Question 1

What modules should a 120-hour TEFL course include?

Accepted Answer

Expect teaching methodology, how languages are learned, grammar for teachers, pronunciation, vocabulary, lesson planning, classroom management, and teaching reading, writing, speaking and listening. How London College of Teachers meets this: LCT's core syllabus covers all of these in nine modules: the world of teaching English, history of methodologies, language acquisition, English grammar, phonology, vocabulary, lesson planning, drama and games, and the four skills.

Question 2

What is Communicative Language Teaching?

Accepted Answer

Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) focuses on using English to communicate real meaning through pair work, role plays, discussion and tasks, with grammar taught in context rather than only through rules. How London College of Teachers meets this: LCT uses CLT across its TEFL courses.

Question 3

Does a TEFL course teach grammar?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A good TEFL course teaches grammar from a teacher's point of view: how to explain tenses, structures and errors clearly to learners, not just how to use them yourself. How London College of Teachers meets this: English Grammar is a core LCT module, and the Diploma and higher levels add a separate Advanced Grammar unit.

Question 4

Will TEFL help my own pronunciation?

Accepted Answer

It should. Phonology modules teach sounds, stress and intonation so you can model and correct pronunciation, which often improves your own clarity too. How London College of Teachers meets this: LCT's core syllabus includes phonology, the Diploma adds Advanced Phonetics, and the 60-hour Teaching Phonetics course specialises in it.

Question 5

Does TEFL cover lesson planning?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You should learn to set aims, stage a lesson, plan activities and timing, and adapt for different levels and ages. How London College of Teachers meets this: Lesson Planning is a core LCT module, and Diploma levels and above include graded lesson plans or projects.

Question 6

Does a TEFL course teach classroom management?

Accepted Answer

A good course covers routines, instructions, grouping, behaviour and keeping learners engaged, for both children and adults. How London College of Teachers meets this: LCT covers classroom management within its modules and in the Young Learners and Business English courses; the Master in TEFL adds advanced classroom management.

Question 7

Does TEFL include teaching online?

Accepted Answer

Many courses now include online teaching skills, because most methodology transfers to video lessons with some adaptation of materials and interaction. How London College of Teachers meets this: LCT's courses are taught online and designed for both classroom and online teaching contexts, so the methods you learn apply directly to virtual classes.

Question 8

Do TEFL courses use games and drama?

Accepted Answer

Yes, games, drama and role plays are standard tools, especially for children and for speaking practice. How London College of Teachers meets this: Drama and Games is one of LCT's nine core modules.

Question 9

How deep is a TEFL Diploma compared with a certificate?

Accepted Answer

Diplomas usually add advanced grammar and phonology, a research or teaching project, and sometimes a specialisation or management topic. How London College of Teachers meets this: LCT's 150-hour Diploma adds Advanced Grammar and Advanced Phonetics; the 250-hour Advanced Diploma adds a research project, a Young Learners or Business English specialism and educational management.

Question 10

Is there a TEFL course on teaching grammar only?

Accepted Answer

Some providers offer short grammar-for-teachers courses for teachers who want to strengthen one area. How London College of Teachers meets this: LCT lists a Teaching Grammar course in its menu, but it has no published page or fee yet; ask admissions. Grammar is fully covered in the TEFL Certificate and Diploma.

What a TEFL course should cover: questions and answers