Graduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

This course prepares you to teach English to speakers of other languages. There is a strong focus on the theoretical underpinnings of TESOL, such as in the Transcultural Communication unit, where you will learn the challenges of language acquisition, and the Introduction to Language unit, where you will learn the components comprising languages.

There is also a strong focus on the practical aspects of language teaching and learning through the Materials Design and Assessment unit.

The combination of these aspects will inform your future practice as a TESOL teacher.

In this course, you will examine pronunciation, intonation, voice quality, spelling and sound systems, sentence structures, syntax, morphology and semantics, as well as examining a selection of the different varieties of English spoken throughout the world, including native English dialects.

The course includes a description and analysis of speech styles across a number of cultures including Aboriginal, Anglo-European and some from the Asia-Pacific, and you will learn methods and approaches to Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) and Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL).

If you complete this course, you may also be able to transfer into the Master of Arts (TESOL).

Please note: This course is not available to onshore international students.

Please refer to the handbook for additional course overview information.

What you'll learn

• an ability to apply the theoretical principles and concepts which underpin contemporary TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) specific practices;
• an understanding of the diverse needs of students and an ability to frame creative solutions to problems of pedagogy;
• an ability to access key texts in the field, and to analyse critically key concepts in the field and an ability to synthesise information from a variety of theoretical and practical perspectives;
• an ability to communicate effectively, including the ability to communicate key concepts relevant to TESOL;
• an awareness of available technologies and an insight into how they can be used creatively to a specific advantage in TESOL;
• an awareness of the importance of self-directed learning for professional growth and a demonstrated ability to take responsibility for individual intellectual development;
• an awareness of the theoretical and practical implications for TESOL in a global context;
• an appreciation of the value of cultural and linguistic diversity and its place in TESOL;
• a demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team; plan a challenging and supportive learning environment.