Aims
The 120-hour Certificate in TEFL offered by the Centro Colombo Americano of Manizales aims to provide the highest standard in the teaching of the English language. It is designed for those who have little or no experience teaching English as a Foreign Language, or for those who are experienced, but lack the academic background and credentials necessary to advance. The certificate aims to equip students with a strong foundation of language rules, language learning theories, teaching techniques, and materials development with strong emphasis on communicative methodologies.
Entry Requirements
The certificate in TEFL requires the following for application to the program:
- High school diploma
- Minimum score of 70% on the reading and listening sections and 75% interview of the English language proficiency test administered by the Colombo.*
- The willingness to actively participate in the course and work cooperatively with group members.
| Course Description |
| Module 1 |
Module 2 |
Module 3 |
This course covers fundamentals in linguistics and English language structure. Phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics are discussed with an emphasis on how language functions as a means of communication.
16 hours |
This course covers some background issues and popular methodologies for teaching the English language. We will develop a thorough understanding of how language is learned. This section emphasizes current trends in the communicative approach and student-centered classrooms.
16 hours |
In this practical introduction to the field, you learn traditional and innovative classroom techniques for teaching listening and reading skills to speakers of English as a foreign language. Discussions center on the role of the teacher, the needs of the learner, and the development of materials. 16 hours |
| Module 4 |
Module 5 |
Module 6 |
In this module you will learn how to teach the skills of speaking and writing as well as how to adapt and create materials and activities related to the teaching of these skills. You will also learn how to incorporate the teaching of pronunciation into your classes. 16 hours |
This important module covers characteristics that influence students' learning and teaches you how to develop strategies for dealing with different types of behavioral problems, students’ motivation, and student autonomy. It helps you understand the roles of teachers of a foreign language and describes learning contexts.
16 hours |
In this course, we learn to create cohesive lessons and courses with clear objectives and varied activities. In addition, we will analyze course books and examine how to make effective use of them, while supplementing outside resources and materials, focusing on first-hand experience with educational technology.
16 hours |
| Module 7 |
Module 8 |
|
In this unit we discuss sources of errors and effective feedback techniques. In addition, we learn how to create and evaluate testing materials, rubrics, and alternative assessment materials to measure language progress. 16 hours |
This module provides trainees with the opportunity to investigate the different professional development opportunities available to them in Colombia. The second half of this module will be devoted to trainees' presentations of their research projects.
8 hours |
|
Dedication to the demanding schedule of classes and practical training required for the course.
Teacher Trainers
Our teacher trainers are the most successful teachers and academic staff from the Colombo Americano. They all have received a Bachelor´s Degree and have participated in various English language workshops, conferences, and training around Colombia, the United States and other countries. We also invite visiting lecturers, scholars, and teacher trainers to contribute to the course administration.
Assesment and Certification
The assessment of participant progress in this course will be based on group work and individual work that includes lesson planning and materials development among other activities. In addition, many readings and reflections will be assigned. Observations and completion of a research project will reflect a large percentage of the grade. If you have successfully completed all of the required assignments, have attended at least 85% of the classes, and have actively and thoughtfully participated in the program, you will exit with a certificate of Teaching English as a Foreign Language from the Centro Colombo Americano of Manizales. |
