CONT891: TESL Part 2
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 Summer 2025 | Jun 09, 2025 – Sep 26, 2025 | May 30, 2025 at 4pm ET | Jun 05, 2025 at 4pm ET |
| TESL FALL 2025 | Sep 01, 2025 – Dec 31, 2025 | Aug 25, 2025 at 4pm ET | Aug 29, 2025 at 4pm ET |
| TESL Winter 2026 | Jan 05, 2026 – Apr 30, 2026 | Dec 19, 2025 at 4pm ET | Jan 03, 2026 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
TESL FALL 2025
- Dates: Sep 01, 2025 – Dec 31, 2025
- Deadline: Aug 25, 2025 at 4pm ET
- Payment Due: Aug 29, 2025 at 4pm ET
TESL Winter 2026
- Dates: Jan 05, 2026 – Apr 30, 2026
- Deadline: Dec 19, 2025 at 4pm ET
- Payment Due: Jan 03, 2026 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.