Inclusive learning
> A healthy relationship between teachers and learners
THERE are many different factors to consider when one thinks about going to a language school to study the English language. These may be things like the location, the days and times that classes are held, and the fee, while students have to think of the quality of instruction that they will get. But how can someone judge the quality at a language school?
The first indicator will be to look at whether the school requires their teachers to have an internationally recognised teaching qualification, with the two most widely recognised English teaching qualifications being CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) provided by Cambridge English Language Assessment, and the Trinity CertTESOL from Trinity College London.
These qualifications are rigorously monitored, and the quality of the course content ensures candidates finish with the particular set of skills that are necessary to go into the classroom and deliver high calibre lessons with confidence.
The skills and teaching methods taught on the CELTA and Trinity CertTESOL courses are in line with the British Council’s favoured means of language teaching, namely the “communicative approach”, based on communicating real meaning, which triggers a student’s innate skills for acquiring language.
This is why all of the teachers have one of these qualifications; they aim to provide their students with a learning experience that is both rewarding and stimulating. It is the British Council’s belief that learners thrive in a classroom where the teacher uses a variety of resources and technologies that suit their needs.
The learning environment should be positive and inclusive, enabling students to learn with and from each other and feel confident using their English. The CELTA course equips teachers with the strategies to do this.
But what does that mean for the learner? Perhaps most importantly, rather than studying grammar in isolation, lessons involve language being presented in a context which will help the learner understand how and when to use it in real life.
The student-centric approach adopted by qualified teachers allows students to highlight useful language and create opportunities to practise these, as the teacher will be able to employ a variety of activities which cater to individual learning styles and engage students in active learning.
In addition, CELTA-qualified teachers are trained in a variety of error-correction and feedback techniques which allow learners to improve their language and skills, giving them a sense of confidence and progress.
The teacher will also have an awareness of individual student needs and be able to respond to these. In this way, every student will feel supported on their personal learning journey.
As all of the teachers at the British Council hold this important qualification, there is confidence that their learners will have a positive and fun experience while learning English.
In fact, the British Council sees its teachers not only as instructors, but also as a valuable resource that helps students to become independent learners, enabling them to continue their learning experience even after the course has ended.
For more information, visit www.britishcouncil.my/english