Teaching practice and classroom readiness: questions and answers

What is a TEFL practicum?

A practicum is real teaching practice with English learners, ideally observed and given feedback by a trainer. Many employers like to see some practicum hours.

How London College of Teachers meets this: LCT's teaching practice is optional and arranged by you with a local school or institute; LCT provides a recommendation letter for the internship. It is not observed or assessed by LCT trainers.

How it works →

Do employers require observed teaching practice?

Some do, especially accredited language schools in the UK and Europe and employers who ask for CELTA. Most online platforms and many schools in Asia, the Middle East and Latin America do not.

How London College of Teachers meets this: If your target employer requires assessed, observed practice, LCT's online courses do not include it. Otherwise, arranging your own practice with LCT's recommendation letter strengthens your CV.

TEFL vs TESOL vs CELTA: what is the difference →

How can I get teaching practice while studying online?

Volunteer at a local school, community centre or NGO, tutor friends or neighbours, or offer free trial lessons online. Keep lesson plans and ask for a short written reference.

How London College of Teachers meets this: LCT encourages this and provides a recommendation letter for the school or institute you choose.

How many hours of teaching practice do I need?

There is no single rule. Six to 20 hours of live practice is often recommended for a 120-hour course; some employers want more experience instead.

How London College of Teachers meets this: LCT does not set a minimum; aim for at least six to ten hours of documented practice alongside your course.

Can I count online tutoring as teaching experience?

Usually yes, if it was regular, documented and with real learners. Keep records of hours, levels and student feedback.

How London College of Teachers meets this: Many LCT learners start teaching online during or after the course; LCT's methods apply directly to online lessons.

What is a demo lesson in a TEFL interview?

A short sample lesson, often 10 to 20 minutes, that you teach to the interviewer or a class to show your planning, instructions, energy and error correction.

How London College of Teachers meets this: LCT's Lesson Planning module and graded lesson plans (Diploma and above) prepare you to plan a focused demo lesson.

Can new teachers succeed without classroom experience?

Yes. Many TEFL teachers start with no experience; a solid course, some practice and preparation for the first weeks make the difference.

How London College of Teachers meets this: LCT's courses are designed for beginners and start from foundations; the optional teaching practice with a recommendation letter helps you start with some experience.

How do I prepare for my first TEFL class?

Plan a simple, well-staged lesson, prepare clear instructions, have a backup activity, learn names quickly and focus on getting students talking.

How London College of Teachers meets this: LCT's Lesson Planning and Drama and Games modules give you ready approaches for a first class.

Will a TEFL course help me teach large classes?

It should give strategies for grouping, routines and keeping everyone involved, which matter in large classes common in public schools.

How London College of Teachers meets this: Classroom management is covered in LCT's modules and in more depth at Master level.

Do I get feedback on my teaching from the course?

On online courses, feedback is usually on written work such as lesson plans; live teaching feedback needs an in-class or practicum-based course.

How London College of Teachers meets this: LCT tutors grade assignments, lesson plans and case studies at higher levels; live teaching is not observed by LCT.