Woodsworth College

The TESOL Certificate Program consists of 8 semester-length courses. This will involve over 300 lecture hours, with 20 hours of practice teaching and 30 hours of observing.  During the Fall and Winter terms, courses are offered in the morning, afternoon and evening. The Certificate must be completed within six years of admission.

Required Courses

Eight semester-length courses (4 full credits)       

LIN200H1        Introduction to Language

TSL560H1       TESOL Methodology 1

TSL561H1       Theoretical Issues in Second Language Teaching and Learning

TSL562H1       Introduction to the Practicum

TSL563H1       Pedagogical Grammar

TSL564H1       TESOL Methodology 2

TSL565H1       Planning ESOL Courses

TSL566H1       TESOL Practicum

Woodsworth College reserves the right to change course offerings.

Course Texts

Textbooks and reading packages for all courses can be purchased at the University of Toronto bookstore, located at 214 College Street (corner of College and St. George).  Website: www.uoftbookstore.com

Course Descriptions

The following descriptions represent the information available at the time of publication. Refer to the Certificate Programs Calendar and the Timetable and Instructions for up-to-date information.

When considering prerequisites, co-requisites and exclusions, note that the comma (,) the semi-colon (;) the ampersand (&) or the plus sign (+) mean AND; the solidus symbol (/) means OR. 

It is the responsibility of each student to ensure they meet the prerequisites for courses where applicable prior to registering.

 

LIN200H1        Introduction to Language

A general-interest course on language. Possible topics include: the structure of language; how language changes over time, the social and psychological aspects of language, language and culture, the origin of language, writing systems, and language acquisition. LIN200H1 is a University of Toronto degree credit course and may be transferable to a degree program.

Exclusion: LIN100Y

 

TSL560H1       TESOL Methodology 1

Taking a skills-based approach to language learning and teaching, the four language skills (listening, speaking [including pronunciation], reading and writing) are studied in terms of what both teachers and learners need to know.  We start with how to approach the “absolute beginner” class, continue through all the skills, and end with the identification of several curricular models, focusing most particularly on an integrated-skills model. 

 

TSL561H1       Theoretical Issues in Second Language Teaching and Learning

This course examines current theoretical research that has bearing on how adults learn English as a new language.  We explore the nature of  language, of language learning, and of language teaching; we also define the concept of communicative competence.  After comparing first and second language acquisition and different theories of second language acquisition, we focus on the cognitive and socio-cultural factors that most affect adult language learners and the resultant implications for the classroom. 

 

TSL562H1       Introduction to the Practicum

This introductory course exposes students to ESOL learners and actual classrooms and provides an opportunity to both practice and begin teaching.  Lectures and workshops provide a forum to discuss student expectations, activity design and socio-cultural issues.  Students should expect to spend six to twelve hours in the field.  Graded on an Honours/Pass/Fail basis

 

TSL563H1       Pedagogical Grammar

This course will outline the steps involved in teaching grammar: presentation, isolation, explanation, focused practice, and communicative practice.  It will highlight differences in teaching written versus spoken grammar.  The main focus is, however, on the pedagogically most suitable explanation of grammar points to second language learners of English.  Key areas in the verb system, the noun system, and sentence structure will be discussed to show how they can be explained through meaning, transformation, structure, function, or discourse.  Since the grammar points included cover the range from the elementary level to the advanced level of proficiency, ordering teaching points and the curriculum design will also be discussed.

Recommended Preparation: Students enrolling in this course will be expected to be proficient in various English grammar rules and terminology.

 

TSL564H1       TESOL Methodology 2

This course emphasizes the critical examination and development of classroom materials and tasks in both local and international settings.  The course reinforces the integration of skills in a theme-content-task-based approach, and looks at materials (including technologies) and tasks appropriate for early, mid and advanced learners as well as for particularly challenging multi-level or literacy classes.  Both authentic and textbook materials are critiqued with an eye to adapting them to specific classroom settings.  In addition, we examine the needs of different language learning contexts:  general ESL  (Canadian Language Benchmarks), academic English, English for specific purposes, English for standardized test preparation, and English as a foreign language. 

Prerequisite: TSL560H1

 

TSL565H1       Planning ESOL Courses

This course takes a broader view of to teaching ESOL.  We start by exploring different curricular models and approaches (both historic and contemporary) and move into syllabus planning for different contexts such as programs for immigrants and refugees, programs for international students, and EFL programs.  From syllabus planning, we shift to the principles of lesson planning.  We examine the role of needs analyses and student input in planning syllabi and lessons.  Finally, we review approaches to error correction, feedback, assessment and testing and the implications of these for classroom teaching.

 

TSL566H1       TESOL Practicum

Students complete a supervised practice teaching with a Toronto Board of Education and, in a more limited fashion, in the English Language Program at the University of Toronto.  In-class workshops provide an opportunity to explore classroom management issues.  Panel discussions and lectures help start you on your job search.  Students can expect to spend eighty percent of their time in the field.  Graded on an Honours/Pass/Fail basis.  NOTE: All students enrolled in the Practicum must complete a criminal background check at least 6 – 8 weeks before the start of the course.

Prerequisite: TSL562H1 and TSL560H1

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: How long will it take to complete the program?

A: The program can be completed in 8 months if you enroll successfully in four courses per term. Many students complete the program in 8 months, however, since space in individual courses is limited, completion in 8 months cannot be guaranteed.

 

Q: Can I do the program part time?

A: Yes!  If you study part time (less than 4 courses per term) you could complete the program in 12-16 months. You have up to 6 years (from date of admission) to complete the certificate.

 

Q: When are the classes?

A: Courses are offered during the morning, afternoon and evening. Each course has a class of at least 3 hours once per week in the fall and winter term and twice per week in the summer session. It is possible to complete the certificate taking only night classes (but it would take longer than eight months, and you might have to do your practice teaching during the day).

 

Q: What does the program consist of?

A: You will be taking 8 half credit courses to end up with 4 full credits. The program consists of over 300 lecture hours with 20 hours of practice teaching and 30 hours of observing.

 

Q: Do we have to arrange for the practicum placement or will U of T?

A: The TESOL program arranges the practicum placements for students in the Toronto Catholic District School Board (Adult ESL program).There are evening placements available during the Fall/Winter session but placements in the Summer session are during the day only. Alternatively, students may choose to make their own placement arrangements pending approval by the course instructor.

 

Q: Where am I able to work after I graduate?

A: Graduates of our program are qualified to teach adults English both in Canada and abroad.

Teaching in Canada - Both the provincial and federal professional associations, TESL Ontario and TESL Canada, certify our program. For graduates planning to work in Canada you are able to teach in:

Private language schools, e.g., English School of Canada, Global Language, Language Workshop, PLI and KIOSK.  Pay: typically $12-$30/contract hour and some schools have benefits.

LINC programs for newcomers to Canada, based in community centres, colleges, and public or separate schools. Classes are task-based and focus on practical English skills and settlement needs. Student proficiency ranges from beginner to intermediate. Pay: varies, but the maximum tends to be around $30/contract hour, with some benefits.

ESL programs at Colleges, e.g., George Brown, Humber, Centennial and Seneca.  The teaching focus is usually grammar, communicative grammar, integrated language skills for general or academic English, LINC, specialty classes in pronunciation, writing, technical writing, some job search skills, and "upgrading".  Pay: $20-$40/contract hour - no benefits.

Universities, e.g., University of Toronto, York University and Ryerson.  The teaching focus is on integrated skills in academic preparation and general English; also specialty classes in all skills, especially academic writing and technical writing, and ESP for professions & businesses. Pay: usually $40-$60/contract hour and sometimes with benefits.

Continuing Education Centres and Community Centres – rate of pay and type of works varies.

 

Teaching Abroad - Job postings and information can be found on the following websites but there are many more!

TESL Ontario: www.teslontario.org

TESL Toronto: www.tesltoronto.org

TESL Canada: www.tesl.ca

TESOL Professional Development: www.tesol.org

AACircle information on teaching in North Asia: www.aacircle.com.au

 

Q: Is there job placement after the program?

A: We have many services available to assist graduates of the TESOL program in finding work. Students are given access to a website that lists any current job postings that our office receives. You are also encouraged to use the U of T Career Centre, which has hundreds of job listings. Our office also holds a career information evening with potential employers once a year.