Teacher Training

The University of Adelaide offers teacher training programs that are highly regarded the world over. We offer practical, professional TESOL courses for individuals, and also tailor specific programs for groups of teachers, trainee teachers and academics. Our programs and courses cater for both practicing teachers and for people requiring a pre-service qualification in teaching English to adults and secondary students.

English and TESOL - for non-native English speakers who wish to improve their English language skills and build awareness of TESOL methodology.

Certificate IV in TESOL - for individuals interested in gaining certification in teaching English as a Second Language.

Tailored Training for Groups - for institutions or organisations interested in sending groups of practicing or trainee teachers for a tailored program.

English and TESOL

This is an exciting new 5 week course for non-native English speakers who are either practising English language teachers or who have an interest in learning more about the Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).

About the program

This 5 week course combines intensive English Language training with Teaching English as a Second or Other Language (TESOL) methodology. Participants will increase their English language awareness and develop their English skills. Participants will also gain a deeper understanding of TESOL methodology through workshops, observations, peer teaching and learner analysis.

TESOL workshops: The TESOL workshops are interactive and will expose participants to current methodologies and teaching styles. They will also provide participants with an opportunity to discuss these methodologies, how they relate to their current teaching context and to gain experience in using a variety of methods with feedback from their trainers and peers.

Observations: Participants will have the opportunity to observe classes in the English Language Centre as well as observe classes in a South Australian school. These observations will involve tasks to highlight certain aspects of the lessons and the learners. These observations will also provide participants with the chance to focus on a particular learner and analyse their needs and English language requirements.

Peer teaching: Throughout the program, participants will be involved in trying different methodologies with their peers  in morning sessions.

Learner analysis: Each participant will analyse a learner’s needs through observations and interviews. They will then provide recommendations for the improvement of the learner’s English language. This would serve to give participants a more comprehensive knowledge of learner needs and difficulties, to analyse these needs and to become more aware of resources available to assist learners.

Teaching Practice: During the program participants will be involved in teaching ESL students. This may take the form of one to one teaching, small group teaching or whole class teaching. These lessons will be planned together with the trainer in guided lesson planning sessions.

Program outcomes

By the end of the program, participants will have:

• developed English language communicative fluency and cultural awareness
• developed English in the four macro skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing, with main focus on speaking and listening
• developed an awareness of and familiarisation with communicative teaching methodologies for use in the classroom
• improved knowledge of classroom management and organisation and how to plan a lesson
• improved knowledge of micro-teaching and materials development; and
• improved knowledge of the practical use of computers in communicative teaching methodologies.

Dates and Fees 

Note*: fee includes $100 admission fee.

Tailored Training for Groups

The University of Adelaide’s English Language Centre has an impressive record of delivering tailored English teacher training programs for overseas education departments, international schools and universities. The key to the success of our programs lies in their flexibility – they can be run for any length of time, and the program content is tailored to meet your group’s specific learning needs. Run by our highly experienced TESOL trainers, our programs offer a unique way to develop participant’s English language and TESOL methodology skills, learn about Australia, the English language teaching industry and to practise English in real situations.

About the program

Each program is designed to meet the specific learning requirements of the groups however, most programs have two key focus areas:

1. Improving English language proficiency.

2. Development of teaching methodologies; learning concepts and undertaking practical experience.

Morning sessions might involve TESOL methodology classes and English language training, while seminars, workshops, cultural activities and self-study project work is undertaken in the afternoon. The cultural activities, incorporated into both the language and methodology classes, provide an ideal way to explore Adelaide and practice English. They could include city tours, University tours and visits to Adelaide’s renowned museums and galleries. Accommodation, again, is arranged to meet the needs of your individual group. Homestay is popular among many teacher groups because it provides an opportunity to live with local South Australians and gain confidence in speaking English.

Program outcomes

Each program is designed to meet the specific learning outcomes of the group. Generally at the end of the program, your group members will have:

• developed English language proficiency
• knowledge of the Australian English language teaching industry
• a range of teaching methodologies for use in the classroom
• improved knowledge of classroom management and organization and how to plan a lesson
• confidence in the classroom; and
• practical experience.

And at the end of the program, all group members will receive a certificate from the prestigious University of Adelaide.

More information

Our specialist study tour staff would be pleased to tailor a program or course to meet specific your needs. Contact the Manager, International Recruiment & Marketing matthew.rawes@adelaide.edu.au