Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Short Certificate

Purpose

The VCC TESOL Short Certificate provides students with opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to function effectively as teachers of English to adult speakers of other languages. The program of studies offers a balanced curriculum featuring both the theory and practice of teaching English, along with a practicum experience. Students engage in learning experiences that draw from current theory and methodology in second language acquisition, communicative language teaching, assessment and intercultural competency/awareness.

Upon completion of the program, graduates are prepared to teach internationally or at educational institutions, community agencies or international language schools in Canada.

Duration

The program is 7 weeks of full-time study (140 hours).

Maximum time for completion: 1 year

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

1. Develop level-appropriate lesson plans that address a specific learning objective

2. Deliver student-centred language lessons using current methods and approaches, appropriate tools and resources, and in consideration of effective classroom management and student engagement strategies

3. Identify differences in English language proficiency levels using an established framework (e.g. the Canadian Language Benchmarks)

4. Differentiate between various assessment approaches in English language learning

5. Employ critical reflection strategies to improve and hone their practice

6. Act in an ethical and professional manner when working in an EAL teaching and working environment

7. Explain foundational theories in language learning and instruction

8. Articulate the importance of intercultural communication in the EAL classroom

Admission Requirements

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited university
Applicants with degrees from accredited universities in countries in which English is not an official language will be required to provide evidence of English language proficiency through one of the following:
- IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System) with a minimum overall score of 7, with no band lower than 7, or
- TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-based Test) overall 101 with a minimum of 23 in Listening, 24 in Reading, 27 in Speaking, and 27 in Writing

Program Requirements

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
TESO 1246	Foundations of TESOL 1	2.5
TESO 1247	Teach EAL Grammar & Vocab 1	1.5
TESO 1248	Teach EAL Reading & Writing	1.5
TESO 1249	Teach EAL Listen, Speak, Pron	1.5
PIDP 3310	Intercultural Competence	1
TESO 1251	TESOL Practicum 1	1
Total Credits		9

Evaluation of Student Learning

Students are required to participate in all in-class activities and complete all assignments and evaluation tasks. A passing grade of 'C' in all courses is needed to successfully complete the program. (Note: Students must achieve a minimum of 30/50 in the practicum component to successfully complete the program. See TESO 1251 course outline.)

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

Students may request formal recognition of prior learning attained through informal education, work, or other life experience, including Indigenous ways of knowing. Credits may be granted to students who are able to sufficiently demonstrate the learning outcomes of specific courses.

PLAR is available for all courses in the program, except:

TESO 1251 Practicum 1

Students may apply for a maximum of 4 credits of PLAR and transfer credit. Tuition and fees may still apply to PLAR candidates.

Methods of PLAR vary by course, and may include exams, portfolios, interviews, and other evaluations.

To request PLAR, please contact the department directly. See Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition policy for more information.

Transcript of Achievement

The evaluation of learning outcomes for each student is prepared by the instructor and reported to the Student Records Department at the completion of semesters.

The transcript typically shows a letter grade for each course. The grade point equivalent for a course is obtained from letter grades as follows:

Grading Standard

Transcript of Achievement
Grade	Percentage	Description	Grade Point Equivalency
A+	90-100		4.33
A	85-89		4.00
A-	80-84		3.67
B+	76-79		3.33
B	72-75		3.00
B-	68-71		2.67
C+	64-67		2.33
C	60-63	Minimum Pass	2.00
C-	55-59		1.67
D	50-54		1.00
F	0-49	Failing Grade	0.00
S	70 or greater	Satisfactory – student has met and mastered a clearly defined body of skills and performances to required standards	N/A
U		Unsatisfactory – student has not met and mastered a clearly defined body of skills and performances to required standards	N/A
I		Incomplete	N/A
IP		Course in Progress	N/A
W		Withdrawal	N/A
Course Standings
R		Audit. No Credits	N/A
EX		Exempt. Credit Granted	N/A
TC		Transfer Credit	N/A

Grade Point Average (GPA)

The course grade points shall be calculated as the product of the course credit value and the grade value.
The GPA shall be calculated by dividing the total number of achieved course grade points by the total number of assigned course credit values. This cumulative GPA shall be determined and stated on the Transcript at the end of each Program level or semester.
Grades shall be assigned to repeated courses in the same manner as courses taken only once. For the purpose of GPA calculation of grades for repeated courses, they will be included in the calculation of the cumulative GPA.

Academic Calendar