Refresher course

BKC Refresher Course in TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language)

Course Information

The course is designed for non-native speakers who are already qualified English language teachers in their own country. They should demonstrate good language awareness and basic understanding of, and sympathy for, mainstream classroom practice. Their English does not need to be entirely idiomatic but should be fluent and free from all but occasional and trivial errors of grammar and vocabulary in both speaking and writing. They are not expected to speak without an accent but their speech should be completely comprehensible.

Course Description

The course is run in a full-time mode (2 weeks, Monday - Friday approximately 12.00 - 20.00).

It aims to provide a foundation for effective classroom practice and draws on the best features of different methodologies. It includes as a major component supervised and assessed teaching practice with adult learners, at a minimum of two different levels, usually Elementary and Intermediate. Teaching practice sessions are followed by feedback and discussion. Two written assignments are set during the course, in part to assess course participants' level of English. We emphasize that the course is very intensive: it demands full commitment from participants throughout.

Aims of the course

• Develop awareness of learners' backgrounds, learning styles and needs.

• Plan lessons in terms of input, practice and time management.

• Develop and extend teaching skills.

• Provide frameworks for analyzing language in a way that is clear and accessible to learners.

• Evaluate and adapt published and authentic materials.

• Promote self-evaluation of teaching and its effect from the learners' perspective.

• Incorporate "Communicative Language Teaching" methodology into existing teaching methods.

Core Syllabus

• Developing the 4 skills: listening, reading, speaking, writing.

• Analysing language in preparation for teaching.

• Introducing, revising and practicing language at a range of levels.

• Evaluation of teaching materials, published and authentic.

• Classroom management skills.

• Motivating and challenging learners.

• Adapting and responding to different learning and teaching environments.

Teaching Practice and Observation

Teaching practice is a major component of the course and takes place every afternoon. The programme is closely related to the work done during the seminar sessions. Small groups (the maximum is six) obtain practical experience through working with classes at different levels. After each teaching practice session the lessons are discussed with the tutor. Trainees must liaise with other members of their group outside course hours in order to produce a series of cohesive lessons.

The observation of practicing teachers is an intrinsic part of the course and takes place outside course hours.

Tutors

Courses are run by BKC-International House accredited professionals with a strong background in teaching and teacher training.

Recognition

Candidates who successfully complete a BKC Teacher Training Refresher Course receive a BKC Certificate with a report. The BKC Certificate and report provide employers with a comprehensive guide to trainees' competencies at the end of the course. These are based on fixed criteria, which are available on request. 

Selection & Enrolment

Selection criteria

This course is suitable for non-native speakers who have trained to be teachers in their own countries and who would like to broaden their skills and teaching approach. Candidates must be at least 20 years old, with a competence in English, both written and spoken, that will enable them to follow the course and complete all the assessed elements successfully.

Candidates for the course are selected initially by written application and then by interview. Acceptance at either stage is not automatic. In cases of unsuccessful applications BKC cannot enter into discussion or correspondence concerning the reasons for an interview or a place on a course not having been offered. The rigorous selection process is undertaken in the interest of candidates to ensure a high level of success on the course.

In all matters relating to the suitability of candidates for courses, the decision of the Director of Studies of BKC-International House Moscow is final.

The selection process

As the number of places on courses is limited, please submit applications well in advance.

Applications should be made on the form provided. The application form should be completed carefully in handwriting and returned to the Teacher Training Administrator at BKC-IH. We will acknowledge your application as soon as possible and if your written application is satisfactory we will arrange an interview for you. Application forms are available at t-training@bkc.ru.

Enrolment

If, following the interview, you are accepted for a course, you should pay your deposit. We cannot reserve a place on a course until the deposit has been paid.

The balance of the fees must be paid at least two weeks before the start of the course. If you have not paid your fees by that date, you may lose your place. In the case of cancellations made later than two weeks before the start of the course, requests for refunds can only be considered if we are able to fill the place at short notice.

Please note that in the event of a candidate being unable to complete the course for whatever reason, BKC-International House Moscow cannot refund fees or offer the candidate a place on a subsequent course without payment of further fees.

In the event of an advertised course not taking place, BKC-IH will refund all course fees already paid, including deposits, and offer candidates a place on a subsequent course.

Assessment & Certification

Please read these notes carefully so that you are clear about the basis of assessment.

(i) Assessment on the BKC Teacher Training Refresher Course is continuous. Teaching skills are of the greatest importance but all aspects of performance and work done on the course are taken into consideration, including the candidate's punctuality, professionalism, written work, and potential as a member of staff in an EFL context.

(ii) Candidates are informed of their progress during the course by written commentary on their teaching practice and by tutorial.

(iii) BKC Teacher Training issues a certificate-report approximately 2-4 days after the completion of the course. The certificate is awarded in one of the following categories: Excellent, Very Good, Good, Pass and Fail.

BKC-International House Moscow cannot enter into either discussion or correspondence concerning results or assessments.