The School has been especially active in refugee resettlement projects and has provided ESL instruction and US cultural orientation to tens of thousands of refugees since the 1970s. Through the work of its faculty and alumni, SIT enjoys a reputation as a premier center of teacher education.

COURSE OUTLINE

The SIT-TC is a 4 week full-time course which provides participants with professional knowledge and skills in teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) as well as tools for their own reflection and growth as teachers.

It is an introductory program suitable for experienced English language teachers who are looking for a formal qualification as well as for those wishing to become English language teachers who are seeking an introduction to the field. This experiential course provides practical training through teaching demonstrations, lesson planning and analysis, and practice teaching and feedback. Participants develop skills in teaching speaking, listening, reading, writing, grammar and culture.

The course begins with a brief look at second language acquisition through the experience of being a learner. Participants then learn about specific teaching areas each day, which they apply in their daily practice teaching of adult ESOL learners. Participants gain skills in self-reflection and analysis through examining those lessons with the teacher trainers.

The SIT-TC addresses three main areas:

1. Focus on learning: Participants engage in a language-learning experience in order to explore the relationship between language learning and teaching, and aspects of second language acquisition from the point of view of the learner. This experience provides the foundation for examining teaching.

2. Focus on teaching: Participants examine the theory and practice of planning, teaching and assessing lessons in the four skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing), grammar and culture through experiential activities, teaching demonstrations, discussions, lesson planning, materials development, and readings.

3. Focus on classroom practices: Participants put their new knowledge and skills into practice through daily practice teaching sessions. Trainers observe and facilitate feedback sessions after these lessons. From them participants learn to reflect on and assess their own teaching as well as to examine the teaching of their peers.

The sessions are highly interactive and experiential. The course includes planning lessons and a minimum of 6 hours of assessed teaching to 'real' TESOL students. Trainers observe your teaching and offer practical advice after each session. By the end of the course participants will have developed a professional portfolio containing lesson plans, professional reading extracts and other teaching materials and resources.

The SIT-TESOL Certificate is highly intensive and candidates need to be totally committed for the full duration of the course. The course normally runs from 8.30am to 6pm daily and requires additional preparation outside class times. It is not possible to fulfil the obligations of this course if you have any other obligations during this period (including a part-time job, other course, etc.). Attendance and punctuality are vital; participants whose attendance and punctuality do not meet the course requirements may be asked to leave the course.

TRAINING STAFF

The SIT-TC program is taught by two full-time trainers working in tandem. Trainers are experienced TESOL teachers who have worked with adult learners and have previous training experience. The trainers teach the course content, process discussions, coach participants in developing lesson plans and in planning and teaching. They also observe participants' teaching and provide feedback to participants after each teaching session.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

Applicants are required to complete a written pre-course assessment task and undergo an interview (which may be conducted by telephone). The pre-course assessment task and interview are screening measures which are used to assess suitability for entry to the program and for course planning purposes. Specific results from these assessments will not be provided to applicants.

All candidates are required to:

• Have completed high school and show a capacity for tertiary-level education, including a good understanding of the English language and solid writing skills.
• Have a good understanding of the English language and effective written English.
• Successfully complete a pre-course assessment task and interview.
• Show a willingness to plan and teach in groups and to work reflectively.

Non native speaker candidates also require:

• An overall minimum IELTS bandscore of 7 (or equivalent) with no less than 7 in Speaking and Writing.
• A second interview.

DATES & FEES

For more information:

• SIT-TC Information Brochure pdf version
• SIT-TC Code of Conduct pdf version

To apply, please download the SIT-TC Application Form

SIT-TC Information Evenings

ICTE-UQ offers regular, free SIT-TC information sessions providing an opportunity for interested applicants to meet with SIT-TC trainers and obtain detailed information about course content, assessment and employment options for graduates.

To register, or to find out more, please contact ICTE-UQ reception on: Tel: 3365 6565 or Email: tesolcert@icte.uq.edu.au