Classroom learning – it s what we re all used to and the way we expect to study. Or is it? A classroom TEFL course is nothing like the lessons you took in school; expect it to be more intensive but a lot more fun. But before you decide if a classroom TEFL course is right for you, take a look at the pros and cons.
So do you want the good news or the bad news? Good, you say? Here we go then!
The Pros
Practical experience
The best thing about a classroom course is the opportunity to get practical experience. You ll be working in groups, learning through activities and finding fun ways to absorb the all the information. So basically, you ll learn TEFL through the very techniques you ll be using when you teach abroad. Then when you ve got a grasp of the techniques you ve been studying, you ll get the chance to put them into action by creating and giving your very own lesson.
A fun and interactive learning environment
Learning doesn t get much better than this. It s fun, interactive and completely different from those boring lesson you had to put up with in school. You ll be running around, playing games and doing quizzes – and that s only the beginning. Put simply, your tutor will teach you in exactly the same way that you ll be teaching your own students when you arrive overseas.
Make new friends along the way
You ll be in a group of about 20 people, depending on demand, and they ll all be like you: people who want to travel and earn as they go. It s a great opportunity to make new friends and maybe find a travel buddy or two. Plus, your new friends will be a great source of information. They ll have done their research just like you, so you can swap stories and information.
A qualification that counts
Classroom TEFL courses are accepted by language schools around the world; just make sure you choose a reputable organisation that s accredited by an independent body. That ll give your qualification extra weight, putting you in a better position when you re applying for jobs.
The cons
One long weekend
Classroom TEFL courses are great fun, but they re also hard work. The hours are long and you re always on the go, so by the end of the weekend you ll probably be tired. Returning to work on the Monday after such an intensive course can be tough. You can avoid this problem by taking an online TEFL course and spreading your study over a couple of months. But online courses have pros and cons too, so maybe you should just take the Monday off!
Just skimming the surface
Classroom TEFL courses cover half the time of online courses and a lot of that time is spent doing practical activities. This means you ll get to put your new skills into action and cement your learning, but it also means you have less time to concentrate on developing your understanding of TEFL teaching. This can be rectified by adding an online TEFL course to your training or even by buying a couple of books to read before you go.
A spare weekend is a must
The thing about classroom TEFL courses is that you have to do them in one fell swoop. And you know what that means – you have to find a free weekend. If you ve got a really hectic schedule that can be difficult to do, so you might find an online TEFL course more convenient.
Author Resource:
To http://www.onlinetefl.com Teach English abroad is the perfect opportunity for any English speaker to explore the world and immerse themselves in new cultures. Whether you’re a trained teacher or a complete beginner, a http://www.onlinetefl.com TEFL qualification is your ticket for the journey of your life. Contacts For interviews, images or comments contact: Chris Soames Marketing & PR Email: chris@i-to-i.com