What do you need to be successful on a Global English TESOL course?
William Bradridge heads a team of dedicated tutors at Global English TESOL. This week he asked some of them for any advice they might give to prospective candidates to help them succeed on a GE course. Here are their collected thoughts on how to get through your TESOL training smoothly…
Step 1: Know where you want to go
Firstly, know where you want to go.
If you have a location in mind, this will help you to stay motivated and to keep focussed on what you want out of your TEFL course. William says:
“I started out teaching in Mexico City and it was such an exciting experience, a new culture, people and a language to get immersed in. My first distance TEFL course was the gateway to a wonderful career. I’ll never forget those first teaching steps in Mexico and it definitely inspired me when I was first training."
So keep your goal of becoming an English language teacher in mind. GE tutor Clare Welch echoes this and suggests that you should “…feel excited about it all. Teaching is such a wonderful experience!”
Step 2: Take it steady
Secondly, we think it’s really helpful if you take it steady.
It’s important to pace yourself through your studies. GE tutor Kerry McEwan provides helpful guidance when she says:
“Don't rush at it. Take the course steadily and make sure you actually read the feedback we give. Also, don't be afraid to ask us if you want something clarifying. We don't bite 😊.”
Clare offers this:
“Keep yourself motivated. Set yourself some weekly goals and try to stick to them. Even when you feel you don’t have time to study, put in 15 mins and you’ll feel engaged and enthusiastic again. Don’t feel disheartened if your progress seems to slow, as some modules take longer than others.”
As tutors we really enjoy taking people with no classroom experience and giving them the confidence to stand in front of a class and teach. You CAN do it, and you’ll probably be pretty good at it too!
Step 3: Welcome constructive feedback
Thirdly, be prepared to receive constructive feedback.
Irrespective whether you are a complete beginner or a seasoned pro who is coming back for a refresher course, we take pride in the fact that this isn’t a ‘tick, tick, cross’ course. We will gently challenge you and your ideas as you work through the modules. You’ll get to source materials for classes you want to teach and write lesson plans that we’ll carefully look over. So you’ll receive guidance for help and support with suggestions at each stage.
Clare again gives some sound advice:
“Take the tutor comments on board, especially with lesson planning. And don’t be afraid to ask for help, that’s what we are here for.”
Course Director Louisa Walsh adds:
“Take the opportunity to learn from your tutors, study and follow their feedback, even on your ‘mistakes’. Do take their suggestions on board. Quite often they’ll be framed as: ‘This is good, but it would work even better if…’. Your tutor presents a tremendous opportunity for your growth into the role as a successful English language teacher.”
We love to help students at all levels and offer a friendly welcome to anyone who wants to train with us. So if you are ready to join us, come on in and register today.
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Where next?
Get to know some of our lovely tutors here and ‘meet’ Clare, Denise, Kerry, Louisa and William (pictured).
Lots lovely comments on about friendly tutors here at the independent website TEFLCourseReview
Where are you going? Key information on different TESOL destinations