The TEFL Times

An online TEFL course or one done in the classroom? Honor Baldry offers advice on taking the latter option.

Classroom learning – it’s what we’re all used to and the way we expect to study. Or is it? A classroom TEFL course is nothing like the lessons you took in school; expect it to be more intensive but a lot more fun. But before you decide if a classroom TEFL course is right for you, take a look at the pros and cons.

So do you want the good news or the bad news? Good, you say? Here we go then!

The Pros

Practical experience

The best thing about a classroom course is the opportunity to get practical experience. You’ll be working in groups, learning through activities and finding fun ways to absorb the all the information. So basically, you’ll learn TEFL through the very techniques you’ll be using when you teach abroad. Then when you’ve got a grasp of the techniques you’ve been studying, you’ll get the chance to put them into action by creating and giving your very own lesson. A fun and interactive learning environment

Learning doesn’t get much better than this. It’s fun, interactive and completely different from those boring lesson you had to put up with in school. You’ll be running around, playing games and doing quizzes – and that’s only the beginning. Put simply, your tutor will teach you in exactly the same way that you’ll be teaching your own students when you arrive overseas.

Make new friends along the way

You’ll be in a group of about 20 people, depending on demand, and they’ll all be like you: people who want to travel and earn as they go. It’s a great opportunity to make new friends and maybe find a travel buddy or two. Plus, your new friends will be a great source of information. They’ll have done their research just like you, so you can swap stories and information.

A qualification that counts

Classroom TEFL courses are accepted by language schools around the world; just make sure you choose a reputable organisation that’s accredited by an independent body. That’ll give your qualification extra weight, putting you in a better position when you’re applying for jobs.

The cons

One long weekend

Classroom TEFL courses are great fun, but they’re also hard work. The hours are long and you’re always on the go, so by the end of the weekend you’ll probably be tired. Returning to work on the Monday after such an intensive course can be tough. You can avoid this problem by taking an online TEFL course and spreading your study over a couple of months. But online courses have pros and cons too, so maybe you should just take the Monday off!

Just skimming the surface

Classroom TEFL courses cover half the time of online courses and a lot of that time is spent doing practical activities. This means you’ll get to put your new skills into action and cement your learning, but it also means you have less time to concentrate on developing your understanding of TEFL teaching. This can be rectified by adding an online TEFL course to your training or even by buying a couple of books to read before you go.

A spare weekend is a must

The thing about classroom TEFL courses is that you have to do them in one fell swoop. And you know what that means – you have to find a free weekend. If you’ve got a really hectic schedule that can be difficult to do, so you might find an online TEFL course more convenient.

About the author

Honor believes teaching English abroad is the perfect opportunity for any English speaker to explore the world and immerse themselves in new cultures. Whether you’re a trained teacher or a complete beginner, Honor honestly thinks a TEFL qualification is your ticket for the journey of your life. Honor represents www.onlinetefl.com.