Language and Methodology for Overseas English Teachers

At RELA, we have been running teacher training courses since 2002. We are an accredited centre for the University of Cambridge CELTA, the most widely known ESOL teaching qualification.
Our Language and Methodology for Overseas English Teachers course is for people who are already teachers of English in their own countries, or for students who are interested in becoming teachers of English, or are in the process of training. The course would be helpful for anyone who is interested in developing their English language teaching skills, or in taking the Cambridge Teaching Knowledge Test (TKT).

The course is approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority under the provisions of the Education Act 1989, and Rotorua English Language Academy is accredited to teach it. It is at NZQA Level 4 and amounts to 6 credits.

Classes and Cost
You can choose to study

• part-time in the mornings - $255 per week
• full-time in the mornings and afternoons - $370 per week

Duration
The course can be taken over two, three or four weeks. It will help you with:

• your own level of English
• your ability to apply your knowledge of English to a teaching context
• language teaching methodology
• hints and tips on how to make lessons student-centred and motivating

Course Details

The topics covered will depend on the needs of the participants, based on their answers to a pre-course questionnaire that we will send out. Areas that we can cover include:

• Areas of grammar according to participants’ needs
• Phonology: pronunciation practice, stress, rhythm and intonation
• Idiomatic use of English
• Developing writing skills
• Guided Discovery learning
• Using current language teaching materials
• Correction techniques
• Incorporating phonology into language teaching
• Ways of teaching vocabulary, grammar and functions
• Reading and listening lessons
• Ways of recycling vocabulary
• Teaching and integrating skills
• Using songs and games in the classroom
• Using the OHP
• Speaking Games
• Using video in class
• Role-play and simulation
• Using poetry and stories
• Working with computers

We will do our best to accommodate any particular requests that you have for areas that you want to study.

In the afternoons, you will have a guided self-study option for two days per week, looking at some of the most recent computer study options available. On the
other three days there will be activities based in and around Rotorua.

Activities and Accommodation
The activities and environment that Rotorua has to offer make it an ideal location for visitors. Students can choose from activities such as

• Farm shows and tours,
• winery visits,
• forest walks,
• boat trips on the lake,
• craft making,
• garden tours, and
• Maori concerts.

Rotorua is very well-known for its restaurants and cafes, most of which are within easy walking distance of our school. Students will be able to eat world class cuisine from around the world at very reasonable prices. A main course in a good restaurant costs between NZ$22 and NZ$30.

Rotorua’s central location also makes it the perfect spot for weekend trips to places such as the beaches of the Bay of Plenty, Lake Taupo and Waitomo Caves. We are happy to give students advice on the best places to go and the best ways to get there.

Accommodation
The students who have been here in the past have chosen to stay in one of the following options

1. Homestay – the weekly cost of this is $205. This is for breakfast and dinner on weekdays and for three meals at the weekends. The advantage of being in a homestay is that students get to experience real “kiwi culture” and many students form very, very close bonds with their homestay families. They can also improve their English more quickly.
   
2. The Manhattan Motel – We work very closely with a motel which is situated just a 5-minute walk from RELA and a 2-minute walk into the city centre. It is also very close to supermarkets and the restaurants. The cost for a one-bedroom unit for a week is $385 or $75 per night. The motel rooms are all equipped with a fully functional kitchen allowing students to cook for themselves, a shower (some units also have a bath), TV, and telephone. There is also a hot pool on the premises. This option allows the students to be very independent.
   
3. The Ventura Inn – This is low budget hotel accommodation which also provides a free continental breakfast each morning. The hotel is 15 or 20 minutes’ walk from RELA and 5 minutes’ walk from the city centre. The cost is $99 per night (including breakfast). Rooms are equipped with a shower, telephone and TV. Some rooms have limited cooking facilities. There is also a swimming pool onsite.
   

We are sure that we will be able to give you a fantastic time and we look forward to being able to welcome you.

Note: We need a minimum number of 6 participants in order to run an Overseas Teachers Course. Maximum class size is 12 per class, though we can run several classes at the same time.

Sample weekly timetable