:: ELA - the English Language Awareness Course.

Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

Who is this course good for?

This course is great for anyone who needs that extra confidence when it comes to the English language. It is especially suited for people who want to attend a TEFL course, to learn to teach English as a Foreign language.

Do I need to do this course as well as a TEFL course?

It's not an obligatory course. This course helps you to build your awareness of the English language ahead of your TEFL course. This helps to take some of the pressure out of the course, and spend more time on developing your teaching skills and abilities.

What will I learn on the ELA course?

Over 30 interactive units, the course takes you through all the basic points of the English language. At the end of the course, you should have a strong awareness of the building blocks of the English grammar system, an awareness of what happens and how English is taught in the classroom, and a proper working knowledge of most of the terms used to describe English. All this means that when you start teaching, or start your TEFL course, you won't be struggling with the basic concepts - instead you'll be able to concentrate on teaching English to your students.

How long will it take me?

You can spend as much or as little time on the course as you like, and you can jump back and forth through the units. Ideally you should aim to spend at least 20 hours on the course, and there is enough material for between 30 and 50 hours, depending on how you work.

When is the best time to take the ELA course?

If you are about to apply for an intensive 4-week course, such as the Trinity CertTESOL or the Cambridge CELTA, then you could take the course:

• To help you apply, before you complete the application form.
• To help you prepare, once you've been accepted for an interview
• As part of your pre-course tasks, to ensure you start your TEFL course with all the basics of the English language in place.

If you have already done a TEFL course but feel you want to strengthen and improve your Language Awareness, ELA is ideal.

Isn't it the same as buying a grammar book?

No. For lots of reasons. First, the course is designed as an online course. That means it is adapted to this form of learning, and integrates images, sound files, and video clips to bring the course to life. Second, it guides you through the basics in such a way that you build your knowledge as you go, and you interact fully with the course. Thirdly, it reduces the overwhelming amount of grammar information available in books to a manageable, essential guide, covering the most important points you need first.

Do I need to have broadband to do the course?

Yes. Many features will not work without broadband

Can I download any of the information?

Not officially. We can't prevent you copying and pasting, of course.

Will I have access to the course after my time is up? If not, how can I keep a record of my work to refer to later?

No, your access ends at the end of your subscription. You can always resubscribe for another 45 days at a reduced fee if you would like more time.

Please note: people currently on the course, i.e. who signed up before 31st December 2008, are entitled to the old renewal price of £25.

Do I have to wait for a tutor to mark my work before I move on to the next section?

No, you can move on whenever you like. Work is not marked by a tutor, it is self correcting and you can repeat exercises as many times as you like until you get them all right.

You can ask for help from the tutor at any point by using one of the forums.

Will I get a grade at the end of the course?

No, but note that a grading function exists on the site for your own personal use. However, ELA is designed so that if you make mistakes you can correct them until you get it right. The course is not about passing or failing but about learning!

Do I get a certificate?

Yes. After the 45 day expiry date of your subscription a certificate will be sent out to you by post. 

How much is the course?

Be sure to ask your local school for their promotional code, to claim your 5% discount. With this discount the course will cost you £71.25 for a 45-day period. If you need to extend the time it takes you to complete the course, you can do so for an extra fee.