TESL Pro 1 Full-time Diploma
The TESL Pro 1 Full-time program consists of 100 classroom and 20 hour practicum hours, giving students a comprehensive understanding of various ESL teaching theories and methodologies.
Classes are comprised of lectures and demonstrations on topics such as the integration of listening, speaking, reading, writing, pronunciation skills, lesson planning, and classroom management. The VIA TESL Program uses the “Communicative Approach” to train teachers in Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) with the goal of providing graduates with the confidence and ability to instruct students of all nationalities around the world.
| Week One | |
|---|---|
| Day 1 – Unit 1 | Methodologies Past and Present |
| Day 2 – Unit 2 | Classroom Principles |
| Day 3 – Unit 3 | Teaching Different Age Levels |
| Day 4 – Unit 4 | Teaching Different Proficiency Levels |
| Day 5 – Unit 5 | Techniques and Textbooks |
| Week Two | |
|---|---|
| Day 6 – Unit 6 | Lesson Planning, Curriculum Development |
| Day 7 – Unit 7 | Material Analysis and Development |
| Day 8 – Unit 8 | Interactive Teaching and Learner Strategies |
| Day 9 – Unit 9 | Classroom Management |
| Day 10 – Unit 10 | Integrating the Four Skills |
| Week 3 | |
|---|---|
| Day 11 – Unit 11 | Listening Comprehension |
| Day 12 – Unit 12 | Oral Communication Skills |
| Day 13 – Unit 13 | Reading Skills |
| Day 14 – Unit 14 | Reading Skills |
| Day 15 – Unit 15 | Writing Skills |
| Week Four | |
|---|---|
| Day 16 – Unit 15 | Grammar and Vocabulary |
| Day 17 – Unit 15 | Grammar and Vocabulary |
| Day 18 – Unit 16 | Discourse Analysis |
| Day 19 – Unit 17 | Assessment and Testing |
| Day 20 – Unit 17 | Assessment and Testing |
Class Times
Classroom Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00 – 3:30 (4 weeks)
Practicum Hours depend on the teaching schedule.
Homework
Homework is a journal which is reviewed four times throughout the program. Class contribution is participation in class discussion of class topics, sharing of experiences and ideas, and the raising of questions. There is one final written examination.
Practicum Requirements
The practicum for all TESL programs consists of 10 hours of observing TESL Canada-certified teachers, and solo-teach for 10 hours.
We will provide a list of TESL Canada – recognized schools where the practicum can be completed. We will also provide a form to ensure the sponsor teacher is certified by TESL Canada. If there is not a suitable location to complete your practicum in your area, we encourage you to do your practicum at VIA Training Centre.
*Please note the completion of the practicum may take longer depending on the number of students enrolled.
Textbook
This program requires Teaching By Principles “An interactive Approach to Language Pedagogy” (3rd Edition), Dr. H. Douglas Brown ISBN-10: 0-13-612711-8. This textbook can be purchased at the VIA Training Centre before or on the first day of class.
Evaluation
Evaluation is based on attendance and participation, completed homework assignments, written examinations, class presentations and a submitted lesson plan. Students scoring 75% (cumulative) or better on the evaluation criteria qualify for both VIA TESL Diploma VIA On-Line TESL Diploma.
Grading criteria will be evaluated according to the following distribution of marks:
| Evaluated Criteria | Distribution of Marks |
|---|---|
| Attendance | 25% |
| Class Contribution | 20% |
| Homework | 15% |
| Written Examination | 10% |
| Class Presentation | 15% |
| Lesson Plan | 15% |
Practicum criteria will be evaluated according to the following distribution of marks:
| Evaluated Criteria | Distribution of Marks |
|---|---|
| Solo Teaching | 50% |
| Post-Solo Teaching Discussion | 25% |
| Material Assessment and Application | 25% |
Total course grade will be evaluated according to the following distribution of marks:
| Percentage Range | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 90-100% | A+ |
| 85-89% | A |
| 80-84% | A- |
| 75-79% | B+ |
| 72-74% | B |
| 68-71% | B- |
| 64-67% | C+ |
| 55-63% | C |
| 50-54% | D |
| 0-49% | F |
Transfer of Credits
The TESL Canada Level 1 Certificate is an internationally recognized certificate that can be applied to TESL Canada Level 2 or higher certificates based on the criteria of those level certificates. The VIA TESL Diploma Program does not have any university or college transfer credits.
Graduation Requirements
Students must achieve a minimum of B+ to graduate.
Attendance Policy
Students must attend at least 85% of the classes. Students cannot graduate if they miss more than 15% of the classes. This is the equivalent of 3 classes.