JEDDAH — Master English, an affiliated teacher training Institute of London Teacher Training College recently conducted a Certificate course in teaching International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) at Hilton, Jeddah. ‘IELTS teaching Certificate Course' involved a highly practical approach in Teaching IELTS for Positive Results for a band score of 7+. What the test is , who conducts it and how it works was explained along with the score bands and rubrics. Fatmah Azam Ali, CEO of Master English, said it takes a highly practical approach to teach IELTS if one wants to garner positive results. She said hundreds of prospective students who plan to study abroad look for instructors to help them guide and procure the minimum score required by universities in the IELTS exam. Ali also said that they have conducted this certificate program for teachers who professionally plan to teach IELTS students. Teachers who complete this program with them will regularly be referred to schools, institutes and families who seek expert tutors for the preparation of IELTS exam. ‘The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world's leading test of English for higher education, employment, immigration, among others. Master English offers IELTS preparation, courses in business English and letter writing, academic research writing workshops, conversation classes, standard English level classes (UK-format), TEFL tasters, and two-day workshops for new teachers are also held at schools/universities/hotels', added Ali. It was 10 hr. hand-on training with Fatamah as the accredited trainer. The training involved foundational knowledge, methods and materials enabling teachers to empower serious students to achieve their goal of a high IELTS band score. It was intensive and rewarding undertakings enabling second language students obtain skills that open study and career doors of the highest level. The training focused on Orientation, Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking skills. There were hands on group and individual activities and presentation by the candidates and a Mini Test for evaluating the understanding of the subject by the candidates. Certificates will be issued to the participants by the London Teacher Training College. Various school teachers, institute tutors and lecturers from different Universities participated in the program. The candidates shared their views on the training session. ‘As an English language instructor, I always seek opportunities for professional development and this course is definitely going to be beneficial and would help me more to explore. It was a wonderful workshop', said Sarah Al-Luqman, English Language Instructor in King Abdul Aziz University. Rehab Hafeez Siddiqui, teacher, Green Peaks Int'l School , found the workshop intensive. Rehab added,' It raised our teaching practice standards by sharing strategies and common challenges.' Waheeda Ismail Khan, Sumaiyah Jan and Azzah Syed of King Abdul Aziz University too found the workshop effective. She appreciated the Time Management, user friendly activities and intensive coverage of all important topics. Master English program even conducted 120 hr. TEFL program for the candidates inspiring to Teach English as a Foreign Language. Bushra Lateef took the lead as the trainer during this session. 120 hr. TEFL is a 4 week program, where in the candidates have weekly intensive workshops and an exam at the end of the session. The candidates require undergoing a series of unit based assignments, making of lesson plans on various topics, number of presentations, making of their portfolios and uploading their creativity on their Blogs. At the end of the training program the learners need to attempt 48 hr. Exam solving authentic Exam paper issued to them via Master English. Upon completion, certificates will be issued to the participants by the London Teacher Training College. Bushra, the trainer of 120 hr. TEFL, in the first session discussed and elaborated on the various courses offered by the London Teacher Training College, Master English program as an introduction. She highlighted on the key concepts of TEFL and its effective implementation practically. She specified how the program differs from all the other programs and about its lifelong utility in the field of education and teaching. The training was an activity based program, keeping up the interest of the candidates throughout the session. The leaners have take home assessments after each session and a deadline for the submission of the work. The results and grades of the program will be based on the overall performance of the candidates.
