The Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language is a full-time, post-degree program designed for students who wish to teach English as a Second Language in Canada and/or overseas. The 2-part program consists of 340 hours (25 weeks) of academic study in 9 courses. Each course provides background on key theoretical issues and practice in application of these issues to language teaching. The program includes two supervised teaching practicums. The program is accredited by TESL Canada and by TESL Ontario.
Program Facts
Length: One-year Ontario College Graduate Certificate program (also available part-time) Location: Doon (Kitchener) Start: September First-Year Capacity: 22 Tuition: Please refer to Fees Chart for more detail *Fees are higher for international students on a Student Visa. *Recreation/Athletics, Graduation/Alumni, Insurance, as well as program-related costs such as books and supplies are additional.
Admission Requirements
An undergraduate university degree
Note:
Applicants with degrees from institutions where the language of instruction was not English or in a country for which English is not an official language will be required to provide test scores as evidence of their English language proficiency. Test scores, if required, would be a minimum of TOEFL 650, TWE: 5.5, TSE: 50; iBT TOEFL Reading 24, Listening 24, Speaking 27, Writing 28; IELTS Academic Listening: 7, Reading: 7, Writing: 7, Speaking: 8; or equivalent scores in other recognized standard tests of English.
Admission Procedures
Submit proof of the admission requirements, including transcripts.
Applicants meeting minimum admission requirements are invited to begin the selection process which requires them to:
Write an essay on an assigned topic
Attend a faculty meeting to discuss program suitability
Final selection is made following an assessment of the admission requirements.
Note:
Students who fail no more than one course by not more than 10% and have passed at least one evaluation of the course may take a supplemental assessment for a pass.
Students must successfully complete all courses in Part 1 before taking courses in Part II.
Students who fail the same course more than once will be discontinued from the program.
Students who fail two or more courses will be discontinued from the program.
All courses have a minimum passing grade of 65% with the exception of TESL 004: OBSERVATION/PRACTICUM I and TESL 009: OBSERVATION/PRACTICUM II which are assessed on a Pass/Fail basis.
For program information call the Information Centre for details at 519-748-5220 ext. 3656.
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
Adults with significant life and work experience may receive credits toward a college certificate or diploma program through a prior learning assessment process (PLAR). Prior learning must be measurable at the college level and meet Conestoga standards of achievement for current courses . PLAR process is not used for admission process. Obtaining credits for courses linked to a specific program does not guarantee entrance into the program. To require guidance on the PLAR process contact the PLAR office at 519-748-5220, ext 2260 or visit: www.conestogac.on.ca/caa/testing/plar.jsp
Description: In this course, students are introduced to the concept of content and process in language learning and teaching. The nature of language, current theories of language learning, first and second language acquisition, and cultural models as they impact language learning will be studied. The discovery, analysis and application of different learning styles will be integrated throughout. Note: Students must be admitted into the program prior to registering for this course. Hours: 55 Credits: 4 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: This course consists of three parts. Part one examines the following methods in order to demonstrate the origins of current beliefs and practices in ESL: Grammar-Translation, Direct, Audio-Lingual, The Silent Way, Suggestopedia, Community Language Learning, Total Physical Response, and Communicative Language Teaching. Part two introduces the students to level of proficiency, Canadian Language Benchmarks, teaching objectives, lesson planning, use of audio-visual equipment and blackboard, and classroom management issues. Part three focuses on various types of curriculum, and materials creation, selection, and adaptation. Note: Students must be admitted into the program prior to registering for the course. Hours: 35 Credits: 2 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: Students are introduced to the grammatical structures of English taught at beginner, intermediate, and advanced proficiency levels. Topics include a brief overview of the English tense system, the characteristics of the English sentence, techniques for presentation and practice of individual grammar points, inductive/deductive approaches to teaching grammar, and contrastive analysis of English syntax with other languages for the purpose of effective grammar lesson planning. Students are required to teach a grammar lesson and provide feedback to their peers. Note: Students must be admitted into the program prior to registering for the course. Hours: 35 Credits: 2 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
This course analyzes the segmental and suprasegmental features of the English sound system, including phonetic transcription and contrastive analysis with the sound systems of other languages. Students examine and practise various techniques in teaching pronunciation at the beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, placing the teaching of pronunciation within an overall lesson planning framework. Students are required to teach a pronunciation lesson and provide feedback to their peers. Hours: 25 Credits: 2 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites: TESL8200, TESL8210
Description: In this course, students will trace the history of language teaching methods, relating them to the current practice of teaching English as a Second Language to adults. Canadian documents such as the Canadian Language Benchmarks, the LINC Curriculum Guidelines, and the revised LINC Literacy Component will be examined with an emphasis on their practical application in classroom practice. Hours: 25 Credits: 2 Pre-Requisites: TESL8200, TESL8210, TESL8220, TESL8230 CoRequisites:
Description: This course examines theoretical/practical issues in teaching listening and speaking at the beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. Students are required to teach a listening/speaking lesson and provide feedback to their peers. Note: Students must be admitted in the program prior to registering for this course. Hours: 60 Credits: 4 Pre-Requisites: TESL8200, TESL8210, TESL8220, TESL8230 CoRequisites:
Description: This course examines theoretical and practical issues in teaching reading, writing, listening, speaking and vocabulary at the beginner, intermediate and advanced levels, including principles and techniques for giving feedback. Students are required to teach a reading/writing and a listening/speaking lesson and provide feedback to their peers. Hours: 50 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: TESL8200, TESL8210, TESL8220, TESL8230 CoRequisites:
Description: In this course, students examine theoretical issues in language testing for needs assessment and evaluation of progress. Students analyze language tests and design tests to assess reading, writing, speaking, listening, grammar, and pronunciation. Students review current software used in teaching/assessing ESL. Hours: 25 Credits: 2 Pre-Requisites: TESL8200, TESL8210, TESL8220, TESL8230 CoRequisites:
Description: During the 60-hour practicum, students design and deliver lesson plans to in successively larger teaching units under the supervision of ESL professionals. Students use curricula to select methods, objectives, and instruction strategies for lessons; select resources to support the lessons; deliver the lessons; evaluate the lessons' effectiveness; modify lesson plans based on teacher/learner input; enhance presentation skills and questioning skills; evaluate their ability to effectively address the needs of the learners and meet the course/program objectives and demonstrate cultural sensitivity. Hours: 30 Credits: 2 Pre-Requisites: TESL8200, TESL8210, TESL8220, TESL8230 CoRequisites:
Graduate Opportunities
This program prepares graduates to teach English as a Second Language in Canada and/or overseas.
92% of 2009-2010 graduates found employment within 6 months of graduation.
Degree Completion Opportunities
Conestoga College is dedicated to creating exciting and flexible degree completion opportunities for its current, former and prospective students. Learn how a Conestoga education can respond to the community's demand for a skilled workforce and help you to reach your goal of a challenging and rewarding career.
Visit our Degree Completion Opportunities website.
Financial Assistance
The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is a needs based program designed to help Ontario students cover the cost of post-secondary education. Funded by the federal and provincial governments, OSAP is intended to promote equality of opportunity for post-secondary studies through direct financial assistance for educational costs and living expenses. These interest-free loans are intended to supplement your financial resources and those of your family. The majority of students apply for loan assistance via the OSAP website: http://osap.gov.on.ca. Students can also print the application booklet through the OSAP website.
For more information, please visit Financial Aid/Awards.
Program Advisory Committees
The College appoints Program Advisory Committee members for diploma, degree, certificate and apprenticeship programs. Committees are composed of employers, practitioners and recent program graduates. College representatives (students, faculty, and administrators) are resource persons. Each committee advises the Board on the development of new programs, the monitoring of existing programs and community acceptance of programs.
For a list of the current members, please visit our Program Advisory Committees.
