The English teaching profession comes with much jargon and many, many acronyms. English teachers like specificity and flaunting their facility with the language, so each acronym represents a precise situation and a particular context.
The differences are in the contexts and the students who are learning English.
- Teaching English to students with English as their first language in countries like Canada or Australia is simply called teaching English.
- Teaching English to students with a different first language in English-speaking countries, such as Canada or Australia, is known as teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) or English as an Additional Language (EAL). (It’s not always a second language; it could be a third or fourth, so we prefer the acronym EAL).
- Teaching English to students with a different first language in non-English-speaking countries, like Japan or Chile, is referred to as teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL). However, many schools abroad simply call it teaching English, just like a country that speaks English would call learning Portuguese just Portuguese, not Portuguese as an Additional Language!
- Teaching English to students with a different first language, regardless of their location, is called Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). This term covers students who speak a Language Other Than English (LOTE) and are learning English anywhere, both inside and outside of English-speaking countries.
TESOL and TEFL courses explained
TESOL and TEFL are also used to describe training courses people can undertake to become English teachers. Schools and institutes at home and abroad usually require these courses to teach English to children and adults. Still, every country will have its requirements for teaching certain ages at particular institutions.
In Australia, for example, to teach EAL in K-12 schools (Kindergarten through to year 12- the final school year), teachers must have a qualifying teaching degree, usually a Bachelor of Education, and preferably a TESOL Graduate Certificate from a university. Some countries, such as the United Arab Emirates, require their K-12 teachers to be university-qualified. Adult education in both countries is less strictly regulated and can be taught, depending on the institution, with TESOL or TEFL certification only. Many other countries are less stringent in their requirements, especially those needing help getting and retaining teaching staff.
This can be unclear when you are in the job market or deciding which course to take to enter the teaching profession. Employers, however, generally look for a certificate that reflects at least 100 hours of instruction to determine if the candidate has sufficient preparation to begin teaching English, and often, they require there to have been a practical component in the course as well, meaning that your certificate included some teaching practice.
Your choice will depend on where and who you want to teach.
The qualification that you choose will generally depend on your career goals. If you want to teach overseas quite quickly, then a TEFL course would be the way to go. If you were planning on training in your home country (where English is widely spoken), you would be better off choosing a TESOL course. A TESOL course will include teaching methodology for ALL English students, but depending on the institution you study with, they tend to be lengthier than TEFL courses.
Each context will come with its challenges and advantages.
The context in which you teach, either EAL or EFL, can influence
- What is taught
- How it is taught
- The motivation of the students
- The number of time students has to practice the language (especially speaking and listening)
Students in an EFL setting will likely have less exposure to the English language outside of the classroom. Therefore, they will be much more reliant on the teacher for understanding not only the ins and outs of the English language but the culture attached to it as well.
Students in an EAL setting could be living in an English-speaking country, and therefore, your job of helping the students understand the culture attached to the English language wouldn’t be as great; there will be other people and other places where they can learn this.
A student learning in an EAL English-speaking context will also progress much faster than one learning English as a foreign language.
Students’ motivation for learning English will also differ depending on the context. English as a foreign language will most often be known as a subject at schools or institutes, and the student’s competency in the language can affect their chances for further education or in areas such as business.
Students learning English in an English-speaking environment will also want to be able to do well in school. Still, they will also be driven to be able to interact and communicate with people in the community they are living amongst as well.
TESOL and TEFL Certification Requirements
The specific requirements for TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification can vary depending on your chosen organization or program. However, I can provide you with a general overview of standard requirements:
1. Educational Background:
Typically, you need a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent to enroll in TESOL or TEFL certification courses. Some programs may require a bachelor’s degree, especially for higher-level certification.
2. Language Proficiency:
As English is the language of instruction, you should have a strong command of the English language. Some programs may require proof of English proficiency, such as a language test score (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL).
3. Age Requirement:
Most TESOL and TEFL programs have a minimum age requirement, often 18 years or older. Some programs may have specific age limits.
4. Course Enrollment:
To become certified, you must enroll in and complete a TESOL or TEFL certification course. These courses are offered in various formats, including online, in-person, and blended options.
5. Course Duration:
The duration of TESOL/TEFL courses varies. Standard options include 120-hour, 150-hour, and 250-hour systems. The specific course you choose may depend on your goals and the requirements of your desired teaching position.
6. Practicum (Optional):
Some programs offer a practicum component, where you gain hands-on teaching experience. While not always mandatory, completing a practicum can enhance your teaching skills and job prospects.
7. Coursework and Assessment:
You’ll need to complete the coursework, which includes studying language teaching methodologies, classroom management, and lesson planning. Assessments typically involve quizzes, assignments, and a final exam.
8. Certification Exam (Varies):
Sometimes, there may be a certification exam at the end of your course. Passing this exam is a requirement for certification.
9. Criminal Background Check:
Certain teaching positions, especially those abroad, may require a criminal background check to ensure you have a clean record.
10. Job-Specific Requirements:
Depending on your intended teaching job, additional requirements may exist. For example, teaching English in public schools may have different needs than teaching in private language schools.
11. Continuing Education (Optional):
After obtaining your initial TESOL or TEFL certification, you may pursue further professional app development or specialized certifications to enhance your teaching skills and career prospects.
Final Remarks
What exactly is needed to be taught to students, as well as their motivations for learning and their outside exposure to the language, all affect the content of what is taught and the methodology or way that it is taught, and it is for these reasons that we have the differentiation of TEFL and TESOL definitions and courses.
