American Language Institute
College of Extended Studies
amTEFL Information
Course Setup | Curriculum | Certification | Placement | FAQs | Links | Advice
Course Setup
Observed Practice Teaching participants will get a maximum of six hours of practice teaching their own lessons.
Small-group tutoring with actual students participants will tutor ALI students in small conversation groups.
Interactive classes in teaching all the basic skills participants will take classes in teaching speaking, listening, grammar, reading, writing, and pronunciation. These courses will combine lecture, interaction and demonstration.
Mentoring sessions with ALI trainers trainers will work with participants in small groups to discuss their progress in the program and issues in EFL/ESL.
Observation of real EFL/ESL classes participants will observe actual classes taught by experienced teachers, and will volunteer as teacher's assistants in many of these classes.
Entrance and exit test on grammatical terminology amTEFL participants will be given an extensive test and take a ten-hour class on grammatical terms.
Exit test on EFL methodology and terminology this test, which will combine short-answer, multiple-choice and short essay questions, will test participants on their knowledge of EFL/ESL concepts, terms, and applications. The test will be based on materials covered in the modules during the four weeks.
Classes will meet 5-7 hours per day, Monday through Friday.
Curriculum
The amTEFL curriculum represents the combined efforts of the ALI faculty as well as specialists in other aspects of language education. The participant will receive an overview of EFL methodology, specific techniques for planning and implementing lessons in all the language-acquisition skill areas, and specific techniques for communicating successfully with all levels of students. Additionally, the amTEFL program will include several specialized modules, which are designed to prepare the participant for the job market, for adjusting to living in a new country, and for success in a variety of teaching environments. These modules include:
- Teaching TOEFL
Participants will learn the basic methodologies and materials for preparing students for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), which is the most common test of this type in the world. EFL teachers with the ability to teach TOEFL are often paid at a higher rate. - Teaching Business English
This module provides amTEFL participants with a basic overview of the methodology they need to teach English for business, which will open up additional work opportunities for them. - Teaching Young Learners
This module provides trainees with useful techniques, including songs, games, kinesthetics, and TPR (Total Physical Response) that will enable them to work more effectively with children. The ability to teach young learners will increase one's job prospects. - Classroom Management
Trainees will be prepared to manage and to control classes with large numbers of students, and the module will provide trainees with specific techniques for managing student behavior in a variety of settings. - Job-hunting and Working Abroad
This special seminar, taught by instructors who have worked in many countries, and who specialize in the topic, is a detailed introduction to looking for and finding a good position at a reputable school, creating a CV/resume, adjusting to life abroad, and succeeding both in and out of the classroom. The seminar includes information about specific countries and information on resources for new job-seekers. - Cross-cultural Adjustment
Ranging from general topics to specific cultural practices, this seminar will provide trainees with an overview of cultural differences and how they affect a teacher living abroad, as well as with information and resources for specific countries. - Developing and Using Games in EFL Classrooms
Games are an important teaching tool and can be used with all levels and ages of students. amTEFL trainees will be shown how to develop and use their own games, and will also be given games ready for use. - Kinesthetics in EFL
Kinesthetics (incorporating body movement and the use of the tactile sense in learning) is a crucial and often underutilized technique in language teaching. This class will demonstrate the use of kinesthetics in the EFL/ESL classroom in a variety of interactive exercises. - Grammatical Terminology
This 10-hour module, which includes an entrance and exit test, is a comprehensive overview of American Standard English grammatical terms, including verb tenses and moods, parts of speech, and specialized terms. A working knowledge of these terms is essential for success as a teacher in foreign countries.
Certification
amTEFL participants must have a Bachelor's degree, and will have the option to receive three units of graduate-level credit* from San Diego State University. Graduates will receive one of three levels of certification, depending upon their performance in classes, in supervised teaching, and on the exit tests. These levels are:
Level A: Certificate of Achievement and Distinction
Those who receive this certificate will have done excellent work in all areas of the program as evaluated by their trainers and mentors.
Level B: Certificate of Completion
Those who receive this certificate will have done above average work in all areas of the program as evaluated by their trainers and mentors.
Level C: Pass
Those who receive this certificate will have completed satisfactory work in all areas of the program as evaluated by their trainers and mentors.
* SDSU has established the credit course number ED X997 for teacher training workshops. Courses approved as ED X997 are fully reviewed and approved by the faculty of the College of Education. The credit earned is recorded at the graduate level and is designed to meet the needs of educators who wish to develop or continue the study of a current topic. Courses numbered at the 900 level are not designed to be applicable to graduate programs at SDSU but, like all transferable credit may, with approval from the receiving institution, be applicable to degrees at that institution.
Job Placement Assistance
Imagine yourself teaching English in China, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Chile, Brazil…or in the country of your choice!
After graduating from the American Language Institute’s amTEFL Certificate Program, you will have job opportunities worldwide.
Over the course of nearly three decades SDSU's American Language Institute has steadily built its reputation around the world as a premier site for English language instruction and teacher training. Since its inception in 1974, the ALI has developed strong relationships with universities, private schools, ministries of education in many countries, and multinational companies. These resources and contacts will provide amTEFL graduates with enhanced marketability at schools, universities, companies, and language centers around the world, all eager to hire teachers with top qualifications.
The ALI will provide job placement assistance for all graduates in good standing. Graduates receive assistance in resume writing, practicing interview skills, access to job placement files, and a list of job links and schools.
FAQs
Does the course cater to people with a lack of grammatical knowledge?
Yes, there are books we recommend that you read before the course starts. Also there is a pre-course task to complete once you have been accepted into the course.
May I bring my computer?
If you want, it makes your materials look professional, although access to a printer might be problem. You will need to purchase the appropriate adapters for the country you will be living in.
Are the course fees refundable?
See the Official Refund/Withdrawal Policy for more information.
Are the amTEFL participants eligible for student loans?
Educational Loans are available through several government programs for financial aid. Contact Rob Shaffer for more information.
What books can I read about teaching EFL?
When you are accepted into the amTEFL course, you are given a recommended reading list with your acceptance letter.
How can I find a job in TEFL?
The ALI provides details of future employment and professional development opportunities to all candidates and successful amTEFL graduates. Also in week three, there is a professional development input session to help you find a job.
Do I need to be able to speak a foreign language?
No, although some employers, particularly in Latin America, may give preference to candidates with previous foreign language experience.
Can I be accepted into the amTEFL course if English is not my first language?
Yes. Nonnative applicants must have a high-level command of the English language.
TEFL Info/Job Links
U.S. Department of State's Online Resources for TEFL Professionals
EFL-Law.com - Legal Information for the EFL Professional in Korea, Japan and China
Asian-EFL-journal - The EFL Professional's Written Forum
Volterre-France - English and French Language Resources
EducationGuardian.co.uk's TEFL News
San Diego links
San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau
Thailand Links
Advice
The amTEFL program is very intensive, so we suggest that you make sure you can devote your full energy to it. It is also crucial to communicate with your trainers, your mentors, and your fellow participants. Make sure to ask questions and get as much information as you can.
- Disregard any preconceived ideas about teaching EFL before starting the amTEFL. It is imperative that you keep an open mind.
- Prepare to be open-minded. You’ll come across a lot of people from different generations and backgrounds. Rely on each other and make friends with one another. The greatest motivation comes from your peers. The greatest and best help comes from your classmates. They really keep you going and their presence makes it all worthwhile.
- The amTEFL is a graduate-level intensive course, so prepare yourself for a lot of work!
- Free up your schedule during these four weeks! Do not underestimate the time requirement for this course. This is not a vacation course, so schedule vacation time for before or after the course.
- It is critical that you are mentally focused and determined! Devote your full concentration to the input sessions.
- You must be very dedicated and determined if you want to get through this course successfully.
- Be prepared to multi-task. Careful time management is required to successfully complete the amTEFL.
- You feel you're on top of things and doing OK, Don't sit back - it can change very quickly.
- Give 100% even if you think it is not necessary.
- Additional minor costs (photocopying, text book, materials etc.) may be incurred.
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