Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Overview
The Selkirk College TESOL Advanced diploma and certificate program is for students interested in teaching English as a second or foreign language either domestically or internationally. Classes are offered in one intensive semester of study, during which time students gain both theoretical and practical knowledge in teaching language. Upon completion of both Theory and Practicum, students, with a degree, are eligible for TESL Canada Professional 1 Certification.
The program includes course work in the areas of second language acquisition theory and linguistics, curriculum design, materials development for core skill areas - reading writing, speaking, listening and pronunciation, classroom management, and assessment. In addition to the 18 hours a week of class time, students observe and teach in Selkirk College’s multicultural adult English Language Program on the Castlegar campus. TESOL students also have the opportunity to participate in language partnerships with ESL students and gain work experience as ESL tutors. There are two program options:
TESOL Advanced Diploma
Students complete 250 hours of methodology coursework plus a 20-hour practicum which includes 10 hours of observation and 10 hours of practice teaching in one of Selkirk’s skill-based, multicultural ESL classrooms.
Students who hold a degree and successfully complete Selkirk’s TESOL Advanced Diploma program are eligible to apply for TESL Canada Professional 1 Certification.
TESL Advanced Certificate
Students complete 250 hours of methodology coursework, but they do not participate in the Practicum component. This program does not meet all the requirements needed to apply for TESL Canada recognition. If students who have completed the Advanced certificate program and wish to complete the practicum component and convert their Advanced Certificate to an Advanced Diploma, they can do so within one year and with the approval of the School Chair. There is an additional charge for this practicum experience.
Practicum Options
Extended Practicum
For those interested in TESL Canada Professional 2 Certification, Selkirk College offers an Extended Practicum (usually 8 weeks) which includes an additional 20 hours of observation and 10 hours of teaching in one of Selkirk’s skill-based, multicultural ESL classrooms. Students must have successfully completed the Advanced Diploma before commencing this program. There is an additional charge for the extended practicum.
International Practicum
An international teaching practicum experience provides students with an opportunity to live and teach in an international setting with the support of Selkirk College. During their practicum students will apply the theories and methods studied in the Selkirk College TESOL program in a work environment.
Please note: TSOL 120 is an additional practicum for graduates of the Selkirk College TESOL Advanced diploma program. It is not a requirement for graduation. This course may not be offered every year. Enrolment is limited.
Visiting Practicum
The visiting practicum program also offers external TESOL students an opportunity to complete their classroom observations and practicum teaching experience at Selkirk College. Students who have completed a minimum of 100 hours of TESOL course work at another institution, approved by TESL Canada, and some related experience can apply for the visiting practicum. Students work one on- one with an experienced ESL instructor as they observe, plan, deliver, and reflect on lessons in one of Selkirk’s skill-based, multicultural ESL classrooms.
Practical Studies in TESOL
The Practical Studies in TESOL program is a 4-week program available in the Winter term between January and March or in July to international TESOL students or instructors who are interested in working alongside an experienced, Canadian instructor in one of Selkirk’s skill-based, multicultural ESL classrooms. Students shadow a mentor teacher, observe a variety of classes, participate in all student events, and plan and deliver a number of practicum language lessons.
Program Outcomes
- Select and generate learning materials that meet course outcomes and support learners’ goals.
- Create, develop and deliver effective language lessons based on knowledge of SLA theory, curriculum design and best practice methodology.
- Demonstrate familiarity with a range of approaches, strategies and techniques for teaching listening, speaking, reading, writing, pronunciation and grammar.
- Manage classrooms that foster a stimulating and inclusive learning environment.
- Exhibit intercultural competence, cultural awareness and sensitivity.
- Recognize and utilize the central concepts and conventions of the English language (phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics and discourse).
- Reflect critically on teaching practices and demonstrate professional conduct.
- Utilize appropriate technology in lesson planning and delivery.
- Design and conduct assessments linked to learning outcomes.
Admission Requirements
In addition to meeting the general admission requirements to Selkirk College, the applicant must meet the following TESOL/TESL Program requirements to be considered fully-qualified:
Advanced Diploma and Advanced Certificate
- Applicants must have successfully graduated from a degree or diploma program from a recognized institution or completed at least two years of post-secondary education.
- Entrance requirements include an average of 68% in prior course work.
- Applicants who are speakers of other languages must provide evidence of a minimal TOEFL score of 213 (CBT), an IELTS score of 6.5, or have completed the Selkirk Advanced English Language program and English 60 or EASL 067 with a minimum 76% or higher average.
NOTE: To be eligible for TESL Canada Professional Standard One or Two Certification, applicants who are speakers of other languages must have an IELTS score of 7.0 or equivalent and all applicants must have a bachelor's degree.
Extended Practicum
- Applicants must have successfully completed Selkirk’s Advanced diploma program and received a grade of 68% or higher in their Practicum Course and Seminar (TSOL 110) to be eligible for this additional program option.
Visiting Practicum
- Successfully completed a minimum of 100 hours of coursework at a TESL Canada Certified institution and have previous education-related work or volunteer experience.
International Practicum
- Applicants must be graduates of Selkirk College’s TESOL Advanced diploma program.
Teaching English to Young Learners
- Applicants should have TESOL training completed or in progress or approval of the School Chair.
- Prior work or volunteer educational experience, preferably with second language learners, and/or coursework in education.
The following must be received:
- All post-secondary transcripts
- English proficiency test scores as indicated above
- Current resumé
- Letter of reference
- Letter of intent
When the submission is complete, interviews will be arranged. Where circumstances make a personal interview impractical, a Skype or video interview will be conducted.
In order to received your certificate or diploma, you must receive a minimum grade of ‘C’ (60-62%) in all required courses. Promotion to do an Extended Practicum requires a minimum grade of B- (68-71%) in the TSOL 110 Practicum course.
Courses
TSOL101 - Introduction to Teaching English Language Learners
TSOL 101 Introduction to Teaching the English Language Learners introduces students to the TESOL profession. Both theoretically and practically, students will explore the needs and challenges of effective classroom organization, management, and teaching, with the goal of creating a learner-centered classroom. Principles learned will be applied and further developed in the courses Teaching Listening and Speaking, and Teaching Reading and Writing.
TSOL103 - Teaching Listening and Speaking
TSOL 103 Teaching Listening and Speaking is a course for pre-service teachers that focuses on methodology and resources for teaching listening and speaking to learners of English. Participants will discuss the key principles of teaching these skills, and investigate a variety of methods and techniques. They will have the opportunity to create and use communicatively-based, learner-centred activities for the classroom.
TSOL105 - Teaching Reading and Writing
TSOL 105 Teaching Reading and Writing focuses on teaching theory and methodology used to develop ESL students' reading and writing skills in a second language classroom. It also offers practical knowledge on materials development, teaching activities and techniques, lesson and unit plan design, and the development of assessment tools.
TSOL107 - Topics in English Language Teaching
TSOL 107 Topics in English Language Teaching will support, enrich and expand learners' study of TESOL with exploration into the current trends in the field. Topics will include but are not limited to: teaching young learners, effective tutoring, developing e-portfolios, using technology in the classroom, navigating a job search, and strategies for teaching multi-level classes.
TSOL109 - Teaching Pronunciation
TSOL 109 Teaching Pronunciation is a course that focuses on teaching how to improve the intelligibility of learners' spoken English. Participants in the course learn to identify features in spoken language that block or slow down comprehension on the part of the listener. Corrective activities that can be used within a communicative framework are emphasized.
TSOL112 - Grammar for Teachers
TSOL 112 Grammar for Teachers is an introduction to the fundamental structures of grammar as well as to the different approaches and techniques for grammar instruction in a second language context. This course will create a bridge between being a speaker of English and being a teacher of the language.
To receive a TESOL Advanced Diploma you are required to take the course below in addition to all of the Advanced Certificate courses
TSOL110 - Practicum Experience and Seminar
TSOL 110 Practicum Experience and Seminar, students gain first-hand experience observing in one of Selkirk's multicultural, skill-based ESL classes on campus. Students will be supported by experienced ESL instructors who provide one-on-one guidance, supervision and feedback. A weekly seminar provides the opportunity for students to share and reflect on their experience.
TSOL120 - International Practicum
TSOL 120 International Practicum is an international teaching practicum experience provides students with an opportunity to live and teach in an international setting with the support of Selkirk College. During their practicum students will apply the theories and methods studied in the Selkirk College TESOL Program in a work environment.
Please Note: TSOL120 is an additional practicum for graduates of the Selkirk College TESOL Advanced Diploma Program. It is not a requirement for graduation. This course may not be offered every year. Enrolment is limited.
TSOL121 - Extended Practicum
In the TSOL 121 Extended Practicum course, students gain first-hand experience observing and teaching in one of Selkirk's multicultural, skill-based ESL classes on campus. Students will be supported by experienced ESL instructors who provide one-on-one guidance, supervision and feedback.
TSOL122 - Visiting Practicum
In the TSOL 122 Visiting Practicum course, students who have completed a minimum of 100 hours of TESOL coursework at an institution other than Selkirk College can gain first-hand experience observing and teaching in one of Selkirk's multicultural, skill-based ESL classes on campus. Students will be supported by experienced ESL instructors who provide one-on-one guidance, supervision and feedback.
TSOL123 - Practical Studies in TESOL
TSOL 123 Practical Studies in TESOL is designed to give visiting TESOL students or teachers first-hand experience observing and teaching in Selkirk's multicultural, skill-based ESL classes on campus. Students will work closely with one of Selkirk's experienced ESL instructors. As a teaching assistant, students will plan, prepare and conduct instructional activities with one-on-one guidance, supervision and feedback from their sponsor teacher. In addition, students will observe a variety of classes in the program.
Find Out More
We look forward to connecting with you! Fill out this form and we'll reach out to you.