The TEFL Academy’s Observed Teaching Practice Course- Review
In the highly competitive world of Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), obtaining the right qualifications is essential for aspiring teachers. Among the numerous options available, The TEFL Academy’s Observed Teaching Practice Course stands out as an innovative and accessible pathway for educators seeking to elevate their credentials. This review aims to explore the features, benefits, and overall value of this course, highlighting why it is a compelling choice for those aiming to enhance their teaching career with a CELTA/Trinity CertTESOL equivalent qualification.
Click here to sign up for this prestigious programme!
Course Overview
The TEFL Academy’s Observed Teaching
Practice Course offers a unique opportunity for teachers who have already
completed a Level 5 TEFL qualification and begun their teaching journey. This
course is designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice by providing
six hours of observed and assessed teaching practice, a critical component
often required by more prestigious TEFL qualifications such as the CELTA and
Trinity CertTESOL.
Regulated by Ofqual, a UK government
department, and awarded by Qualifi, this Level 5 Certificate is not only
internationally recognized but also considered equivalent to the CELTA and
Trinity CertTESOL when combined with The TEFL Academy's main Level 5 TEFL
Diploma. This makes it a highly attractive option for teachers who want to gain
practical experience and boost their employability without the significant
financial and time investment typically associated with other high-level TEFL
qualifications.
Key Advantages of This Programme:
Accessibility
One of the key advantages of The TEFL
Academy’s Observed Teaching Practice Course is its accessibility. Unlike CELTA
and Trinity CertTESOL programs, which often require significant upfront costs
and time commitments, The TEFL Academy’s course can be completed entirely
online, offering unparalleled flexibility for teachers who may already be
working or balancing other commitments. Participants can study at their own
pace, with the course typically completed within three months, although
learners have up to two years to finish. This flexible approach allows
candidates to tailor their learning around their existing schedules, making it
easier to gain valuable qualifications without disrupting their current
employment or personal lives.
Practical Experience
A standout feature of the Observed
Teaching Practice Course is the emphasis on practical, hands-on experience.
Through this program, teachers are required to record themselves delivering six
lessons, which can be conducted either online or in a traditional classroom
setting. These recordings are then submitted along with a series of reflection
and self-evaluation tasks that focus on developing teaching skills, classroom
management, and lesson planning.
Participants receive constructive
feedback from experienced TEFL trainers, which is instrumental in honing their
teaching abilities. This reflective practice is not just about receiving
feedback but also involves self-assessment, where candidates evaluate their
performance, identify strengths, and pinpoint areas for improvement. Such
reflective tasks are essential for new teachers, fostering a mindset of
continuous professional development that is crucial throughout one’s teaching
career.
Click here to sign up for this prestigious programme!
What The Curriculum Entails
The course is structured into six key
topics that cover the essential aspects of effective teaching:
·
Observation
Tasks: Participants observe other teachers in a variety of classes, focusing on
different skills such as grammar, vocabulary, and general teaching methodology.
This allows candidates to critically analyze various teaching styles and
strategies, gaining insights that they can apply in their own classrooms.
· Awareness of Learners: Understanding the diverse needs of students is crucial for effective teaching. This module emphasizes the importance of adapting lessons to meet the specific needs of learners, including those with different learning styles or language proficiencies.
·
Lesson
Planning and Teaching Skills: This section guides teachers in developing robust
lesson plans that are well-structured, engaging, and pedagogically sound.
Emphasis is placed on the practical application of teaching theories and
techniques that enhance the learning experience.
·
Classroom
Management and Administration: Effective classroom management is a cornerstone
of successful teaching. This module provides strategies for maintaining a
productive learning environment, handling classroom dynamics, and managing
administrative tasks.
·
Language
Awareness and Teaching New Language: A deep understanding of language
structures and functions is essential for teaching English effectively. This
module covers key linguistic concepts and offers strategies for introducing new
language elements in a way that is accessible and engaging for students.
· Reflection Diary: Throughout the course, participants are encouraged to keep a reflection diary, documenting their experiences, challenges, and progress. This ongoing self-evaluation is designed to foster a habit of reflective practice, which is invaluable for professional growth.
Cost-Effectiveness and Employability (And Key Differences between other TEFL Programmes)
A significant advantage of The TEFL
Academy’s Observed Teaching Practice Course is its cost-effectiveness.
Traditional CELTA and Trinity CertTESOL courses can be prohibitively expensive,
making them inaccessible for many aspiring teachers. In contrast, The TEFL
Academy’s course offers a more affordable alternative without compromising on
quality or recognition!
Furthermore, while approximately 90%
of TEFL jobs do not specifically require CELTA or Trinity CertTESOL
qualifications, having a recognized Level 5 certificate that includes observed
teaching practice can set candidates apart in the job market. This qualification
is particularly valuable for those seeking positions in well-paid regions such
as the Middle East or in native-English-speaking countries like Australia, the
UK, or the USA, where such qualifications are often preferred.
The pathway offered by The TEFL
Academy allows teachers to enter the classroom faster and with less financial
burden, all while gaining a qualification that significantly boosts
employability. Graduates of the course are well-equipped to pursue a wide range
of teaching opportunities, including positions that may otherwise require more
traditional qualifications.
Life After Qualification
The TEFL Academy goes beyond merely
providing a qualification; it also supports its graduates with resources and
job placement assistance. Teachers can access the Academy’s job board, explore
external job boards, or take advantage of volunteer and paid internship
opportunities. This comprehensive support network helps graduates to not only
gain the necessary credentials but also to navigate the job market effectively,
making it easier to find employment soon after completing the course.
The TEFL Academy’s Observed Teaching
Practice Course is a forward-thinking and accessible solution for teachers
seeking to enhance their qualifications and gain practical experience in the
TEFL industry. With its combination of flexibility, practical teaching
practice, and cost-effectiveness, it offers a compelling alternative to the
more traditional CELTA and Trinity CertTESOL qualifications.
How to Sign Up?
Click here to sign up for this prestigious programme!
Editors Final Thoughts
By providing a regulated, internationally recognized Level 5 Certificate in Observed Teaching Practice, The TEFL Academy has once again set a benchmark in TEFL education, making it an excellent choice for aspiring teachers looking to advance their careers without the high costs and rigid schedules of other programs.
For those ready to take the next step in their TEFL journey, this course represents a valuable investment in their professional development and future success!
