Understanding Language Instruction Certifications: What HR Needs to Know
ESL Certification is becoming an increasingly popular qualification and it’s something that HR departments are seeing more and more on applicants’ CVs. But what do different language instruction certifications mean? What should HR departments know about them? Fear not: Marie Denholm from The TEFL Org is on hand to give HR professionals the information that they need.
What Is An ESL Qualification?
Before going any further, It’s crucial to explain what exactly an ESL qualification is. After all, finding top talent is something that all HR departments have as a high priority, so HR professionals need to understand what this kind of certification means and how it can benefit their organisation.
An ESL course is all about learning the theoretical foundations and methodologies of teaching English as a second language.
There are several different types of ESL certificates. However, the gold standard in the industry is a 120-hour course. This ensures a comprehensive approach to language understanding and future content delivery to students.
The Different ESL Terms Explained
Here’s a quick overview of some of the acronyms you may see:
- EFL – English as a Foreign Language
- ESL – English as a Second Language
- TEFL – Teaching English as a Foreign Language
- ESOL – English to Speakers of Other Languages
- TESOL – Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
In general, the acronyms ESOL and ESL are interchangeably used and refer to teaching learners of the English language, regardless of the environment in which such learning takes place.
When it comes to the acronyms TESOL and TEFL, it’s important to note that while both terms are frequently used interchangeably, TESOL may be specifically used when referring to teaching learners the English language when they already live in a country where English is the primary language.
What Is The TEFL Certificate?
TEFL certificates are internationally recognised professional credentials certifying that the holder is qualified as a teacher of English as a foreign language. Typically, this certificate is needed to obtain a job as an English teacher overseas or to teach English language non-native learners online.
What Kind Of Study Is Involved In Obtaining TEFL Certification?
To become TEFL certified, an individual will have received training in the tools and skills they need to become a professional teacher of English from a qualified instructor
Any professional-level TEFL course is required to meet specific standards, including a minimum of a hundred coursework hours, between six and twenty hours of live practice observation and teaching, and a fully accredited curriculum drawn up by an independent recognised organisation within the sector.
What Does An ESL Qualification Mean In Practical Terms?
For HR departments, the most important thing to understand concerning ESL qualifications is what they mean in practical terms.
The key skills taught during a TEFL course involve gaining a more in-depth understanding of the writing and speaking skills associated with the English language, as well as developing better teaching skills. Essentially, those who obtain their TEFL certification not only have a sound knowledge of how the English language works, but they also have the necessary expertise to impart that knowledge effectively to learners.
Why Hire A Candidate With An ESL Qualification?
Of course, anyone taking an ESL qualification will be doing so to make themselves more appealing to prospective employers and to mark themselves out from their competitors in the overseas teaching market.
ESL Qualifications are also full of transferable skills. As an HR professional, you may find that prospective job candidates list their ESL certifications on their CVs or application forms, even if your organisation is not remotely connected to the teaching field.
Having studied for and obtained an ESL certificate, the individual has proven that they are committed to their self-development and career progression. Not only that, but it also demonstrates that they have several transferable skills that can be leveraged and that will stand them in good stead in any organisation, whatever its industry.
Organisation And Intelligence
Teaching requires intuition and intelligence, and this is especially the case when it involves working with learners who don’t speak English as their first language. Preparation, planning, and organisation are key to success in the teaching field, and those skills are extremely beneficial in any post.
Self-Confidence And Strong Relationship Building
TEFL professionals are also confident. They can professionally deliver lessons to learners and explain concepts in a clear, concise manner that can be understood even by those with a limited understanding of the language. Building strong and positive working relationships is a key element of the job, and again, this is something that translates to any position where working alongside colleagues, clients, and customers is part of the role.
Adaptability And Quick Thinking
Working as an English teacher overseas helps TEFL professionals learn the crucial skills of adaptability. Circumstances can change frequently, and teachers need to think quickly and be ready and willing to change their planned lesson or adapt the activities that they had arranged at short notice. This ability to be flexible is something that proves to be extremely helpful in other job roles, too, since being able to adjust rapidly to different situations is useful across sectors and industries.
Time Management And Self-Motivation
Excellent time management is one other area that a TEFL certification enables individuals to develop. Overseas English teachers need to fit a considerable amount of work into every day, from planning and preparing resources to delivering content to multiple classes and then writing reports and marking work. Being able to skilfully complete this myriad of tasks within a specific timeframe puts individuals in the perfect position to excel in any position where independence, management of time, and self-motivation are imperative.
The Benefits Of Being A Global Citizen
Anyone who has obtained an ESL certificate is also a citizen of the world with the ability to think, behave, and speak cross-culturally. This professional skill is something that every business can benefit from in today’s increasingly multicultural world, where being able to communicate with and understand people from all walks of life and all over the globe is vital.
This is the reason why HR departments need to have an in-depth understanding of ESL certifications, what they mean, and most importantly, how those that hold them can benefit their workplaces and bring crucial skills that can take the company to a new level of success.
