Keep your eye on the goal!

It was always about the Unit 1 exam for me. I have always had a weakness for examinations and and I knew that the exam was going to be my most challenging part of the course. Since secondary school, I dreaded taking them as I found myself not remembering my revision notes, I was just a flustering mess during exams. I knew that I had to dedicate a lot of time personally to study and prepare for the Trinity exam. After countless tries I managed to eventually pass the Unit 1 exam. The satisfaction I got when my tutor told me the result - well I will never forget that fantastic feeling (and pure relief)! The hard work and dedication paid off in the end.

I was less fearful of the other parts of the Diploma and I really enjoyed doing them; especially phonemic transcription from the teaching practice.

From my experience, it is very important to have a plan together at the start of the course to stay focused and maintain it in order to study efficiently. Personally I started out with no plan and I did lose motivation and then days, or even weeks, can go buy without study as 'life' gets in the way. Keep your eye on the goal and eventually you will see that finish line in sight!

From completing the course, I can safely say that I have gained so much more knowledge within ELT, gained more confidence in incorporating more phonology into my teaching and generally becoming more of a reflective teacher.

My advice to anyone in taking the Trinity DipTESOL - Do IT and don't look back, it will be the best decision you take in a long time!

Derek