How should I prepare for a TESOL course?
As long as you are enthusiastic about the course and fully prepared to put in the effort required, there is no reason why you should not sail through your TESOL certification with flying colors. However, there are some small things you can do in advance that can really help to make the process a little bit easier.
Should I plan a schedule for my TESOL studies?
With our online TESOL courses you get to choose your own amount of study hours and when you want to do them. In this scenario it is a good idea to set yourself a study schedule so you can complete the course in a time frame that suits your future plans. By setting out a calendar with realistic weekly goals you can really help to keep your studies on track. After all, a TESOL course is a real investment in your future, so it would be a shame to let it slip away because of poor organization or a lack of commitment.
If you have chosen to embark on an in-class TESOL course, your study schedule will be largely set for you throughout the four week period of training. However, you will still need to be prepared to spend evenings and/or weekends putting in extra study to ensure you get the results you deserve. All you have to do is remember that it is only a one-month commitment and at the end of it you will be more than ready to start your new ESL teaching career.
Should I review English grammar rules before my TESOL course?
Just by mentioning ?English Grammar? you can cause panic among classes of TESOL course trainees. Many native English speakers are aware of the main grammar rules but trying to explain them to others in a classroom environment can be a daunting prospect. However, teaching English grammar is one of the cornerstones of ESL teaching and you will need to have a firm grasp of the subject by the time you start your first teaching job. The good news is that a fair proportion of any quality TESOL training course should be focused on English grammar and how to teach it in the classroom. Having said that, by dedicating a few hours to learning the basics of English grammar in advance you could give yourself a very handy headstart on the course.
Will I get any pre-TESOL course materials?
Many TESOL courses come with some form of pre-course material that you can take a look at to give yourself some confidence in what you will be learning during the course. If the course you have chosen doesn?t provide any pre-course materials or you want some further insight into the ESL teaching world, take a look online as you will find a wide variety of resources available on every major topic. Whether you read a few articles or blogs, watch some YouTube videos or listen to a podcast, you should find that it will help to get you in the right frame of mind for studying for your TESOL certification.
Will I need any equipment for my TESOL course?
Although courses can vary, you generally only need a pen and notebook to get started on a TESOL course. However, it is wise to check with the provider before you start your training. In-class courses may sometimes request that you bring a laptop, stationary supplies or specific classroom aids.
Should I practice public speaking before my TESOL course?
Standing at the front of the class and speaking to a group of students can be one of the scariest parts of the teaching process for many trainees. However, this is another aspect of the course that gets plenty of coverage and you should find your confidence has increased by the time the course is over. If you want to get a head start on this area of teaching before the course it can help to practice speaking in front of friends, family or work colleagues. Having a go at projecting your voice and making eye contact while you speak can go some way to reducing the initial nerves you might feel at the start of your TESOL journey.
Should I join online TESOL groups?
If you have done any pre-course research online you will probably have come across a few TESOL groups where people share their own course experiences and provide advice for new trainees. These groups can also be a good source of information and reviews on different courses if you have yet to decide which one is right for you. They might also offer some good insight into job hunting and where in the world you will find the best places to teach.
Finally, just relax!
One final bit of advice is to not become overwhelmed by all the information and contradictory stories you might come across when searching online. Try to stay calm and enjoy the prospect of the new life that your TESOL course can offer you. Although a TESOL course is a serious qualification that requires plenty of hard work and commitment, it should also be an enjoyable experience that will stay with you for a long time to come. If you tackle it with a positive attitude and a relaxed frame of mind you should find that you are able to complete it with few problems.
