TESOL Meaning: Definition, Importance, and Certification Explained

TESOL Meaning: Definition, Importance, and Certification Explained

With the world population becoming increasingly diverse and connected, it’s common to meet a non-native English speaker. If you want to teach English to non-native speakers, you should know about TESOL meaning.

By pursuing a TESOL certification, you can connect to classroom teaching. TESOL is all about the strategies of teaching skill-based tasks associated with reading, speaking, listening, and writing. The TESOL course is a comprehensive compilation of methods and techniques needed in daily teaching processes. As an aspiring English educator, here are some essential aspects to know about TESOL.

Definition and Scope of TESOL

English language teachers should know about the TESOL definition to understand its scope. The meaning of TESOL is to teach English to the non-native speakers. In simple words, the TESOL certification aims to equip you with skills to teach English to non-native speakers.

TESOL also helps teachers understand how language and culture interact with one another. Many native English speakers know how to use grammar and vocabulary properly. However, they may not have the rules to explain the proper application of vocabulary and grammar.

By pursuing the TESOL training, you will be better equipped to teach non-native English speakers. The certification allows you to teach English in almost any country worldwide. Wherever you plan to work as an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher, you will require the TESOL certification.

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History and Evolution of TESOL

Besides understanding the TESOL certification meaning, you should know its two popular forms.

  • TESOL as a professional organization
  • TESOL as a training program to teach English to non-native speakers

Formed in 1966, TESOL is an independent and professional body representing teachers of English to speakers of other languages. Moreover, it is a globally recognized education association with more than 13000 members and 90 affiliates. These affiliates are present in more than 120 countries worldwide.

The mission of TESOL is to ensure excellence in English language teaching to non-native speakers. Here are the five organizations that were involved in forming TESOL.

  • The Center for Applied Linguistics
  • The Modern Language Association of America
  • The Speech Association of America
  • The Council of Teachers of English
  • The Association of Foreign Student Affairs

The formation of TESOL as a certification course has been influenced by the domestic and international economic and political climate. The following methodologies of the TESOL certification have undergone change over the years by considering the needs of modern learners.

  • The Grammar Translation Method
  • The Audiolingual Method
  • The Communicative Approach
  • The Direct Method

The methodologies and syllabus of TESOL will continue to grow and develop in the future.

Importance and Benefits of TESOL

TESOL can increase your chances of landing a teaching job in the US or other countries. Getting TESOL certified means you have completed a minimum of 120 hours working through the course content. The 120-hour TESOL certificate has the most comprehensive curriculum. However, it is beneficial to obtain 150-hour or 250-hour TESOL certificate. You can compare the courses here.

Moreover, this course has a self-paced nature, and students aren’t needed to meet the weekly deadlines. Here are the benefits associated with the TESOL certification.

Access to Better Opportunities

For TESOL-certified teachers, working and traveling are much more accessible. Moreover, with a TESOL certification, you will have access to better employment opportunities. This certification is accepted by most colleges and language schools.

It would be easier for you to build a rewarding career with a TESOL certification. For instance, you can teach English in countries like China, Mexico, Japan, European countries, etc. Such a teaching experience will expand your horizons.

Excellence in translation, linguistics, and interpreting can lead to rewarding careers in business. Besides teaching, you can explore career opportunities like speech pathologists and therapists.

Adds Highly Valuable Skills to Your Resume

TESOL lets you show employers that you’ve formal training in teaching non-native speakers of English. The TESOL certification will let you streamline your English language teaching skills.

By understanding the TESOL definition correctly, aspirants can learn about cross-cultural communication and language change. In other words, the TESOL certification can enhance your resume’s value and open up a world of opportunities.

Aspirants will have the opportunity to learn innovative teaching methods and develop Prociency in English training. TESOL is unique as it allows you to understand the relationship between culture and language.

Terms used:

ESL, TEFL, TESOL

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