Diploma in (the Theory and Methodology of) TESOL

This 450-hour modular online-delivered course leads to the award of the Diploma in (the Theory and Methodology of) Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages — Dip.(TM)TESOL.

This online programme is a substantial one consisting of twenty-six modules comprising the following units:

Each unit consists of between two and eight separate modules.

Who the course is for

The course is primarily aimed teachers with 2+ years ESOL teaching experience wishing to enhance their knowledge and earning potential.

This modular course, set at degree level, was designed originally for the in-service distance-training of teachers of English unable to travel to the United Kingdom for a course with a residential component, but who wished to familiarise themselves with the latest methodological approaches, classroom techniques, educational technology and teaching strategies. Almost all the course units are work-related and lead to measurable improvements in performance. This is particularly important for in-post serving teachers of ESOL. The course is also suitable for experienced native-speaker teachers and language graduates wishing to train to teach English to speakers of other languages. This diploma qualification is particularly suitable for teachers seeking to develop their careers, and who are considering applying for senior appointments such as section heads, co-ordinators, directors of studies, etc.

Course Aim

For the Diploma programme as a whole the overall aim is to provide an advanced distance training course, for experienced teachers, in the theory and methodology of teaching English to speakers of other languages.

Course Objectives

The general objectives of the course require each student to be able to:

1. demonstrate a thorough grasp of the main phonological, lexical, syntactical and other aspects of modern communicative English, with particular reference to its rôles as a means of communication.
2. predict with reasonable accuracy the learning needs of any group of ESOL, ESL, or ESP learners and to modify and update such a needs analysis in the light of observation and testing.
3. write instructional objectives and prepare appropriate lesson plans.
4. teach English effectively at any level from beginners to advanced.
5. discuss intelligently an extensive repertoire of lesson forms.
6. monitor his or her own effectiveness as a teacher of English to speakers of other languages.

Course Content and Approach

The course is designed to provide a systematic approach which is straightforward and thorough, yet reasonably challenging. Each module follows a series of steps with plenty of examples and guidance leading to practical self-assessment exercises followed by tutor-assessed activities. Facilities for guided self-revision are built in.

The opportunity to work with others following the course is provided, as are opportunities to contact your tutors regularly. Through these arrangements one need never feel isolated or alone during the programme.

Accreditation

The Diploma the Theory and Methodology of TESOL is accredited by ACTDEC at Level 4.

More information about accreditation »

Sample Material

View some sample material from this course.

Duration

No two people work at the same pace, have similar commitments or study time available. We try therefore, to be as helpfully flexible as we can. As a rough guide it is possible to complete the Diploma course within eight to twelve months though some people may even take a little longer. The Diploma takes an average of 450 hours to complete.

Some people can devote only 6 - 10 hours a week to the course whilst others, on a full-time basis, can find 20 - 25 hours weekly. Remember though, finding time to absorb the material and reflect on the content is important. On a purely part-time basis trainees need to find some 10 - 14 hours of study time each week. (These estimates of study hours are approximate since no two individuals work at the same pace.) When commencing the course we will give you a completion date but more time may be taken if needed. Transfer to a later course can also be arranged if necessary.

Assessment

The Diploma in TESOL is assessed as follows:

1. Distance-training Programme Assessment
   Candidates are required to successfully complete all the assignments contained in the units and modules of the distance-training programme. These will typically include short tasks requiring candidates to link theory to practice.
2. Post Mid-course Essay
   Candidates are required to submit a post mid-course essay of approximately 2,000 words. A choice of topics is offered.
3. Practical Project
   Candidates are required to submit a practical teaching project during the final phase of the course. A choice of assignments is offered.
4. Final Assessment Paper
   At the close of the distance programme the candidate is required to complete at home, within a given period of time, a 'take-away' proficiency assessment paper.
5. Extended Essay
   Candidates are required to submit, within four weeks of receipt of the final course module pack, an extended essay of 3,500 words approximately. A choice of titles is offered.

Award of the Certificate Dip.(TM)TESOL

Award of the Eurolink Examinations Board diploma, validated by the College of Teachers, is restricted to those who successfully complete the course and all assessment assignments. Diplomas, sent approximately three weeks following course completion, will be graded in the following manner:

     Distinction  >  Excellent  >  Very Good  >  Good  >  Pass

A formal description of the course, as well as detailed assessment procedures, is printed on the reverse of the diploma. Diploma holders are entitled to use the postnominal designation Dip.(TM)TESOL.

The following are sample certificates from this course:

Award of the Qualification - Diploma of the College of Teachers

Award of the College of Teachers DipCoT(TESOL) will follow satisfactory completion of the Dip.(TM)TESOL. At the end of the Dip.(TM)TESOL course the Eurolink Examinations Board will submit course marks and, in some cases, samples of candidates' work for external moderation. Pass lists will be reported to the College of Teachers every two months starting with January. Once marks have been approved by the Awards Committee they are communicated to candidates. At the same time they will be invited to become members of the College of Teachers. No additional work is required for award of the College of Teachers Diploma in TESOL, simply a Pass grade for the Dip.(TM)TESOL distance programme. An ACTDEC Diploma is also awarded to successful candidates.

Multiple Awards

A special Eurolink Teacher Training, College of Teachers and ACTDEC feature is the award, at diploma level, of three important senior qualifications for the same course work.

The Diploma as Part 1 of the FCoT(TESOL) Programme

Diploma candidates achieving an overall grade of B- fulfil the requirements for Part 1 of the Fellow of the College of Teachers, an award at master's degree level - FCoT(TESOL).

Eligibility

Applications will be considered from practising teachers and graduates of all disciplines, and holders of the Cert.(TM)TESOL/ACoT(TESOL).

Applicants with two years' TESOL experience who seek an internationally recognised advanced qualification are especially welcome.

For the Diploma programme a candidate is normally required to be a teacher with at least two years' experience. 'Full-time' is to be interpreted as the equivalent of 30 or more weeks of class teaching a year, the average number of lessons per week being no fewer than fifteen. Candidates who have less than two years of full-time teaching experience but who already hold the Cert.(TM)TESOL or a recognised equivalent may, at the Board's discretion, be accepted for entry to the Dip.(TM)TESOL.

Applications from non-native speaker graduates or teachers are very welcome. However, such applicants must have attained a high level of English language competence in all four skills. For a full description of the levels of attainment sought please see the Scales of Attainment.

Course Fees

Diploma in TESOL course fees »

Regulations and Syllabus

A copy of the formal regulations and syllabus for the Diploma is available separately.