Teaching English as a Foreign Language
TEFL – Teaching English as a Foreign Language – is often used to refer to an industry catering for students studying English in non-English speaking countries (see EFL), as well as a parallel industry in anglophone countries for short-term educational tourists (see EAL). It also refers to the growing number of elementary school programs in U.S schools attempting to provide education for children who have immigrated from other countries. It may be taught by either native or non-native speakers of English, although the former are generally considered preferable, as is the case with instruction of any language. Common qualifications for TEFL teachers within the British sphere of influence include certificates and diplomas issued by UCLES (University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate) and Trinity International Examinations Board of Trinity College, London.
TEFL qualifications have often been used as a way of traveling abroad for extended periods, which has developed into an educated nomadic community. The pay for EFL teaching is highest in the Middle East, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea. In some teaching circumstances it can be adequate in Britain, although plenty of exploitative schools still exist.
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Courses for teachers
- UCLES
- CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults). The CELTA course is perhaps the most widely taken and accepted course for new teacher trainees. It is often taught over 6 months or in a very intensive 1 month period.
- DELTA (Diploma in English Language Teaching to Adults). The DELTA is for teachers who already have significant TEFL experience and is often a requirement for teachers wanting to break into school management and or become teacher trainers.
- Trinity
- CertTESOL (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). Considered equivalent to the CELTA (see above)
- LTCLTESOL (Trinity Licentiate Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). Considered equivalent to the DELTA (see above).
Other Resources
The technique of using literature aimed at children and teenagers for TEFL is rising in popularity. Both types of literature offer simpler material ("simplified readers" are produced by all the major publishers), and are often written in a more conversational style than literature aimed at adults. Children's literature in particular sometimes provides subtle cues to pronunciation, through rhyming and other wordplay. One technique for using these books is called the 'multiple-pass technique'. The instructor reads the book, pausing often to explain words and concepts. On the second pass, the instructor reads the book completely through without stopping.
Issues in SE Asia
South Korea has a great demand for native English speakers willing to teach, to the degree that institutions sometimes even pay for the round-trip airfare of a teacher with any university degree. However, as with all occupations, when working in a foreign country there is a danger of exploitation by employers. Among English teachers, South Korea has the unfortunate reputation of being among the worst offenders, particularly with regard to the payment of salary and benefits. Teachers who are considering working there might want to read the U.S. State Department adviceon teaching in South Korea and in general not agree to any contracts with schools which do not give them confidence.
Teaching English in South East Asia can be stressing, since English courses are often overpopulated, with pupils from 4 to 16 years of age who tend to be rather shy, and who are forced to study after school by their parents intent on their academic success.
Monthly pay in such schools is around the USD 2,000 mark, with an extra month's bonus if the teacher fulfills his or her contract. Many teachers who can not cope with the stresses of teaching leave after receiving their first few salary cheques.
External links
- OnlineTEFL.net Internet's only accrediting body for online TESL and EFL programs worldwide. Accredited and non-accredited programs
- Daveseslcafe.com Comprehensive website for the TESL community; includes job listings and journal entries.
- Jon's ESL Site
- The slavery of teaching English (Daily Telegraph)