Description

The "First Step" program is designed specifically for non-native speakers of English like you, who would like to gain insight into the practice of teaching English as a foreign language. Also ideal for those interested in teaching Italian as a foreign language as the know-how is essentially the same for all languages. This 20-hour course - carried out entirely in English - provides you with valuable information on lesson planning, teaching techniques, classroom management, level-testing, text-book evaluation, as well as the opportunity to implement it in a guided setting.

Successful completion of the course, which includes two full days of in-class work, lesson preparation, one-to-one feedback from the course instructor, as well as the realization of "case study" portfolio to be handed in a week after the end of lessons, demonstrates a strong working knowledge of English and a grasp of language-teaching issues that is sure to open doors for you in the field of language training - wherever it may lead you!

Participation, however, is restricted to candidates with above-average knowledge of English, which may be verified by a 1-hour written and spoken exam at our centre in Alghero or Sassari (call the number below to make the reservation) or possession one or more of the following certificates: TRINITY ISE III (C1); CAE (C1); TOEFL iBT (with a score range of 92-112).

Course Outline

A. Teaching Knowledge and Techniques - Day 1

1. Teaching and Learning a Foreign Language and Role of the Language Trainer
* To consider teaching theories and approaches which promote effective learning
* To consider the implications of this for acquiring and learning a foreign language
* To consider the role of the teacher with regard to the promotion of effective learning
* To consider the options we have as teachers and the factors which influence our choices

2. The Role of the Teacher
* To consider the role of the teacher with regard to the promotion of effective learning
* To consider the options we have as teachers and the factors which influence our choices

3. The Lesson Plan
* To consider the essential ingredients of a well planned lesson
* To introduce a format for lesson planning
* To review lesson plans produced by previous students
* To introduce strategies for evaluating lessons

4. Teaching Vocabulary
* To consider strategies for teaching vocabulary
* To introduce ideas for vocabulary practice through activities and games

5. Teaching Grammar in Context
* To review workings and English grammar in its appropriate context
* To consider strategies for teaching vocabulary
* To introduce ideas for vocabulary practice through activities and games

B. Practical Issues in EFL Training - Day 2

6. Session Six: Level Testing and Language Certification
* To understand theory and practice of level-testing
* To gain an overview of various language certifications available

7. Session Seven: Textbook Evaluation
* To establish criteria for evaluating course textbook & materials
* To gain an overview of textbooks available in local market

8. Session Eight: Cultural Issues in the Classroom
* To gain an understanding of the role of cultural issues at play in the classroom

9. Sessions Nine: Mini-level Presentation
* To experience teaching English as a foreign language
* To gain insight into performance through peer-led evaluation

10. Sessions Ten: Careers in TEFL
* To gain understanding of career possibilities in the field of language training

Highlights

Alghero is a picturesque seaside town located on the northwestern tip of the island of Sardinia. Though it has undergone numerous cultural influences, Alghero is mainly known for its "Catalan" feel, which is evidenced in its Catalan street names and in the dialect still spoken today by a handful of its inhabitants.

In Alghero, the Via Lingua CTEFL course is run in cooperation with inlingua Alghero, a well-reputed language school that organizes native-speaker taught language courses during the autumn and winter months for the locals of Alghero, and holds group courses for international travelers from all over Europe who come to Alghero during the spring and summer months for the express purpose of learning Italian. Via Lingua Alghero is a trusted member of an international network of language schools and as such is able to help CTEFL graduates obtain employment with its affiliates worldwide, or even in Sardinia, should a graduate decide to opt for "island living". The school is conveniently located near both public gardens and beaches and is equipped with air-conditioning.

There are excursions to see the breath-taking sea caves "Grotte di Nettuno," which are accessible by authorized vessels departing daily from the main port or from "Capo Caccia," or by a cliff-hanging walk down the breath-taking stairs (only 654 steps!) "Esacala del Cabirol." There are also numerous points of historical and cultural interest, such as the intriguing ruins left behind by the mysterious Neolithic "Nuraghic" civilization, which you can explore at the "Palmavera" or "Anghelu Ruju" complexes. Equally interesting are the "bastioni", the high fortified walls dotted with lookout towers that encircle the city's western waterfront and southern flank.

Qualifications

* Native English Speaker or proof of English proficiency for non-native speakers
* University degree recommended but not essential

Languages

• English

Languages Used as a Medium of Teaching

• English

Cost in US$:

1,350 EUR

Program Fees Include:

Accommodation: 400 EUR for shared room in shared apartment.

* Pick-up and hotel transfer from the point of arrival in Chania, Crete
* Welcome lunch and orientation tour
* All materials and tuition for the 4-week course, including examination fee
* Use of all facilities at the school (including unlimited internet access and kitchen/laundry facilities)
* Weekly Greek lessons
* Graduation lunch

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups of 10 maximum

Application Process Involves

• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

48 hours

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Job and Internship Network

Via Lingua International LLC's Mission Statement

Via Lingua Crete aspires to train high-quality teachers using the latest teaching methodologies. An important element of our course is experiential learning and all sessions involve task-based interactions. We are also proud to help our trainees develop self-reflective skills in their evaluation of their own teaching and learning.

Year Founded

2000