The place to ask China-related questions!
Beijing Shanghai Guangzhou Shenzhen Chengdu Xi'an Hangzhou Qingdao Dalian Suzhou Nanjing More Cities>>

Categories

Close
Welcome to eChinacities Answers! Please or register if you wish to join conversations or ask questions relating to life in China. For help, click here.
X

Verify email

Your verification code has been sent to:

Didn`t receive your code? Resend code

By continuing you agree to eChinacities's Privacy Policy .

Sign up with Google Sign up with Facebook
Sign up with Email Already have an account? .
Posts: 4

General

1
1
You must be a registered user to vote!
You must be a registered user to vote!
0

Q: What is the main difference between TESL and TEFL?

Can you tell me about deference between TESL and TEFL? What are the advantages and disadvantages of TESL and TEFL? Why do we separate English teaching courses into 2 categories, as a second and foreign language?
Thanks! ☺☺

5 years 26 weeks ago in  Teaching & Learning - China

 
Highest Voted
Posts: 72

General

3
4
You must be a registered user to vote!
You must be a registered user to vote!
1

TESL = Teaching English as a SECOND Language. Classes should be designed for people who plan to live in an English-speaking country.

 

TEFL = Teaching English as a FOREIGN Language. Classes are for those who want to learn a new language, but don't necessarily plan on living in an English-speaking country. If you took a foreign language in high school or university, you were taking a TEFL-type class.

China_Stories:

I'd like to add a detail to your lucid and correct response. TESL is taught to non-English speakers living, studying or working in an Anglophone country (read: UK, US, OZ, NZ, Canada, etc.) with ample opportunities to practice the language in their daily lives outside the classroom.

 

TEFL is taught in a non-Anglophone country such as China to students who may simply be interested in learning English for whatever purpose.

 

To close, TESL is somewhat an anachronism, imo, as many students are already dominant in a second (and even third or fourth, etc.) language. Given that scenario, English in not a second language for these students, but a third, fourth, ad naseum language. Just my opinion.

 

Nice post. Cheers!

 

  

5 years 25 weeks ago
Report Abuse
Report Abuse
5 years 26 weeks ago
 
Answers (4)
Comments (5)
Posts: 19874

Emperor

1
3
You must be a registered user to vote!
You must be a registered user to vote!
2

'Second' or 'foreign' language in this context has the same meaning.

 

English language is 'second' and also 'foreign' language to Non-native English speakers.

TESL is mostly required for English teachers who teach English to Non-native English speakers living in Native English countries ...

 

Have a read:

 

https://teflonline.teachaway.com/blog/whats-difference-tefl-tesl-tesol/

 

philbravery:

Great explanation

5 years 25 weeks ago
Report Abuse

icnif77:

I am glad, you all 'non-natives'  understand me draft ... 

5 years 25 weeks ago
Report Abuse
Report Abuse
5 years 26 weeks ago
 
Posts: 72

General

3
4
You must be a registered user to vote!
You must be a registered user to vote!
1

TESL = Teaching English as a SECOND Language. Classes should be designed for people who plan to live in an English-speaking country.

 

TEFL = Teaching English as a FOREIGN Language. Classes are for those who want to learn a new language, but don't necessarily plan on living in an English-speaking country. If you took a foreign language in high school or university, you were taking a TEFL-type class.

China_Stories:

I'd like to add a detail to your lucid and correct response. TESL is taught to non-English speakers living, studying or working in an Anglophone country (read: UK, US, OZ, NZ, Canada, etc.) with ample opportunities to practice the language in their daily lives outside the classroom.

 

TEFL is taught in a non-Anglophone country such as China to students who may simply be interested in learning English for whatever purpose.

 

To close, TESL is somewhat an anachronism, imo, as many students are already dominant in a second (and even third or fourth, etc.) language. Given that scenario, English in not a second language for these students, but a third, fourth, ad naseum language. Just my opinion.

 

Nice post. Cheers!

 

  

5 years 25 weeks ago
Report Abuse
Report Abuse
5 years 26 weeks ago
 
Posts: 3

General

1
0
You must be a registered user to vote!
You must be a registered user to vote!
1

TESL or TEFL are not qualifictaion, these are the terms used to refer where and to whom you are teaching English.

 

TESL - It refers to teaching English as secondary language. These programs are used in English speaking countries for students whose first language is other than English.

 

TEFL - It refers to teaching English as foreign language. It is used in countries where English is not the primary language. 

Report Abuse
5 years 21 weeks ago
 
Know the answer ?
Please or register to post answer.

Report Abuse

Security Code: * Enter the text diplayed in the box below
Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.
  • Allowed HTML tags: <a> <em> <strong> <cite> <code> <ul> <ol> <li> <dl> <dt> <dd> <img> <br> <p> <u>
  • Web page addresses and e-mail addresses turn into links automatically.
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.
  • Textual smileys will be replaced with graphical ones.

More information about formatting options

Forward Question

Answer of the DayMORE >>
A: In my personal experience, teaching certificates have varied in releva
A:In my personal experience, teaching certificates have varied in relevance depending on the context and location. Here's a breakdown of each aspect:a) Getting the teaching job: Teaching certificates can certainly enhance your chances of securing a teaching position, especially in formal educational settings such as schools and language institutions. Many employers prefer candidates who have undergone specific training in pedagogy and instructional techniques, which these certificates often provide. However, other factors such as experience, references, and the demand for teachers in a particular area also play significant roles in the hiring process.b) Getting a higher salary than your uncertified competitors: In some cases, holding a teaching certificate can indeed lead to a higher salary compared to uncertified competitors. Many educational institutions have structured salary scales that take into account factors such as level of education, years of experience, and additional certifications. Holding a teaching certificate may place you in a higher salary bracket or make you eligible for certain salary incentives or bonuses. However, this can vary widely depending on the specific policies of the institution or organization.c) Getting promotions: Teaching certificates can be beneficial for career advancement and securing promotions within the field of education. They demonstrate a commitment to professional development and mastery of teaching skills, which are qualities that many employers value when considering candidates for leadership positions or administrative roles. Additionally, some promotions may require specific certifications or qualifications, making holding a teaching certificate essential for advancement in certain cases.Regarding which certificate yields better results, it largely depends on the specific requirements of the job market and the educational context in which you intend to work. For example:A Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is often highly regarded in formal school settings and can be advantageous for those seeking positions in primary or secondary education.Montessori certification is valuable for individuals interested in working in Montessori schools or implementing Montessori principles in their teaching approach.A Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certificate is particularly relevant for those seeking to teach English to non-native speakers in international contexts or language schools.Ultimately, the best certificate for you will depend on your career goals, the specific requirements of the positions you're interested in, and the preferences of potential employers in your target job market. It's essential to research the requirements and preferences of employers in your desired field and tailor your qualifications accordingly. -- ruqaiya761