Being a global language, English speakers enjoy unique career opportunities
Today, the world is getting smaller and smaller. Yes, air travel is shrinking distances, but it is language that is truly making the world a smaller place.
It is English that is the Lingua Franca of the world today. Indeed, speak to anyone in the Netherlands, and they no longer see English as a foreign language, but as their second language! As the world gets closer and closer together, English teaching is a growing industry.
In South Korea, education in English is highly competitive. In China, at least 100 million people are actively learning English. In Japan, the Ministry of Education has now instructed schools to teach English from elementary school upwards.
English language teaching (EFL) is constantly evolving
the world of English language teaching (EFL) evolves, students demand more and more from their teachers. A long time ago, people wanted to just learn vocabulary or grammar, and assumed that this would be enough to be a proficient English speaker.
Today, we know students demand so much more. Students today want classes in topics such as presentation skills, business or academic English. However, as language teaching evolves, there are still several fundamentals.
One is that English can be broken down into four key skills, which are grouped into two main categories. The first, the receptive skills, involve teaching reading and listening. The second group is productive skills, which involves teaching speaking and writing.
The basic definition of the two groups is relatively simple. The receptive skills are passive. We don’t have to concentrate on these skills, they essentially just happen to us.
The productive skills are much more involved because, well, they involve actually producing something – just like writing this blog. You will often hear these skills being referred to as 'active' skills.
It does not matter which class you find yourself in, or what level, the four basic skills are fundamental across all categories of class. Mastering the ability to successfully teach the four basic skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking gives any and all teachers an immediate head start when approaching any class topic.
In any classroom, in any country, in any situation there is always a need to have a grounding in the four basic skills.
Seize the opportunity to explore a wider world
If your desire is to travel the world, sample new cultures and be able to fund your journey, then a solid TEFL background will assist. English is, for better or worse, the dominant language in the world now.
As such, schools and institutions globally are in need of teachers, coaches and instructors who can teach the language. Qualifying with a strong TEFL qualification will open many doors and lay the groundwork for your journey.
If you are already a teacher, then why not boost your career with a further qualification? A Level 6 TESOL Diploma RQF will help develop your fundamental TEFLs.
For example, Notting Hill College offers Ofqual-regulated Level 6 TESOL Diploma, which allows teachers to delve more into the academic side of teaching English and expand their knowledge base, allowing them to grow in their role, as well as look to progress their career.
If you are interested in knowing more, contact us today.