I recently completed a self-paced online 120-hour TEFL/TESOL course, and the experience was both rewarding and highly practical. As someone who prefers learning independently and managing my own schedule, the flexibility of this course was one of its greatest strengths. It allowed me to study whenever I had time, without the pressure of live classes or deadlines.
The course was well-organized and covered a wide range of essential topics. This included English grammar, lesson planning, classroom management, teaching the four language skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking), teaching online and understanding different learner needs. Each module was presented clearly, with explanations that were easy to follow. There were also plenty of examples and practical tasks that helped reinforce the content.
One of the aspects I appreciated most was the structure of the learning materials. The content was broken down into manageable sections with quizzes at the end of each module. This not only helped me track my progress but also allowed me to review areas where I needed more practice. Although the course was self-paced, it didn’t feel like I was learning alone. Tutor support was available via email, and responses were prompt and helpful whenever I had a question or needed clarification.
Even though there wasn’t a live teaching practicum, the course included video demonstrations and sample lesson plans, which gave a clear idea of how to manage a real classroom. It also encouraged reflective practice by having students review their own lesson plans and think about how they would apply what they learned in a real teaching environment.
Another valuable part of the course was the focus on cultural awareness and adapting lessons to suit students from different backgrounds. This is an important skill, especially if you plan to teach English internationally or to diverse groups of learners.
The platform itself was user-friendly. I was able to have access of it both on my computer and phone, which made it convenient to study on the go.
Overall, this self-paced TESOL course was an excellent investment. It provided me with a solid foundation in English language teaching and the confidence to start my journey as an English teacher. Whether you're new to teaching or looking to build on existing experience, I would highly recommend this course especially for those who value flexibility and want to learn at their own pace.