• Introduce and nurture familiarity with current methodology, including teaching lexically
• Develop confidence in using computer assisted language learning
• Foster awareness of language structures and ability to teach English language skills (grammar, speaking, listening, reading, writing and pronunciation)
• Expose teacher participants to a variety of models of classroom teaching
• Revitalize teaching techniques including task development, pair and group work, unit, course and lesson planning, and classroom management techniques
• Explore a variety of textbooks and teaching materials; determine how to best utilize these within a curricular framework
• Focus on cross-cultural understanding and an appreciation of different learner strategies and styles
• Review and practice developing and using a variety of assessment instruments
• Practice implementing new techniques and materials

In the on-site component, you will gain first-hand knowledge from your instructors and international colleagues, observe a variety of language classes and have an opportunity to practice teaching.

• Schedule: 27 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 9 am-12 noon, and Monday to Thursday, 1-4 pm
• Classes include a survey of current methods and practices
• Observations of a variety of language classes (different levels, both skill- and theme-focused) and practice teaching are major parts of the on-site component
• Visits to UBC libraries and the UBC ELI resource room
• Guest speakers and in-house specialists
• Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) workshops
• Maximum class size: 16 students

Note: Successful completion of both the on-site and the online components is necessary to obtain a certificate.

With the online component, you will continue your professional development while you teach. You will be able to put into immediate practice in your own classroom the methods you are learning and skills you are developing, and discuss and reflect on your experiences with your UBC ELI mentor and fellow course participants around the world using the Internet and email.

Teach and learn simultaneously in your own class; average approximately five (5) hours of study each week, for 120 hours of training over 24 weeks

• Continue professional collaboration with colleagues and instructors you meet in the on-site component
• Carry out your own classroom research and experiment with the techniques and materials observed and discussed on site
• Receive guidance from a UBC ELI instructor who will be available to assist you with the online projects and facilitate discussions

Note: Successful completion of both the on-site and the online components is necessary to obtain a certificate.

To complete the online component, you will need:

• Access to a computer–most of the course materials is online. Be sure you have frequent and convenient access to a computer
• Web browser software – Netscape 4.76 (which can be downloaded for free) or Internet Explorer 5
• Internet access and an email address

If you do not already have internet access and an email address, you will also need an Internet Service Provider. If you choose to use dial-up rather than high-speed access, we recommend a system with at least 33.3 kbps.

Our teacher trainers are practicing teachers who have at least ten years of classroom English language teaching experience and are experts in the field. Most have graduate degrees and have presented and published widely. The trainers at the UBC ELI have many years of experience working with EFL teachers from a wide range of countries.

Participants will have access to the UBC ELI’s extensive collection of textbooks and teaching resources, including video and audio materials, as well as the UBC libraries. The UBC ELI also has a study centre for students; it includes self-access computers, cable TV with a VCR, newspapers and periodicals. High-speed Internet access and ports for laptop computers are located throughout the building. In addition, there is a wide variety of health and fitness facilities available on campus. More information about UBC is available at www.ubc.ca.

Click here to visit our Accommodation section.

The Lyn Howes Scholarship is awarded to a non-native speaker of English who has never previously studied in Canada. It covers the full tuition fee and application fee for the UBC Certificate in Advanced English Language Teaching. Scholarship applicants must meet the admission requirements.

To apply, complete the general UBC CAELT application form and include with it a letter outlining your training and stating why this program would be of value to you. You should also include a recommendation from your director or principal.

Admission requirements to the UBC Certificate in Advanced English Language Teaching are as follows:

• A continuing teaching position at an adult educational institution
• A Bachelor’s degree or recognized equivalent from an accredited university-level institution
• Ability to speak English with close to native speaker proficiency
• Internet and email access
• Preference is given to teachers with a minimum of two years’ English teaching experience

The date and price for the next session have not been set. Please contact us for more information regarding this course and any future sessions.