What is Teaching Practice or Practicum?
Practicum is the idea of applying what you’ve learned to practical use. That is, doing something, instead of studying or discussing the concept itself. In this case, teaching practicum is the act of implementing your teaching knowledge and techniques into the classroom. There is a lot to learn about teaching, but studying its theory will only take you so far. If you want to be a teacher, you have to embody your teaching persona and enter the classroom. The teaching practicum will put a hold on your theorizing and will have you become the practitioner.Why is Teaching Practice Important?
But, you might be wondering “If I’m going to teach and gain experience on the job, why do I need teaching practicum?” That is a valid question. However, there are many short-term and long-term benefits that teaching practice provides to optimize every aspect of your TEFL career. Let’s consider its benefits:Experience Breeds Confidence
Experience breeds confidence in any job or situation. The more you do something, the more comfortable you become doing it. As Einstein said, “The only source of knowledge is experience.” Teaching practice allows you to gain hands-on experience in a more controlled and regulated environment. Your qualified instructors and observers have insight into your nervousness; they know what it takes to step into the classroom for the first time. Here, you’re allowed to be nervous! It is essentially your “first day” but in cushiony bubble wrap. While online courses are great and they are a fantastic way to become TEFL certified, they lack the hands-on experience that practicum offers. Online courses are mostly confined to teaching theory, and while you may be great at talking about a grammar point, teaching it to your students is another thing. To be able to manifest teaching theories in the classroom is an excellent skill. To be able to do this before your first day of teaching is impressive. If you can demonstrate your skills before you’ve even begun teaching, you will grow in confidence as a teacher. Additionally, by entering your new school with more confidence, you will eliminate a hefty burden from your shoulders. Transitioning into a new country is a tough ask in itself. With things to consider such as culture shock, finances, and finding your way around the city, the last thing you want to worry about is impressing your employers. Prior teaching practice will eliminate any anxiety of your “first day” because you’ve been in a similar position before.Credibility
While it is extremely beneficial for your self-confidence as a teacher, it is also good to have ‘on paper’. With certified teaching practice on your resume and a matching reference letter, you’re consolidating yourself as a credible teacher through the word of a reliable source. Teaching practices are observed by qualified instructors, and with this, you can expect them to attest to your credibility through a reference to potential employers. Employers want teachers who can command the room and optimize their student’s learning. If experienced and qualified teachers can reinforce your teaching credentials, you will appear much more employable to schools.Salary
Naturally, the more employable you are, the higher your salary potential will be. Teaching practice, as well as references from qualified instructors, will lead to better job offers and more opportunities across the world. This means more reputable schools, more countries to choose from, and more money to be made. Because of this, teaching practice should be seen as a worthy investment. And for such an investment, there’s no real sacrifice. For a few hours of your time to complete the in-class practice, you could stand out in the competitive TEFL market.
How Can I Get Teaching Practice?
So, you now know the benefits of having teaching practice under your belt, but maybe you’re wondering how you can obtain it. There are a few options you can take. You can approach schools or providers independently and ask them for the opportunity to volunteer to work in classrooms to gain more experience. While it may lead to success, it may be tedious to repeatedly write to schools until you hit the jackpot. Or better yet, you could obtain teaching practice here, at Premier TEFL - the first and only online TEFL provider of a fully organised observed teaching practicum! With Premier TEFL, there are many ways you can go about obtaining your teaching practice. It doesn’t matter whether you’re new to the game or a course graduate. In fact, you can complete teaching practice from the comfort of your own home.2 Ways to Get the Course with Teaching Practice from Premier TEFL
Oftentimes, there are numerous doubts in an aspirant's head about the courses they choose. To take out any confusion that arises from this, we have compiled the top ways you can get an online Teaching English as a Foreign Language course.1. 310 Hour Level 5 Course
Our 310-hour Level 5 Hybrid TEFL Course comes with observed teaching practice with real ESL students. This course is for aspiring teachers who are serious about their teacher training, as this CELTA-level training will help you get the best jobs abroad or online. In addition to learning the fundamentals of Teaching English as a Foreign Language, you will have access to four hours of live lessons taught by two different teachers with two different teaching styles. This will expose you to an array of teaching methods and styles before you become a teacher. Once complete, it's your turn. There are 32 hours of certified teaching practice with real ESL students. Six of these hours of teaching practice will be observed by a qualified instructor, ensuring you’ll receive high-quality feedback. When you successfully pass the course, you will receive a reference letter from Premier TEFL’s partner school. This reference will attest to your ability to manifest the teaching theory inside the classroom, making you a desirable teacher to have in any employer’s classroom. With 310 hours of practice, both theory and practicum, you’ll demonstrate to your employers that you’re serious about teaching. While the majority of teachers settle for 120 hours, you’ll leapfrog teachers to the head of the queue when schools are looking for teachers.2. 10-Hour Virtual TEFL Course - For Less Flexible Teachers
Sometimes, big things come in small packages. If you are less flexible with time, you can opt for the tutor-led 10 Hours Virtual TEFL Course, which is fully endorsed by TQUK. Here, you’ll take part in two sessions of 3.5 hours led by a qualified instructor for a swift yet high-quality experience. This is great if you're looking for some extra teacher training, but you're not ready to dive into the teaching part just yet! You will develop your presentation, management, and lesson planning skills significantly, making this peer-to-peer teaching course compact yet effective. In as little as two sessions, your confidence as a teacher will have increased tenfold. New dates are being added every week, making it easy for anyone who is short on time. If you are intrigued by the course but are unsure of which dates you are free, you can book the course now and select the dates later!
