TESOL Starter Course

This course forms an essential preparatory module to the Level 5 Trinity Certificate in TESOL at English for Asia. Available as a standalone course, it will provide you with a strong theoretical base for teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), while increasing your overall fundamental knowledge of the English language. Your Starter Course fee will be deducted from the Trinity CertTESOL course fee if you choose to study with English for Asia.

20 hours
Fully online, self-study
Pre-certificate level
Typically takes 2 weeks to complete
Accessible for 3 months
HK$1,200 (approx. USD $154) – refundable if you join our CertTESOL course
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Is this the right course for you?

This course is for you if

You are preparing for a Trinity CertTESOL or Cambridge CELTA qualification.
You are a teacher wanting to improve your knowledge of grammar, phonology and teaching methodologies.
You want a short introduction to what a TESOL course may involve.

The course might not be for you if

You need a full TESOL/TEFL certificate.
You are ready to start an accredited qualification.
You want teaching practice and personalised feedback.

Our typical trainees include

Professionals considering a career change to teaching.
New or experienced teachers contemplating the Trinity CertTESOL.
Those who are planning a CertTESOL or CELTA in the near future, and want to get a head start on their studies.

Course content and structure

This online pre-CertTESOL course will

Provide a thorough introduction into the areas of grammar, phonology and teaching methodologies from an English teacher's perspective.
Prepare you with the foundation knowledge you need to confidently begin a Trinity CertTESOL or a Cambridge CELTA.
Give you an insight to what a CertTESOL course will involve plus the level of commitment this will mean for you.

You can progress through this course at your own pace, watching videos, listening to podcasts, observing trainers, sharing ideas with peers and completing reflective tasks. There are tests within the course, but these are not as rigorous as those on the Trinity CertTESOL, and there is no teaching practice.

A pass in the final quiz is required if you wish to be awarded a certificate of completion.

What to expect

You will find multi-modal and engaging content, including

Videos
Quizzes
Reflective tasks
Podcasts
Online lesson observations

Learning input on this course varies to include engaging with texts, analysing graphics and observing aspects of teaching practice. This is supplemented with a series of tasks, including reflection activities and contributions to a discussion forum.

Quiz answers will be available once you have completed the task. This enables you to review your ideas and highlight areas of focus that you need to work on. In addition, you can refer to the glossary tab to review keywords and terms related to TESOL.

Unit 1: Approaches and Methods to Teaching English as a Foreign Language

In this unit we discuss advantages and disadvantages of popular teaching approaches and methods and look at common misconceptions of learning a language.

Unit 2: Grammar

In this unit we analyse parts of speech and sentence structure from a learner’s perspective, helping you to better anticipate common problems your learners will encounter, and plan effective solutions for your classes.

Unit 3: Phonology

In this unit we look at phonology as a tool for your teaching and preparation of lessons, and learn some useful terminology to help us describe sounds.

Unit 4: About the CertTESOL course

The final unit introduces you to the CertTESOL qualification which you may be interested in studying after this course.

Our tutors

Laura Wilkes

Teacher Trainer

Speaks fluent Spanish

Eve Conway

TYLEC and CertTESOL Trainer

Bryan Holmes

Teacher Trainer

Laura Wilkes,

Laura has worked in a range of TESOL settings for over eight years, from teaching students of all ages in China and training teachers in Russia, to developing and facilitating online courses for TESOL staff across the world. Having graduated with a distinction for her PGCE in Learning Technologies, she continues to research ways in which teaching and training can be enhanced through technology.
Speaks fluent Spanish

Eve Conway, Speaks fluent Spanish

Eve has worked in Spain, Vietnam and Mexico as both a teacher and TYLEC trainer as well as having worked on shorter projects in the UK, Italy, Azerbaijan and Peru. She worked for over six years for the British Council, where she discovered a love for working with children, particularly Early Years learners. Eve is a keen conference speaker and occasional writer for ELT magazines and publications.

Trinity DipTESOL, MA Applied Linguistics, BA English language
Bryan Holmes,

Bryan was a teacher trainer and part time course director for the Trinity CertTESOL at English for Asia. With over 10 years teaching experience, he has a special interest in phonetics and phonology.

Trinity CertTESOL, MATESOL, Cambridge DELTA

Laura Wilkes,

Laura has worked in a range of TESOL settings for over eight years, from teaching students of all ages in China and training teachers in Russia, to developing and facilitating online courses for TESOL staff across the world. Having graduated with a distinction for her PGCE in Learning Technologies, she continues to research ways in which teaching and training can be enhanced through technology.
Eve Conway, Speaks fluent Spanish

Eve has worked in Spain, Vietnam and Mexico as both a teacher and TYLEC trainer as well as having worked on shorter projects in the UK, Italy, Azerbaijan and Peru. She worked for over six years for the British Council, where she discovered a love for working with children, particularly Early Years learners. Eve is a keen conference speaker and occasional writer for ELT magazines and publications.

Trinity DipTESOL, MA Applied Linguistics, BA English language
Bryan Holmes,

Bryan was a teacher trainer and part time course director for the Trinity CertTESOL at English for Asia. With over 10 years teaching experience, he has a special interest in phonetics and phonology.

Trinity CertTESOL, MATESOL, Cambridge DELTA

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TESOL Starter Course

Build a solid foundation for the Trinity CertTESOL.

More details

HK$1,200

This fully online, 20-hour, self-paced course equips you with a foundation in:

Grammar
Phonology
Approaches to teaching English as a foreign language

Set as an essential preparatory module to the Level 5 Trinity Certificate in TESOL at English for Asia, this course is intended to provide you with a solid foundation for your TESOL studies. Upon completion of this course, you will be eligible to receive a HKD$1,200 discount from the CertTESOL course fee.

From the date of purchase, you will have 3 months access to the course.

On successful completion of the course you will receive a digital credential. Your digital credential includes an e-certificate, which can be downloaded and printed, and a credential badge which can be displayed on your social media and LinkedIn profiles.