The Certificate IV in TESOL is a qualification for those entering the field of teaching English as a Second (ESL) or Foreign language (EFL). This Certificate in TESOL course is delivered by several Australian Registered Training Organizations (RTO’s) with the Australian Qualifications Framework.
It is possible to train for Cert IV TESOL online. With the number of ESL learners in English speaking increasing much, there is a shortage of TESOL trained teachers. Following are some valuable skills for a successful career as an ESL teacher:
Authentic relationship
As per studies, teachers who have an authentic relationship with their students have a major impact on their behaviour, motivation, and attitude. Such students tend to work harder and are highly successful learners. They tend to learn English faster. Thus, the relationship between teacher and students is crucial in ESL teaching.
Create comfortable atmosphere
The focus of every ESL class is not the teacher but the student. So, the teacher must create a comfortable environment that enables them to speak out, ask questions, and deal in meaningful conversations with their peers. Be gentle with child learners and never treat adult learners like children.
Understanding cultural backgrounds
Teachers who are open in welcoming students and accepting cultural differences can help the latter to accept the school environment easily. When a student feels valued, he or she can more easily assimilate into English-speaking culture, making friends and indulging in English conversations.
Encourage speech
After establishing a comfortable atmosphere, it will be possible to encourage students to talk more. The process of learning can be free-flowing and fun when all can speak their minds without the fear of being judged. This is a valuable exercise in the long run. You are really enabling them to speak English and practice the language further- which is the main reason for enrolling in the TESOL course.
Approaches and techniques
Opportunities for professional training development must be available for all staff, including teachers who have to deal with linguistically and culturally diverse students. There must be ongoing instruction and provided in a whole array of learning formats from short workshops to online classes and those which stretch over long periods of time.
Such opportunities must be made available to teachers at a discount and possibly with extra incentives for them. They must fit into the busy schedules of teachers.
Provide constant feedback
Make the ESL class open, fluid, and creative. Avoid rigidity and firmness. It is not possible to master English so fast, and the teacher must offer guidance and feedback and polish it over time. The teacher must touch up on pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary and offer students’ feedback to help improve their English skills.
Individual needs
It is good to assess the educational history and language proficiency of the student. The classroom lesson designs can be individualized with a focus on the functional level of English of each student in areas of writing, reading, speaking, and listening. In this way, lessons can be targeted for maximum growth. Ongoing assessment can support daily instruction and the needs of targeted learning of students helping to build their self-confidence.
Encouraging the use of English outside
Students who actively engage in community or extra-curricular activities outside the classroom help them cultivate interests and friendships that help broaden the acquisition of language. When students gain confidence and have some degree of language skills, they can be encouraged to join other community and school-related activities based on the interests of students.
Use humour
An ESL teacher must not be uptight and rigid. Being too strict in class may make students uncomfortable, particularly since they are learning a totally new language. Don’t hesitate to keep the class entertained with clean jokes, especially English jokes.
These are some of the ways in which an ESL teacher can succeed in their career by completing Cert IV TESOL online.
