Course Description

In order to describe the course, we outline how the course is assessed by Trinity/Oxford Tefl: assessment and examinations
and how we prepare you for this: course content.

Assessment and examinations

The Trinity Diploma has four components. Parts one and three are assessed by Trinity and parts two and four by Trinity and OxfordTEFL together.

Part one

A written paper taken in Barcelona or other Trinity approved centre. (There are centres in most parts of the world). The paper is 3 hours long and consists of a grammar section and choice of questions on the nature of language and practical teaching applications. The exam can be taken in May, August or November. Each of our courses aims to prepare you for a specific date, but you have the opportunity to opt for a different date if you feel you are not ready.

Part two
A coursework portfolio including project work. The portfolio consists of three compulsory tasks. The tasks involve observation of other trained teachers, reflection on one’s own teaching and a choice of projects related to materials development and academic management. You work on the portfolio throughout the course. It is assessed by your course tutors and moderated by a Trinity examiner.

Part three
An oral interview on phonetics and phonology (30 mins). This is conducted by a Trinity examiner.

Part four

Classroom demonstration of your teaching (60 mins) followed by a discussion of the lesson with the examiner (20 mins). You will also present a portfolio of documentation related to 4 previous lessons taught which will have been observed and assessed by OxfordTEFL tutors. For this part of the exam you will be teaching students at OxfordTEFL.

Parts three and four of the exam can be taken together at any time during the year, but will usually be taken at the end of May or at the end of August.

Course Contents

What the course covers and how it relates to the four areas of assessment for the Trinity Diploma.

For Part One - The written exam
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To prepare you for the written exam you will participate in input sessions and workshops designed to cover a variety of aspects of English language Teaching. Sessions are face-to-face or using our virtual classroom. The exact mix depends on whether you are doing summer intensive or distance/on-line Diploma. Input sessions include pre-reading, group and pair tasks, reflection on your teaching and short written tasks. In addition you will be required to do regular grammar and essay practice in preparation for the written exam, with feedback from tutors.
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Here are some examples of the areas covered by questions in Part One of the Trinity Exam, which will be covered in your input sessions and reading.
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Grammar

Linguistic analysis which will improve your understanding of learners' difficulties and the nature of the English language and how it works, including an analysis of syntax, lexis and discourse.
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Language Learning and Teaching

An in-depth look at the major theories of language learning and teaching which have influenced materials and teaching styles. An analysis of developments such as learner training, multiple intelligences, task based learning and the lexical approach, which encourages you to reflect on your own practice and work towards developing it. Sessions on teaching young learners are included here.

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English in the World

Here you will develop your global view of English, looking at students´needs, economic and political influences on language use, models and varieties of English and issues relating to teacher training and development.

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Personal and Professional Development

You will gain familiarity with published and on-line professional materials and basic principles of teacher education. Appropriate research methodology for classroom-based research. Theories and application of syllabus design. You will be encouraged to attend teacher development workshops and professional conferences during the course.

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Classroom Practice

Here we look at the nitty gritty of what we do in the classroom, including areas such as teaching the four skills, classroom management, error correction and teacher talk.

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For Part Two - Coursework Portfolio and Project

There are three tasks here. The first involves you observing 10 hours of teaching by colleagues and other experienced teachers using observation and tasks, which you have devised. On summer intensive courses you will have the opportunity to do some or all of this at OxfordTEFL.

The second task is a developmental record of your own teaching and requires you to monitor an aspect of your own teaching over a total of 15 hours of class time, with groups of 6 students or more from your regular teaching timetable (if you are only teaching small groups, you will need to discuss alternatives with us).

The third task is a short written project on a choice of themes relating to academic management, such as teacher observation, language policy or use of resources. You are guided through the projects with input sessions, and individual tutorials where the tutor discusses plans and rough drafts and prompts you with ideas and advises on background reading.

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For Part Three - Phonology

Input sessions/workshops in this area of the course include the study of such areas as rhythm, stress, intonation, weak forms and individual sounds and how they relate to teaching. You will become "fluent" in using phonemic script and increase your awareness of teaching techniques and strategies. The 30-minute interview with the Trinity examiner to assess this area of the course will include the presentation of a prepared topic of your choice, as well as a discussion of phonology in theory and in the classroom.

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For Part Four - Classroom Teaching

Our trainers will observe your teaching and give you feedback during the course, encouraging you to develop your ability to reflect on your own teaching and provide constructive feedback to fellow teachers. Teaching practice groups will be formed in the centre for this. This teaching will be observed and discussed with your tutor. Four one-hour lessons will be assessed by your tutors and a fifth one-hour lesson will be externally assessed by a Trinity examiner.

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