2. Who teaches the course?
The
SIT TESOL Certificate course is taught by at least two, but usually three, full-time
trainers working in tandem. In most cases, the trainers will hold an MA
in TESOL from the School for International Training or another
reputable university. Trainers are experienced ESL/EFL teachers who
have worked with adult learners, and have previous training experience.
The trainers teach the course contents, process discussions, coach
participants in developing lesson plans and in planning and teaching.
They also observe participants' teaching and provide feedback to
participants after each teaching session.
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3. Is the course the same at all sites and how are standards maintained?
All
courses follow the same basic curriculum and are taught by SIT-trained
trainers. The
SIT TESOL Program in Thailand have been customized to some extent to
cater to the specific needs of teachers planning to teach in Thailand
and other Asian countries.
In
addition, each course is assessed by an external assessor
who observes sessions, reviews participants' written work and collects
direct
feedback from course participants. The evaluator ensures that the
program meets SIT standards, and that participants are meeting
the requirements of the course and are on track to receive their
certificates at the end.
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4. What kind of people take this course?
Participants
are a diverse group. Some are college-age students who are interested
in traveling and working overseas. Many others are working professionals
preparing to teach English as an alternative career or in retirement.
Non-native English speakers with strong English skills also take the
course so they can teach English in their own countries or elsewhere.
Many experienced teachers find the Certificate course a valuable
introduction to SIT's model of reflective practice.
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5. What are the entrance requirements?
You must be a high school graduate and show a capacity for college-level
education, including a good understanding of the English language and
solid writing skills. You must remain calm under pressure, be willing
to accept the authority of your trainers, commit to conveying a
difference of opinion in a respectful manner, and be willing to work as
a positive team player.
All applicants must submit an application
along with a one-page essay, as well as have an oral
interview (if possible) with the program manager. Non-native speakers
should either attend an interview or have a minimum TOEFL score of 550 for the written test or 213 for the
computerized version, or an IELTS Band 6.0 or higher. All participants
must show a willingness to plan and teach in groups and to work
reflectively.
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6. What can I expect on the course?
This
is a very intensive course. While most days run from approximately 8:00
or 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 or 4:30 p.m., you will often need to remain later
than this for lesson planning. There is also a lot of homework to
complete. The course itself is comprised of four key components:
- Workshops:
These are usually based on hands-on experiential activities. During
these sessions paticipants are fully engaged in discovering and
developing their own set of language learning / teaching principles.
Practical knowledge and skills in the fundamental aspects of language
teaching are covered.
- Lesson Planning:
Participants prepare for teaching practice with trainer and team
guidance. During this time, participants increase their understanding
and ability to plan a learner-centered lesson.
- Teaching Practice:
Participants put into practice the theory and techniques they've
covered during the workshops by teaching real ESL students. Most mornings begin with
participants either teaching or observing his/her peers. This is a vital component of any TESOL
Certificate course.
- Practice Teaching Feedback: Participants
who have taught the day's lesson, other participants in the teaching
group, and trainers collaboratively analyze the lesson, enabling the
participants to recognize strengths and to identify areas for future
growth and development.
7. What kind of job will I be able to get with this certificate?
This
certificate can help you find a position in a language institute or an
adult education program throughout the world. The course is also well
regarded throughout Asia. In Thailand, all language schools recognize
the SIT Certificate. The certificate will also enable schools to get
you a teacher's license and a work permit.
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8. Does everyone who attends the course get a certificate?
No.
Acceptance into the course is not a guarantee that you will receive the
certificate. If trainers feel that any participant has not successfully
completed or mastered any segment of the course, or has not completed
the written work satisfactorily, the participant will not be awarded
the certificate, but will be awarded a letter of course attendance
instead. To qualify for the certificate you must meet all the program
requirements:
- attend all the program sessions (allowances are made for absence due to emergency situations);
- communicate effectively and fluently in written and oral English;
- successfully meet the goals and objectives of the program;
- successfully complete all the student teaching requirements and all program assignments.
Trainers
in the course will meet with you regularly to give you feedback on all aspects of
your work in the program. You will also do a self-assessment and a peer
assessment as part of your program.
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9. What accommodation options are available near the Bangkok training site?
There
is no shortage of guest houses and cheap hotels near the course site.
Rates can be negotiated on a monthly basis and generally start from about
15,000 baht. It is also possible to rent a studio apartment
nearby for as little as 7000 baht per month (plus a 2-3 month deposit). The most coveniently
located accommodaion is just one Skytrain station away from AUA. AUA
itself is just a 4 or 5 minute walk from Rajadamri Station.
We
We also have available for participants, a free electronic copy of our SIT / AUA Bangkok Accommodation Guide. This contains a wealth of information on affordable accommodation in numerous areas within a 20 minute commute of the training site.
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For more information, please contact us at:
AUA Language Center
21st Floor, Chamchuri Square, 319 Phyathai Road, Patumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 657 6411-7
Email: training@auathailand.org
