Graduate Certificate in TESOL at University of Wollongong, Australia

The Graduate Certificate in University Teaching & Learning focuses on professional development of academic staff currently engaged in tertiary teaching. It aims to support teaching staff to develop practice-based core skills, versatility, competence and confidence in their specific learning and teaching environment and to help them effectively meet the requirements of their role as tertiary teachers. It also offers experienced tertiary teaching staff the opportunity to further develop their practice and to obtain formal recognition as either micro-credentials or a postgraduate qualification that can be used toward a Master's qualification. Through a pedagogy that promotes reflective practice, co-design, peer review and students as partners, participants in these units will be engaged in learning that can be applied to their teaching practice. Modules as microcredentials in each unit contribute to a learning and teaching e-portfolio that builds towards the Graduate Certificate, while at the same time providing clearly articulated RPL options to recognise and valorise staff commitment to excellence in T&L. Additionally, the course will be aligned with the Higher Education Academy (HEA) standards to provide staff with a clear pathway towards a Fellowship.

The Graduate Certificate in TESOL involves the completion of four subjects which (1) develop theoretical knowledge of second language teaching and learning and (2) provide opportunities for teacher trainees to apply these theories in a language classroom. (1) The first component allows the students to engage in the equivalent of 150 contact hours of synchronous and asynchronous online activities, 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 a virtual classroom, in the weekly interactive and collaborative tutorials. These sessions, although not compulsory, provide a unique opportunity for being part of a dynamic learning community. Students also engage in self-paced learning through pre-recorded and post-recorded resources and gamified learning activities. (2) The second, practical component, involves students in an approximately 30-hour Practicum, during which they observe other professionals in action and teach under their supervision for the minimum of 6 hours. Students can complete the Practicum at Bond University College, an ELT Centre located on the Bond University Gold Coast 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 organise their Practicum in schools or other ELT Centres, with many teachers completing it at the place of their current employment.