TESOL Certificate, Part 1: Teach English Now! Specialization Course Reviews

The course covers key topics such as language acquisition, teaching methodology, and language assessment.

Throughout the course, students will learn how to create effective lesson plans and engage learners of various ages and proficiency levels. The course also covers practical techniques for managing classrooms and promoting student participation, as well as strategies for assessing student progress and providing feedback.

The course is structured as a series of video lectures, interactive activities, and quizzes, with opportunities for students to practice teaching and receive feedback from peers and instructors. By the end of the course, students should have a solid understanding of effective English language teaching practices and be able to apply these concepts in real-world classroom settings.

This course is suitable for anyone interested in teaching English as a second language, whether they are new to teaching or have some prior experience. It is also suitable for professionals who work with English language learners, such as tutors or language program administrators. The course is part of the TESOL Certificate program, which provides a comprehensive training program for aspiring English language teachers.

Course Content:

This specialization is the first of two specializations that make up the TESOL Certificate from Arizona State University. In this specialization, you will learn about the basic foundational principles of language acquisition and the basic techniques founded upon those principles. It will describe second or foreign language theories, and basic studies in second language acquisition and their pedagogical implications. It will elaborate upon basic design for lesson plans and provide access to professional resources. In the final Capstone Project, in collaboration with Arizona State University’s Global Launch, you will apply the skills you learned by designing a lesson plan which includes learning outcomes, assessments, materials, classroom management techniques and the learning activities themselves. When you complete this specialization, go on to the second specialization in order to complete your TESOL certificate experience!

The TESOL Certificate, Part 1: Teach English Now! Specialization course on Coursera, created by Emilia Gracia, consists of 4 course series. The courses are:

Course 1: Teach English Now! Foundational Principles

Through a series of engaging metaphors and stories, prospective and current EFL/ESL teachers will identify, summarize, and evaluate 7 basic language learning paradigms. Learners will be presented information on such foundational principles as motivation, risk taking, two different modes of learning, and balancing the teacher profession. Learners are also given an understanding of basic techniques founded on those principles, such as teacher talk, looking “ridiculous” in order to lower the affective filter, and networking. With these foundational principles in mind, ESL/EFL teachers will scrutinize common assumptions about language learning by comparing how they stack up to research-based core principles.

There are 6 modules in this course:

Module 1: Making Meaning Clear

This course introduces learners to the role of a teacher in helping to motivate and properly engage learners. It begins with a metaphor: language is cake, meaning that language must be presented well in order to be enjoyed (we will actually perform a skit to show this meaning clearly). This module will demonstrate how a teacher can encourage a student and increase motivation by paying attention to techniques such as improving teacher talk, scaffolding language, and the use of body language to make meaning clear. All of these skills, while gained over the course of a lifetime as a language teacher, must be considered primary goals from the very beginning. And all of these skills help a teacher recognize that presentation skills make a difference to learners not only in motivating them, but in allowing them to understand the concepts presented.

Module 2: Modes of Learning and Interaction

In this module, learners are introduced to the distinction between learning and acquisition. The distinction is made to help give learners context for the principle that language requires practice. To introduce the importance of practice, the distinction between a focused and diffuse mode of learning demonstrates that students who simply learn through memorizing vocabulary and grammar structures (i.e., focused mode) often don’t acquire language structures. On the other hand, teachers who engage students in both a focused and diffuse mode, like a basketball coach with his players, are able to instruct but give time for that instruction to “sink in” through dedicated practice.

Module 3: Taking Risks and Learner Strategies

Using language-learning expert Francois Gouin’s experience of going to Germany and failing to learn German, this module demonstrates the need for learners to understand how a language is learned. Gouin’s experience demonstrates not only the need for a diffuse mode of learning wherein practice is valued, but it also demonstrates the psyche of many second language learners. Francois, in some sense, was too smart for his own good, relying on techniques for learning material that don’t apply to language use and application. Students must use techniques and strategies that are proven to help someone acquire language, like those from the good language learner studies. Teachers can facilitate student learning by helping to demonstrate good language learner principles.

Module 4: The Flipped Model of Language Learning

While it was once considered impossible to be immersed in English outside of an English-speaking country, with the advent of the internet, the world has changed and continues to change significantly. This module presents ways in which to use the internet and other resources to a teacher’s advantage, and helps a teacher recognize their ability to engage students on cell phones, tablets, and computers. Introduction of the flipped classroom, meaning that learners can engage in focused material (videos, readings, etc) outside the classroom, and then engage in projects, exercises, and discussions within it.

Module 5: Avoiding Teacher Burnout

This module introduces the concept of teacher burnout, and several techniques to avoid it. The first technique is the creation of a network. By creating a network of teachers to help you understand your field, you can learn new ideas and have a resource for solving difficult problems. The second technique, maintaining control of your teaching environment, demonstrates the need for teachers to understand how to best make a difference and avoid the pitfalls of complaining. Finally, the third technique, finding your core, explains that teachers can paradoxically maintain energy by working tirelessly for the principles they most believe in.

Module 6: Assessment

This review of the course guides learners to understand the different metaphors that serve as guides to understanding the foundational principles presented in this course.

Course 2: Teach English Now! Theories of Second Language Acquisition

In this course learners are introduced to second or foreign language theories and practices for teaching and assessing listening, speaking, and pronunciation. Learners will also be introduced to basic studies in second language acquisition and their pedagogical implications. Teachers will be invited to recognize the importance of grounding their own teaching philosophy through an examination of purpose, content, and technique.

There are 6 modules in this course:

Module 1: The Swing of the Pendulum: A Brief Look at ESL History

In this course, learners are introduced to second or foreign language theories and practices for teaching and assessing English. Learners will also be introduced to basic studies in second language acquisition and their pedagogical implications. Teachers will be invited to recognize the importance of grounding their own teaching philosophy through an examination of purpose, content, and technique. In Week 1, learners are introduced to the concepts of purpose, content, and technique as they relate to language teaching, and to some of the themes that will be repeated throughout the course, such as the time machine analogy and the angel and devil debates.

Module 2: A Study in Contrasts: The Grammar Translation and Direct Approach

Learners go back in time to visit 1880 and 1910 to speak with teachers from the Grammar Translation and the Direct approaches. In our “Angel and Devil Debate” videos, learners will examine each approach from different points of view and decide for themselves which they agree with, if any. Finally, learners will be introduced to a variety of teaching methods that are derived from the Grammar Translation and the Direct approaches.

Module 3: A Study in Contrasts: The Reading and Audiolingual Approach

Learners go back in time to visit 1930 and 1940 to speak with teachers from the Reading and the Audio-lingual approaches. In our “Angel and Devil Debate” videos, learners will examine each approach from different points of view and decide for themselves which they agree with, if any. Finally, learners will be introduced to a variety of teaching methods that are derived from the Reading and the Audio-lingual approaches.

Module 4: A Study in Contrasts: The Cognitive and Affective-Humanistic Approach

Learners go back in time to visit 1960 and 1970 to speak with experts from the Cognitive and the Affective-Humanistic approaches. In our “Angel and Devil Debate” videos, learners will examine each approach from different points of view and decide for themselves which they agree with, if any. Finally, learners will be introduced to a variety of teaching methods that are derived from the Cognitive and the Affective-Humanistic approaches.

Module 5: A Study in Similarities: The Comprehension and Communicative Approach

Learners go back in time to visit the 1980s twice to speak with teachers from the Comprehension and the Communicative approaches. In our “Angel and Devil Debate” videos, learners will examine each approach from different points of view and decide for themselves which they agree with, if any. Finally, learners will be introduced to a variety of teaching methods that are derived from the Comprehension and the Communicative approaches.

Module 6: Assessment

Each of the eight approaches covered in Weeks 2 – 5 will be summarized in preparation for the final quiz. Learners will have the opportunity to look at their graphic organizer and fill in any missing pieces of information as they review the principles taught in the previous weeks.

Course 3: Teach English Now! Lesson Design and Assessment

Learners will be introduced to designing lesson plans based on principles and knowledge of learning objectives, assessment plans, methods, materials, and learning activities. Learners will find and prepare appropriate teaching materials through careful analysis, adaptation and creation of professional resources. Learners will also reflect on the cohesion between lesson design and teaching philosophies.

There are 6 modules in this course:

Module 1: Basic Instructional Design

In this module, learners are introduced to lesson design based on theorists such as Robert Gagne and Benjamin Bloom. Learners are introduced to concepts to both begin a lesson (gain attention, state objectives, stimulate recall) and give a lesson (present the content, provide learning guidance, elicit performance). This module also introduces learners to a general lesson plan template that will be used throughout the course and to basic classroom management skills.

Module 2: Activating Background Knowledge and Objective Discussions

In this module, learners are introduced to warm up activities, and how warm ups not only can introduce a lesson's theme but also can be used to connect that theme to previous learner knowledge and previous lessons. Objective discussions are also introduced, and advice about when and how to give objective discussions is given.

Module 3: Presenting Instruction and Modeling

Learners are introduced to the concepts of presenting instruction and modeling. Learners are introduced to the concept of "stickiness," and given several words of advice on how to make content sticky. Modeling is also depicted as a way in which to help learners to see what teachers are trying to explain, and can be a powerful form of instruction itself. Learners are counseled to have more than one model, and are cautioned about presenting models too early.

Module 4: Guided to Independent Practice

In this module, learners are introduced to the importance of guided and independent practices of lesson planning. In our "Three Teachers" videos, learners will view different examples, both strong and weak, of teachers facilitate guided and independent practices and receive breakdowns and analysis of each teacher.

Module 5: Assessments

In this module, learners review the concept of clear objectives and are introduced to the idea of alignment. Learners are introduced to the ideas of memory and knowledge learning and how to appropriately assess each type. Learners are given several tips to make their lives easier (regarding assessment). Learners see three teachers give assessments in their classrooms and hear analysis of each one.

Module 6: Final Review

Each of the concepts covered in Modules 1 - 5 is summarized. Learners will submit their completed lesson plan for review.

Reviews:

As a former student of the TESOL Certificate, Part 1: Teach English Now! Specialization course, authored by Emilia Gracia, I would highly recommend this course to anyone interested in teaching English to non-native speakers. The course provided a comprehensive and practical introduction to TESOL, covering a wide range of topics including language teaching methodologies, classroom management, lesson planning, and assessment.

One of the strengths of this course was the emphasis on learner-centered teaching and the communicative approach, which aligned well with current best practices in TESOL. The course provided a range of effective teaching strategies and activities that were engaging and relevant to learners' lives, and the hands-on assignments allowed me to practice applying these strategies and techniques in a real-world setting.

The course was well-structured and organized, and the instructional materials were of high quality. The course videos were engaging and informative, and the supplemental reading materials were well-chosen and relevant. The assignments were challenging but manageable, and the peer-review process allowed for valuable feedback and collaboration.

Finally, the instructor, Emilia Gracia, was knowledgeable, supportive, and responsive to students' needs. She provided valuable feedback on assignments and was always available to answer questions or provide guidance.

Overall, I would highly recommend the TESOL Certificate, Part 1: Teach English Now! Specialization course to anyone interested in teaching English to non-native speakers. The course provided a valuable foundation in TESOL and equipped me with the knowledge and skills to be an effective English language teacher.

At the time, the course has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars based on over 9,125 ratings.

What you'll learn:

After completing the TESOL Certificate, Part 1: Teach English Now! Specialization course on Coursera, learners will have gained a range of skills and knowledge related to teaching English as a second or foreign language. These skills include:

1. Understanding of the principles and theories of TESOL, including the communicative approach, task-based learning, and learner-centered teaching.
2. Ability to create a positive and inclusive classroom environment that fosters student engagement and motivation.
3. Knowledge of effective teaching strategies for teaching grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
4. Ability to design effective lesson plans that incorporate a variety of teaching techniques and activities.
5. Ability to assess student progress and give feedback that supports student learning.
6. Ability to evaluate materials and resources and select appropriate ones for different teaching contexts.
7. Ability to communicate effectively with students, colleagues, and parents in a variety of contexts.
8. Knowledge of cultural and linguistic diversity in the classroom and strategies for addressing it.
9. Ability to use technology effectively to support student learning.

Overall, learners who complete this course will be well-prepared to teach English to non-native speakers in a variety of settings, including schools, language centers, and community programs. They will have gained a solid foundation in the principles and practices of TESOL, as well as practical experience in designing and delivering effective English language lessons.

Author:

Emilia Gracia is a highly qualified and experienced professor of English as a Second Language (ESL) and Teacher Education. She is currently a faculty member in the TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) program at Arizona State University.

Emilia Gracia has more than 20 years of teaching experience and has worked in various educational settings, including K-12 schools, language schools, and universities in the United States and other countries. She has also designed and delivered professional development programs for language teachers and teacher educators in many parts of the world.

Emilia Gracia has a strong background in second language acquisition and pedagogy. She holds a Ph.D. in Second Language Acquisition and Teaching from the University of Arizona and has published several research articles in peer-reviewed journals. Her research interests include language teacher education, technology integration in language teaching, and curriculum design.

As the creator of the TESOL Certificate, Part 1: Teach English Now! Specialization course on Coursera, Emilia Gracia has designed a comprehensive course that provides learners with a solid foundation in TESOL and equips them with practical teaching strategies and techniques. The course covers various aspects of English language teaching, including lesson planning, classroom management, teaching grammar and vocabulary, and assessing student learning.

In conclusion, Emilia Gracia is a highly accomplished and respected professional in the field of English language teaching. Her extensive teaching and research experience, combined with her commitment to quality education, make her a valuable contributor to the TESOL community.

Requirements:

The requirements for the TESOL Certificate, Part 1: Teach English Now! Specialization course, authored by Emilia Gracia, are as follows:

1. Basic proficiency in English: Learners should have a basic level of proficiency in English in order to understand the course materials and participate in discussions and assignments.

2. Access to a computer and internet: The course is delivered entirely online, so learners will need access to a computer and reliable internet connection.

3. Commitment to complete the course: The course consists of four modules and requires approximately 4-6 weeks of study time. Learners should be committed to completing the course and participating in all activities and assignments.

4. Willingness to engage in collaborative learning: The course emphasizes collaborative learning and encourages learners to engage in discussions and activities with their peers.

5. Openness to feedback: Learners will receive feedback on their assignments from peers and instructors, and should be open to incorporating this feedback into their learning process.

Overall, the course requirements are designed to ensure that learners have the necessary skills, resources, and mindset to successfully complete the course and gain valuable knowledge and skills in teaching English to non-native speakers.