General Overview TESOL - Courses Offered Credit Quotes from Former Students
General Information about TESOL
The TESOL Teacher Education program is a one-semester program specially designed for undergraduates, M.A. level students and recent graduates who are interested in gaining valuable experience in teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) in a cross-cultural environment. The purpose of the program is to bring together Czech and English-speaking students in order to foster understanding and broaden both groups' social, academic and professional experience - all of which are a vital part of succeeding in teaching English as a foreign language. The program integrates the fundamentals of language learning theory and hands-on teaching practice. A unique aspect of this selective program is that native English speakers and non-native speakers study and practise together.
In addition to the TESOL-related courses, students can choose from courses on applied linguistics, the Czech language, and a number of courses relating to the Czech cultural heritage.
Students who successfully complete the course of study earn the internationally recognized Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA). The actual CELTA component of the program is accredited by the University of Cambridge English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and carries with it the prestige and recognition of that ancient centre of learning.
What is CELTA?
- The Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA) is an internationally recognized certification in the field of the teaching of English.
- Designed for people with no or very little English-language teaching experience, the CELTA course provides the participant with the knowledge and tools to teach English as a foreign language worldwide.
Who recognizes CELTA?
- CELTA is recognized worldwide by employers in the English language teaching (ELT) industry, Peace Corps and professional organizations like TESOL and IATEFL (the International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language).
- CELTA qualification can gain credit in some M.A. TESOL programs.
Why is CELTA so highly regarded?
- Successful CELTA candidates receive a certificate that is recognized worldwide because of its high standards, guaranteed by the accreditation body at Cambridge.
- The quality of each CELTA course is ensured by external assessment: a Cambridge assessor visits every course run, and each centre must undergo an annual approval process.
- The CELTA course offers training in a communicative teaching approach, one that is flexible enough to be easily adapted to different age groups and cultures.
- The CELTA covers a wide range of topics: besides the input workshops and teaching practice, students have course-related work to prepare at home.
Enrollment
Enrollment is open to undergraduates (in their junior or senior year), students at the M.A. level, and recent graduates. Students do not need previous Czech language study or prior teaching experience; however, some general background in educational theory is helpful. Minimum 2.75 GPA overall. Applicants must be at least 20 years of age at the time of interview.
The application process has two steps. First, the application form must be handed in. Then, after it has been reviewed, a telephone interview is held, after which the applicant receives formal notice of acceptance into the program.
Program Costs
The cost is $6,300 per semester (15 weeks). This includes on-site orientation, tuition, room and board, and excursions to places such as Vienna, Prague, Bratislava, Budapest, Krakow and Wroclaw. Medical insurance and student visa must be arranged by the applicant prior to traveling to the Czech Republic.
Housing and meals
Accommodation and meals are included in the program fee. Students live in modern university dormitories sharing double rooms (each with an ensuite bathroom and kitchenette) with Czech or other foreign students. They have access to university computer centers, sports facilities, cafeterias and laundries.
Orientation
The orientation week program includes visits to university libraries and computer centers, an intensive "survival Czech" course, introductory talks on Czech culture and society, a tour of Brno and visit to the city museum, a reception bringing together international and Czech students as well as Masaryk University faculty, and excursions to the surroundings of Brno.
Excursions
The program fee also includes weekend excursions to a number of cities in the region. In recent years these have included Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava, Prague and Krakow.
| Program Dates | ||
| Fall semester 2007 - Not opened | ||
| Spring semester 2008 | Orientation | February 4 - 8 , 2008 |
| Classes | February 11 - May 9 , 2008 | |
| Exam period | May 12 - 16 , 2008 | |
All of the courses with the TESOL TE program are taught in English.
TESOL Methodology
Credits: 9 ECTS CELTA
teacher trainers: PhDr. Debora Zemenova, MA, Mgr. Alzbeta Cernuskova
The first part of the CELTA training program. In a series of workshops, participants acquire the general knowledge, skills, attitudes and awareness necessary for a novice teacher of English as a foreign language. Topics covered include language awareness and analysis for teaching purposes, teaching language systems and skills, lesson planning and timetabling, error analysis and correction, language testing, classroom management, teaching aids, and different aspects of learning foreign languages. Several written assignments and projects are required as part of the evaluation. Classes are held in small groups.
Teaching Practice
Credits: 6 ECTS CELTA
teacher trainers: PhDr. Debora Zemenova, MA, Mgr. Alzbeta Cernuskova
The practical training component of the CELTA program. Teaching practice (TP) includes the following: students' own classroom practice, observations of experienced teachers, peer observations, feedback discussions and assisted lesson planning. The aim of teaching practice is to help students acquire basic teaching skills and establish a solid basis for further professional development. Classes taught consist of two groups of six students.
Applied Linguistics
Credits: 6 ECTS
Course teacher: Hardy, Stephen B.A. P.G.C.E. M.A.Ph.D
A straightforward and comprehensive introduction to the study of language. The main emphasis is placed on linguistics for teaching purposes. The course gives students a basic framework in phonology, grammar, discourse, language development and change.
Czech Cultural Heritage
Credits : Each unit 6 ECTS
Students choose one or more of three separate units on Czech literature, film and theatre. These are designed to provide an overview of the distinctive contribution of the Czech lands in each of the fields.
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Credit, based on the number of courses passed, is given upon completion by Masaryk University.
Students who successfully complete the above coursework receive the Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA), issued by the University of Cambridge English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), as well as a written evaluation of their performance and, from Masaryk University, a certificate for the courses in Applied Linguistics, Czech Culture and the Czech language.
Anita Shek, SUNY Oswego
I feel the most important thing about the CELTA program was that it gave me support in a real world teaching experience and thus, built my confidence. The analysis of the lessons I taught were valuable in teaching me to critique my own performance so my learning would continue even when CELTA ends. The advantage of taking the class at Masaryk University was learning alongside Czech students. They offered a different perspective of our students and helped us to understand how their mentality and school system which are so different than those I know in the USA. It's easy to get caught up in the work and forget to make good friends with the people from that area. With them in this class, it wasn't even an issue.
Jennifer Russell, Ithaca College
I've really enjoyed learning to teach ESL here at Masaryk because of the unique perspective I've gained by teaching and working alongside people who have learned English as a second language themselves.
Jana Zalska, Masaryk University, Brno
I'm absolutely won over by the practical approach of this course. Real-life answers to real-life questions and well aimed practice. And a group of great people who make the challenge of learning to teach fun. I love it.
Jiri Karas, Masaryk University, Brno
The CELTA course? I've found it to be more ... than I expected - more interesting, more intensive, more challenging, more rewarding, more demanding and also more fun. I feel like I'm learning a lot and at the same time I can also contribute to the course a lot. The people are great, the schedule is sometimes crazy, the stuff we learn interesting and motivating. All in all - I'm really glad I can do it.
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