I've just passed checkpoint three of the TEFL course so I figure, having already done the grammar coruse, that I'm about half way through. Which is just as well considering I only have about half my allotted course time to go (46 days). I'm having a couple of days break now because I'm all TEFL'd out but I'm still conscious of the fact that I need to be studying at a consistent rate to get everything done on time.
My method is to try and get a pretty sizeable chunk of studying done in one sitting. I usually manage to get a module done in a couple of days this way, then have a break and pick it up again. Obviously other things crop up and you've still got to have a life but for the most part at the moment if I'm not working then chances are that I'm studying. It'll all be worth it in the end and this thought keeps me going. As far as I'm concerned, each passed module takes me closer to Thailand (internship).
It's not been too bad so far. I started with the grammar course because grammar has always been my weakeness, depite the fact that I'm an English graduate. It was really helpful, both in general and for the TEFL course. I'd definitely recommend starting with it, especially if your grammar is a bit rusty like mine was. It's a bit of a slog but it doesn't take too long to do.
The interesting thing I found about the grammar course was it's use of examples. Especially the use of the name Martin (my name). The Martin on the course seemed to have a strange parallel life to my own. He 'did Stand-up comedy', which I do. He 'tells rude jokes', which I do. He 'could have made a fortune if he wasn't so honest', I could have worked in marketing. And he has also 'kissed many girls'. Ok, fair enough, this is where the anology breaks down but I found the rest quite creepy. If you have no idea what I'm talking about then you will once you've done the grammar course.
The main TEFL course is ok. By far the most challenging thing has been the last checkpoint (3). It's the culmination of four modules of work and is pretty long but as with the other checkpoints its best just to take it slowly and think about it referring back to the learning modules and the questions answer themselves.
Onwards to module 8....
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Thanks for your message Stefijane, I will get back to you soon as I can ;)
Thanks Mtalbot, I have been doing just that, malko po malko (little by little in Bulgarian) and am not confidently up to Q.11. which i am now struggling with. But yesterday I was struggling with the 'used to' section, now I feel I understand what I am being asked, but who knows if I really do.
The thing that I am starting to suss out is that reading it all in the practice/pdf files doesn't stick, whereas now that I am having to think, and to find out I am understanding it more.
I love learning, just hope I get it right though!
@TJagdev I'm aiming to get it done with a week to spare on the time allocated, so that'll be about Nov 15th. I'm going to have to work my arse off to do that because I'm doing a lot of paid work as well to try and save up. As long I maintain the balance of work, study and play I should be ok but there's definitely no guarantees of that.
@Txlumberjack Trust me your not the only one, if you don't struggle at grammar then I'm convinced your not human. Some of this theory needs so much repetition before it actually goes in. This is a good lesson in itself I reckon because it makes you look at how things are learnt. This is obviously going to be important when it comes to teaching the kids.
@Stefijane @Nikkiw It's not too bad. It's just quite long and requires quite a lot of thought. I think it's best to do a little bit at a time otherwise you cant get a big bogged down with it. Then again if some people can do it in a few other then good luck to them. Each to their own.
Congrats on passing CP3!! Guh!!! 44 days left and I'm avoiding CP3 like the plague.... everyone seems to be finding it hard, is it? Until I get the nerve to do it I'm sticking with other sections of the course. I think i'm a bit behind though so starting to panic yet again.
:( Shout!! I started CP 3 lst night, OMG, I've read on some posts that people are taking 4 hrs to do this one, I will be taking more like weeks not hours to do this one!!
There is so much I have forgotten already, back to the drawing board I think.
Nikki
Geez!!!! I've just finished the whole course, basically I haven't done anything else for the past couple of weeks, hopefully it's going to be worth it!, if anyone needs help feel free to give a shout!
I am glad I am not the only one! I am convinced I haven't learned some of these things!
Good on you, Martin! I'm onto Checkpoint 4 now and I have to give it a couple of days break as I'm up north visiting a friend for his birthday. But I have about 80 days so I hopefully should be good. Checkpoint 3 was indeed a ruddy ol' cow, and I had to resubmit one question as it wasn't detailed enough. I would say that it was more challenging than I thought. Doable, but challenging. I hope the other checkpoints won't be as bad! I've done 2 questions in 4 that seem ok (I hope!). Do you have a target time for when you want to finish your course?
That grammar is kicking my butt!
They complement each other but there are bits in both that aren't in the other course, if you see what I mean. When I first started the grammar module as part of the TEFL course I got cocky as I'd done the awareness. But then there was a load of stuff that was different, especially on nouns.
Thanks Martin for the tips.
I am not just rusty, I am convinced I was not taught most of the stuff in the grammar course!
:)
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