Graduate Certificate in TESOL

at Bond University

With internationalisation revolutionising education globally, the ability to teach in culturally and linguistically diverse classrooms is no longer only needed by English as a Second Language teachers but is becoming essential for all teachers, at all levels of education in Australia and globally. The Graduate Certificate in TESOL develops knowledge and skills necessary for teaching English as a Second or Additional Language and for working in diverse classrooms in varied educational contexts, in Australia and internationally. The Graduate Certificate is designed to prepare prospective teachers for the initial experience of language teaching and/or to provide experienced educators with an opportunity for professional development and for extending their qualifications.

The Graduate Certificate in TESOL involves the completion of four subjects which develop theoretical knowledge of second language teaching and learning, and provide opportunities for teacher trainees to apply these theories in language classrooms. Students engage in the equivalent of 150 contact hours of synchronous and asynchronous on-campus/multimodal sessions, focusing on the principles and applications of teaching English as a Second or Additional Language. Students have an opportunity to work with a lecturer and peers in weekly interactive and collaborative tutorials. These sessions provide a unique opportunity to become part of a dynamic learning community. Students also engage in self-paced learning through pre-recorded and post-recorded resources and gamified learning activities. The practical component involves students in an approximately 30-hour Practicum, during which they observe other professionals in action and teach under their supervision for a minimum of 6 hours. Pending their performance in the program, we can assist students located on the Gold Coast in completing the Practicum at Bond University College, an English Language Centre on the Bond University campus. If students are unable to complete their Practicum at Bond University College, it is their responsibility to secure the placement in another ELT centre. Depending on prior qualifications and individual arrangements, students may organise their Practicum in schools (if they are registered teachers) or in other ELT Centres. Many teachers complete the Practicum at the place of their current employment.