Distance TEFL

Learning teaching skillsBecoming an effective teacher begins with learning quality teaching skills. That begins with researching the attributes and technical skills of great teachers as well as spending time observing them in a classroom setting. Regardless of the subject and whether entrusted with the education of a few or many, being a teacher is an incredibly important role that can have a major impact on the lives of the students in a teachers tutelage. Teaching english as a foreign language is no exception. This subject can be especially challenging, considering all of the factors that come into play; age group, the level of student proficiency, location, school resources and understanding a foreign school system are just a few of the issues to be considered. If you want to learn teaching skills, specifically to teach english, where do you begin? You should first look at taking a course on teaching english either as a foreign language or second language – whichever is accurate for you. There are many online resources if time and availability is an issue. Generally, if you are working with a recruiter or have a contract with a school already, either can be a great resource for recommending a course that will be right for you. If you are considering additional education to learn the teaching skills you feel you’ll need to be a good teacher here is something for you to consider. According to The Globe and Mail when it comes to ESL teachers, having a Master’s degree or having taught for a long period of time are not skills indicative of whether or not you will be a good teacher. So, which teaching skills should you strive to learn? Here are 7 skillsets or roles that, according to unit one of ITTT’s tefl certificate Course, are a good place to start in your quest to learn to become an effective teacher: 1. Manager: Being in control of the classroom 2. Organizer: Being the coordinator of instruction, activities and most importantly, being prepared 3. Assessor: Providing feedback and correction as needed 4. Prompter: Encouraging and/or guiding students along if they lose their way 5. Participant: Jumping in as needed during class time and activities 6. Tutor: Providing individualized attention as needed 7. Resource: Being available when students need occasional guidance or assistance when working alone or in groups In summary, there are many ways to become an effective teacher. Some skills will already be innate. Learning teaching skills is not unlike learning how to become a good student. It begins with a desire to learn and the drive to research the information you are looking for. Learning teaching skills will also come with on the job training. The abilities mentioned here are great initial skills in your research into finding the tools necessary to be effective in any teaching role. Although here we have addressed teaching skills specific to teaching english as a second language, the skills mentioned are truly universal. Works Cited “Teachers and Learners”. International TEFL Teacher Training. Print. Anderssen, E. (2010) Should Canada offer merit pay to teachers? The Globe and Mail, February 6, 2010. (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/should-canada-offer-merit-pay-to-teachers/article1458317/)