however the rate of acceleration is steep and learning through gargantuan mistakes is the most effective and affective way to learn. As with most things the cheap option rarely cuts the mustard. I'm sure someone somewhere has an online driving course, but I wouldn't lend a graduate of that course my car, would you? Be smart, avoid disappointment and go for a proper 'in-class' course of at least 100+ hours duration with the appropriate Dept of Education recognition in the countries you're hoping to teach in. If you want to teach in Europe, the only acceptable option for employers - like myself - is a CELTA or equivalent(120+ hours including 6 hours TP). These usually cost about 1,000 euro. If you have a PGDE, B.Ed, or HDip you often only need to do a 30-hour SQT (state qualified teacher) TEFL/TESOL Cert. If you're going to spend a few hundred euro/dollars take your time and research it thoroughly, you are buying an expensive product. Finally, as was mentioned above the acronym makes no difference - TEFL/TESOL/whatever - once you have done it in a class with real students and experienced tutors observing your gestural as well as verbal mistakes for at least 100 hours you will be welcome in most good/recognised schools. EFL is a fun and rewarding way to travel and make money, but it is a NIGHTMARE if you are ill-equipt in the classroom. All the best, Brian Franks