Want to know more about the Cactus TEFL Online Course? Here are some of our frequently asked questions & answers.
- Who is this course good for?
- It's not an obligatory course but it will help you build your awareness of the English language and your understanding of current methodology used in the TEFL classroom.
- What will I learn on the Cactus TEFL Online Course?
- In part one of the course with 30 interactive units, you study all the basic points of the English language. At the end of this stage you should have a strong awareness of the building blocks of the English language and some awareness of how we teach grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation. The next part builds on this understanding by explaining and showing you how English is taught by experienced TEFL teachers.
- How long will it take me?
- You can spend as much or as little time on the course as you like, and you can jump back and forth through the units. Ideally you should aim to spend at least 90 hours on the course, and there is enough material for up to 135 hours, depending on how you work.
- When is the best time to take the Cactus TEFL Online Course?
- If you are planning to apply for an intensive 4-week course, such as the Trinity Cert TESOL or the Cambridge CELTA, then you could take the course. You could also take the course if you are planning to travel and teach voluntarily abroad. Some people who are already teaching also take the course while working because they have received no formal training in the past.
- Isn't it the same as buying a grammar book or reading about methodology?
- No. For lots of reasons. First, the course is designed as an online course. That means it is adapted to this form of learning, and integrates images, sound files, and video clips to bring the course to life. Second, it guides you through the basics in such a way that you build your knowledge as you go, and you interact fully with the course. Thirdly, it reduces the overwhelming amount of information available in books to a manageable, essential guide, covering the most important points you need first.
- Do I need to have broadband to do the course?
- A dial up connection will work but you may have problems viewing the videos in real time.
- Can I download any of the information?
- Not officially. We can't prevent you copying and pasting, of course.
- Will I have access to the course after my time is up? If not, how can I keep a record of my work to refer to later?
- No, your access ends at the end of your subscription. You can always resubscribe for another 45 days at a reduced fee if you would like more time.
- Do I have to wait for a tutor to mark my work before I move on to the next section?
- In the first part of the course, you can move on whenever you like. Work is not marked by a tutor, it is self correcting and you can repeat exercises as many times as you like until you get them all right. You can ask for help from the tutor at any point by using one of the forums. In part two on methodology, you need to submit an assignment after every six lessons. However, your tutor will aim to return feedback to you within 72 hours and you can continue onto the next unit in the meantime.
- Will I get a grade at the end of the course?
- A large part of the course is designed so that if you make mistakes on the exercises you can correct them until you get it right. There is also an optional grade function if you would like to use it. You will receive tutor feedback on your assignments but they do not receive a grade. The course is not about passing or failing but about learning!
- Do I get a certificate?
- Yes. After the 135 day expiry date of your subscription and on completion of all five assignments, a certificate will be sent out to you.