Our Course

TEFL Florence Course Content


Via Lingua provides a 130 hour program for graduates who wish to gain certification as a teacher of English as a Foreign Language (TEFL). Typically course members (trainees) are over 21 years of age and hold a degree from a recognized university. In certain circumstances non-degree holders will be considered for a place if their qualifications and / or experience are regarded as being equivalent to the demands of a degree. Trainees must either be native speakers of English or be able to demonstrate a competence in English sufficient for study at a Higher Education facility.


General principles that underpin the Via Lingua CTEFL program

The Via Lingua CTEFL program is unique in the field of Teaching English as a Foreign Language, in terms of both the content and the structure. The program is underpinned by the following principles:

  • We recognize the fact that individuals who attend our study programs are involved in a life-long journey of personal and professional development and that they bring to the program a variety of skills, talents, experiences, needs and objectives. We seek to support individuals as they endeavor to add to their existing repertoire of achievements.
  • We also recognize the fact that one of the greatest challenges and opportunities provided by Via Lingua study programs is in relation to cultural exchange. Our aim is to provide study programs that draw on the local community and actively cultivate the exchange of information, ideas, experiences, language and culture.
  • In addition, we recognize that many of the qualities and skills required of a successful language teacher are transferable in nature and not restricted simply to an awareness of pedagogy and language teaching techniques. An integral part of the objectives of our study programs, therefore, is a strong focus on the development of life skills, the type of skills that will contribute not only to professional success but, more importantly, to the development of the whole person.
  • Furthermore, we recognize that personal and professional development opportunities, such as Via Lingua study programs, are only successful if the individual takes personal responsibility for his / her own process and makes effective use of the support and guidance which is provided as part of the study environment. An important objective of our programs is to provide a framework for individual growth and development, rather than a "one size fits all" course.
  • We are very aware that individuals who take part in our study programs are often in possession of a range of talents. Our aim is to incorporate these talents into every aspect of group and individualized programs.
  • Finally, we recognize the fact that both theory and practice in relation to the teaching of English as a Foreign Language are constantly changing in the light of new research data. Our intention is to ensure that Via Lingua programs, and the trainers who deliver the programs, retain their position at the cutting edge of TEFL thinking. The active involvement of our staff in action research activities allows us to contribute to this process.

Trainees will be given Via Lingua handbooks for the following areas of the course:

  • Teaching Skills and Classroom Management
  • Language Awareness (including Grammar and Phonology)
  • Job Guidance Hand book

These materials are the basis for the input sessions and will provide you with valuable reference resources.

Although the centre provides course handbooks and materials for the course you will need two large binders which should be organised as follows:

The Trainee File
This will contain:

  • Reports on each of the demonstration lessons you observe on the first two days of the course.
  • For each lesson you teach:
    Copy of your lesson plan with observer's comments
    Observer's evaluation form
    Your reflection on your lesson
    Peer observation report for your teaching partner
  • Reports on each of the unknown language lessons you participate in.
  • Your weekly self-assessment tasks.

The file is inspected, and forms the basis for the discussion, in the individual progress sessions each week.

Recommended Reading
We recommend that you obtain the following books for study before the course:

Methodology
The Practice of English Language Teaching, Harmer, J. (Longman)

Grammar
One of the following:
Grammar for English Language Teachers: With Exercises and a Key, Parrott, M. (CUP)
Practical English Usage, Swan, M. (OUP)
English Grammar in Use, Murphy, R. (CUP)

The Harmer book is a useful general introduction, which you may like to read before the course. You will also have the opportunity to participate in a discussion of this in the pre-course email discussion group.
The others are reference books, and are not designed to be read from cover to cover, but will be a useful resource for you both during the course and in your subsequent teaching career.


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