CONT891: TESL Part 2


Please note that our TESL courses are specifically designed to train educators in teaching learners aged 16 and older.

Teaching English as a Second Language Part 2 introduces you to the principles of teaching and learning a second language. The main objective of the course is to introduce you to the principles of communicative language teaching (CLT), a leading methodology used in today's language classrooms.

Successful completion of TESL 2* will allow candidates to apply for OCELT certification with TESL Ontario.

OCELT certification recognizes that a certificate holder has the knowledge and skills required for teaching English to adult learners in all publicly funded and private programs in Ontario, other Canadian provinces and territories, and abroad.

* The completion of a 30-hour practicum (20 hours of observation and at least 10 hours of supervised practice teaching) is required to receive a TESL 2 certificate. Each student is responsible for finding their own practicum close to their place of residence. Please contact professionalstudies@queensu.ca if you have any questions.

For more information regarding the practicum requirements please review the TESL Program Accreditation Practicum Standard Document

Who should take this course?

The course is ideal for  

  • individuals who want to pursue a career in second language education, whether they are new to the field or seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills.
  • individuals currently teaching English as a second language looking to enhance their teaching skills and stay updated with modern teaching techniques
  • those interested in broadening their career prospects and access resources for continuous professional growth
  • students enrolled in teacher training programs, especially those focusing on language education, who want to gain a deeper understanding of language teaching methodologies.
  • school administrators or coordinators responsible for language education programs who wish to make informed decisions about curriculum design and teacher training.
  • professionals assisting international students in Canada who need insights into language learning challenges and strategies to support these students.

Delivery Method

This course is delivered asynchronously online, allowing participants to engage with flexibility at their own convenience. This method provides a balance between self-paced learning and structured coursework while promoting a supportive community where participants can share experiences and ideas.

Please note that at least 50% of the 30-hour practicum (20 hours of observation and at least 10 hours of supervised practice teaching) needs to be completed in person.

Course Fees

Course fees include

  • full access to comprehensive course content
  • timely feedback from a subject matter expert on assignments
  • Certificate of Completion (Queen's University)

Policies and more information


Learning Outcomes

In this course you will have the opportunity to

  • identify current trends in the field of second language education
  • differentiate between first language acquisition and second language learning
  • demonstrate knowledge of the main methods in the history of second language learning
  • explain the theory behind the communicative language teaching (CLT
  • interpret the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLBs)
  • apply the CLT principles to teaching a second language (e.g., teaching grammar, pronunciation, vocabulary, pragmatics, task-based learning
  • recognize the main principles of blended learning
  • create awareness of the importance of technology in the development of language skills
  • show knowledge of the main principles of assessment including portfolio-based assessment (PBLA)
  • create learning tasks and assessment tools that incorporate the CLT principles, including unit or module planning
  • identify the needs of different learners, such as literacy learners and international students in Canada
  • critically examine the issues of diversity and inclusion in the field of second language education
  • recognize opportunities for professional networking and professional development

Course Outline

  Modules

 Minimum hours 

  Module 1: Language Teaching and Learning  

10

  Module 2: Communicative Competence

14

  Module 3: Teaching Language Forms- Vocabulary

10

  Module 4: Teaching Language Forms- Pronunciation

11

  Module 5: Teaching Language Forms- Grammar

10

  Module 6: Teaching Pragmatics

12

  Module 7: Styles, Strategies, and Strategies-Based Instruction

10

  Module 8: Assessment

14

  Module 9: Language Skills, Technology, and Blended Learning

14

  Module 10: Teaching Learners with Diverse Needs

10

  Module 11: Professional Development for ESL Teachers

10

Total methodology hours  

125


Course Schedule

Session Course Dates Registration Deadline Payment Deadline
TESL Late Winter 2025 Feb 03, 2025 – Jun 06, 2025 Jan 26, 2025 at 4pm ET Jan 31, 2025 at 4pm ET
TESL Summer 2025 Jun 09, 2025 – Sep 26, 2025 May 30, 2025 at 4pm ET Jun 05, 2025 at 4pm ET

TESL Late Winter 2025

  • Dates: Feb 03, 2025 – Jun 06, 2025
  • Deadline: Jan 26, 2025 at 4pm ET
  • Payment Due: Jan 31, 2025 at 4pm ET

TESL Summer 2025

  • Dates: Jun 09, 2025 – Sep 26, 2025
  • Deadline: May 30, 2025 at 4pm ET
  • Payment Due: Jun 05, 2025 at 4pm ET

Application Requirements

Language Proficiency

Must meet the English language requirements as set out by TESL Ontario.

Academic Requirements

Must have completed Part 1 or a TESL Ontario or TESL Canada approved program.

  • TESL Ontario accepts CELTA and Trinity College London (UK) CerTESOL Program as equivalent to Part 1.
  • If you have completed Part 1 (or equivalent) at another institution you may have to complete additional instructional and/or practicum hours. Please contact us for more information and we can confirm your requirements.

Applicants are required to hold a three- or four-year bachelor’s degree, or a master's degree, or a PhD from an accredited institution located in Canada, OR a degree deemed equivalent by a member agency of the Alliance of Credential Evaluation Services of Canada (ACESC), such as World Education Services (WES), Ontario International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS), Ontario Comparative Education Service (CES).

* Degree requirements align with those of TESL Ontario.


Course Materials

Download the course outline [DOCX]

Required Texts:

Links to digital resources provided in the course.

 

Required Technology:

A smartphone or a computer with a web camera and microphone.


Accommodations

Applicants who require special accommodations are asked to:

  • Contact us at least 1 week prior to the start of the course to allow enough time for appropriate accommodations to be made.
  • Provide necessary documentation upon request.