Graduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL),GC-TESOL

Overview

This course prepares you to teach English to speakers of other languages. There is a strong focus on the theoretical underpinnings of TESOL, such as in the Transcultural Communication unit, where you will learn the challenges of language acquisition, and the Introduction to Language unit, where you will learn the components comprising languages.

There is also a strong focus on the practical aspects of language teaching and learning through the Materials Design and Assessment unit.

The combination of these aspects will inform your future practice as a TESOL teacher.

In this course, you will examine pronunciation, intonation, voice quality, spelling and sound systems, sentence structures, syntax, morphology and semantics, as well as examining a selection of the different varieties of English spoken throughout the world, including native English dialects.

The course includes a description and analysis of speech styles across a number of cultures including Aboriginal, Anglo-European and some from the Asia-Pacific, and you will learn methods and approaches to Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) and Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL).

If you complete this course, you may also be able to transfer into the Master of Arts (TESOL).

Please note: This course is not available to onshore international students.

What you'll learn

• an ability to apply the theoretical principles and concepts which underpin contemporary TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) specific practices;
• an understanding of the diverse needs of students and an ability to frame creative solutions to problems of pedagogy;
• an ability to access key texts in the field, and to analyse critically key concepts in the field and an ability to synthesise information from a variety of theoretical and practical perspectives;
• an ability to communicate effectively, including the ability to communicate key concepts relevant to TESOL;
• an awareness of available technologies and an insight into how they can be used creatively to a specific advantage in TESOL;
• an awareness of the importance of self-directed learning for professional growth and a demonstrated ability to take responsibility for individual intellectual development;
• an awareness of the theoretical and practical implications for TESOL in a global context;
• an appreciation of the value of cultural and linguistic diversity and its place in TESOL;
• a demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team; plan a challenging and supportive learning environment.

Entry requirements

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

Have your supporting documents to hand, and ensure they meet our guidelines. The documents may include certified copies of your qualifications, English language proficiency documents and supplementary forms for certain courses.

If your documents are not issued in English, an official translation from a recognised translation service must be provided.

Recognised translation services

• National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) accredited translator in Australia
• The Awarding institution
• A Notary Public Office
• The official Government body
• An official and accredited translator*

*Official translations are subject to review.

If you have undertaken previous study or work that matches the content of some of your Curtin course units, you may be able to obtain credit for recognised learning, which exempts you from studying those units.

You can apply direct online through our Applicant Portal. You can access the Applicant Portal by:

1. Navigating to the relevant course page
2. Click ‘Apply now’
3. When the pop-up window appears, select “Apply directly to Curtin University”.

If you want to package your course with a Curtin English course, you can submit your application with your course application documents to streamline the process.

If your application is successful, you will receive an offer that you will need to accept or reject.

If you accept your offer, you will receive a Confirmation of Enrolment ­– a document from Curtin that details your course, how long you will be studying the course, and the tuition fees. This document can be used for acquiring a student visa.

Apply to the Australian government for your student visa. Gaining a student visa will allow you to participate in full-time study in Australia and work up to 40 hours in a fortnight. If you’re under 18 years of age, you must have approved accommodation and welfare arrangements in place before a visa can be issued.

See our pre-departure resources for helpful information regarding your move to Perth.