TESOL Diploma Program

Calgary, Vancouver*

Information about the GV TESOL Diploma Program at GV Calgary:

The Teaching English as a Second or Other Language (TESOL) Diploma is an 8 week program designed for intermediate to advanced ESL learners interested in teaching ESL to adult learners in their own countries. It may also be suitable for teachers with some previous experience.

Short term teacher training programs are also available to groups by request. These can be customized to run for two weeks or longer and can include activities and excursions,  depending on the needs of the group. Please contact GV Calgary for details.

The program includes interactive methodology sessions and weekly peer teaching lessons, including the opportunity to teach one low-level adult ESL class.

The program also includes preparation and entry for the University of Cambridge Teachers' Knowledge Test (TKT).

"TKT offers candidates a step in their professional development as teachers and enables them to move onto higher-level teaching qualifications and access professional support materials, such as journals about English language teaching (ELT)", according to TKT.

Requirements

• You have to be at least 18, preferably over 20.
• You have to have at least an intermediate level of English.
• You can be allowed onto a course at the centre's discretion if you do not have the qualifications specified above, or are under the stated age.

What am I expected to do in order to successfully complete the course?

• You must attend the full course. Unavoidable absences must be discussed with instructors.
• You have to participate actively in all course components (methodology, Teachers' Knowledge Test preparation, teaching practicum, guided self study).
• You should demonstrate an interest in developing your skills as an ESL professional.

How are candidates evaluated?

Work is graded through continuous assessment carried out by Course Instructors in 3 areas: peer teaching, classroom work and professional development. During the 8-week course, students will do two practice TKT exams, which will account for 25% of the final mark.

What do candidates get on successful completion of the course?

• You will get a GV TESOL Diploma and a brief end-of-course report.
• You will receive three certificates from the University of Cambridge (one per module of the Teachers' Knowledge Test) a short time after taking the official TKT exam on the last day of the course.

How is the GV TESOL Diploma Program at GV Calgary organized?

The Course runs from 8:45 a.m. to 12:20 p.m., Monday through Friday, for 8 weeks. The Course includes afternoon workshops where students work on lesson preparation together. The afternoon sessions also include a practical session on how to explain Grammar called "Grammar Rules!".

The syllabus includes:

• Interactive and participative methodology sessions led by Course Instructors.
• One Friday afternoon on-site supervised teaching practicum with low level adult classes.
• Observation of peers.
• On site, daily guided self study which includes peer teaching.
• Ongoing preparation and entry for the University of Cambridge Teachers' Knowledge Test.