TEFLBLOGSo, tomorrow is the last day of our course. Yippee! No more sleep deprivation, headaches and early starts. I had thought it should be a three-month course, but I really don't know if I could've kept up this level of commitment and social life on hold. As someone who has had the wonderful opportunity of simply pursuing hedonistic activities for the past 12 months, it;s been quite a shock to my system. Luckily, I have stamina as that's what's really needed (plus, of course, an open mind.) As I haven't formally studied for the past blah years, it's been thrillingly refreshing to learn in an adult environment - I never did like school!) Continuous assessment is definitely preferable to dreaded exams!
Today, the Cambridge assessor came - not to check up on us as trainee teachers, but to evaluate and monitor the quality of our training and the outcomes. I must say, although it was clearly stated that we trainees should not perceive this as any pressure on us (he sat in on our lesson), I did feel an obligation to perform to the very best of my ability as a tribute to the transformation I have undergone - due entirely to the talented trainers we have been so fortunate in having guide us throughout the last month.
So, to finish off with the TEFLBLOG, here's my top 5 tips for anyone thinking about doing this course:-
1. Clear the decks for the duration of the course. If you are to get your money's worth(and, indeed qualify), most waking (and some otherwise sleeping) hours will be consumed with the commitment demanded.
2. Make the most of any feedback - it's invaluable and entirely geared to helping you pass. Don't just acknowledge - change or modify your approach accordingly.
3. Get to know your students. It may seem obvious, but every one is a unique individual so you have an amazing opportunity to offer whatever skills and talents you have to a diverse population.
4. Be as co-operative as you possibly can with your fellow trainees. Co-operation is key - not only for moral support and motivation, but also on a highly-practical level. The more you give, the more you get!
5. Keep on top of the admin. The course is hugely paperwork intensive (from lesson planning to researching and preparing student handouts). The more you do a you go along (including filing and keeping copies of anything that eventually gets sent off to Cambridge for assessment and never comes back) the less you'll panic at moments throughout the course. If you can, keep copious notes so that if you or one of your fellow-trainees misses anything, it's easier to catch up.
Now I'd better find a job pronto to consolidate the learning of the last month. If you are considering a CELTA course - good luck and enjoy!!
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