No doubt the practicality of English as a
global language will continue to increase with time. With nations such as China, Brazil
and Thailand
becoming more prominent, we see a significant increase in the demand for English teachers and instructors in these
countries. However a number of other elements such as government policies and
fierce competition in job markets (especially in Asia), merely being an English
speaking person cannot assure the opportunity to teach English abroad. That is why
reputable organizations and even small institutions overseas ask for a TESOL/
TEFL certification as a requisite for teaching English. As a result, the market
is flooded with both in-class and online TEFL
courses. Plenty of choice is available for people to get their TEFL
certification. But the question in debate is which option is better - an online
TEFL course or an in-class TEFL
qualification.
An online TEFL
course offers a number of benefits, the main one being the huge difference
in price. With less overhead costs like office rent, amenities, resources and
full-time trainers, online institutes can cut down costs significantly and the
savings are then passed on to customers. Hence online TEFL coaching can be up
to 90% cheaper than in-class trainings. Plus you can get quality TEFL training
regardless of where you are physically located, so that people residing in
remote locations also have the opportunity to complete certification and get a
chance to teach English abroad.
Online TEFL courses are more popular as they
offer exceptional flexibility to trainees who are pursuing other courses or are
working regular jobs. Online TEFL training fits almost everyone’s schedule, and
additionally, candidates need not waste time commuting to and fro. But is it
really worth enrolling for a course where you don’t get a chance to interact
with others? After all, teaching is an interactive job by its very nature and
students who pass TEFL certification will be teaching English to actual
students and not virtual ones. This is the one advantage in-class TEFL courses
may have over online courses. All online courses do not offer one-on-one
sessions where trainees can get their queries or problems resolved. But this
can be rectified by selecting an online TEFL program that does provide for
tutoring when required.
So on the one hand there is the advantage of
having actual classroom training. But when this is weighed against the enormous
cost involved, plus the benefits of working on your own time without a tiring
commute, a good, fully accredited online TEFL course seems to be the more
practical choice.
