Teaching English as a Second Language

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Courses - September 2025

Level 1

Course details

Conestoga 101
CON0101

Description: This self-directed course focuses on introducing new students to the supports, services, and opportunities available at Conestoga College. By the end of this course, students will understand the academic expectations of the Conestoga learning environment, as well as the supports available to ensure their academic success. Students will also be able to identify on-campus services that support their health and wellness, and explore ways to get actively involved in the Conestoga community through co-curricular learning opportunities.
  • Hours: 1
  • Credits: 0
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Field Placement I (Teaching English as a Second Language)
FPLT8300

Description:

This field placement has three (3) components: observations, practicum, workshops. First, students will observe an adult English language classroom for 15 hours, and report on various elements of teaching such as teaching techniques and classroom management practices. Subsequently, student-teachers will engage in a 10-hour teaching practicum where they will plan, present lessons appropriate for the class under the guidance of their mentor teacher and reflect on their own teaching practices. The third component of this course is a series of workshops which provide opportunities to adequately prepare for and reflect on practicum experiences.

  • Hours: 33
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Safety in the Workplace
OHS1320

Description: This course focuses on developing awareness and skills for the student to safely manage and conduct him or herself within a variety of employment settings. Through the units of the course, participants will have the opportunity to enhance their understanding and knowledge of general Health and Safety guidelines, including WHMIS, Fire Safety and Workplace Violence. The unit on Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act will instruct the student on the requirements for Accessible Customer Service and Integrated Accessibility Standard Regulations. General information on Safe Driving, Privacy of Information and Hand Washing will be addressed as well. The course also provides participants with critical information regarding their insurance coverage (WSIB or other) while employed. As well as guidelines to follow in the event of an injury. Participants will receive a printable Record of Completion upon successful conclusion of this course, in order to demonstrate awareness of safe working practices to their employers.
  • Hours: 14
  • Credits: 1
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Foundations for English Language Teaching I
TESL8200

Description:

This course provides an overview of key theoretical and practical issues affecting language learning. The nature of language, first and second language acquisition, and diversity among learners will be explored, as will the impact of culture, the needs and characteristics of adult learners, and the role of assessment in learning. Course concepts, addressed through interactive learning tasks, will prepare students for informed decision making in the adult language classroom.

  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Teaching the Four Language Skills I
TESL8215

Description:

This course provides students with an overview of considerations for teachers in a language classroom. The nature of language, first and second language acquisition, and diversity among learners will be explored, as well as the impact of culture, the needs and characteristics of adult learners, and the role of assessment in learning. Course concepts, addressed through interactive learning tasks, will prepare students for informed decision making when teaching in the adult language classroom.

  • Hours: 45
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

The Structure and Sound of English I
TESL8225

Description:

This course provides students with an introduction to the focus areas of grammar and pronunciation taught at beginner, intermediate, and advanced language proficiency levels. Students will learn techniques for teaching and practicing these focus areas within a context relevant to adults in various settings. Students will complete lesson plans for the two focus areas and engage in micro-teaching presentations.

  • Hours: 45
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Level 2

Course details

Field Placement II (Teaching English as a Second Language)
FPLT8310

Description:

This Field Placement has three (3) components: observations, practicum, workshops. First, students will observe an adult English language classroom for 15 hours, and report on various elements of teaching such as teaching techniques and classroom management practices. Subsequently, student-teachers will engage in a 10-hour teaching practicum where they will plan, present lessons appropriate for the class under the guidance of their mentor teacher, and reflect on their own teaching practice. The third component of this course is a series of workshops which provide opportunities to adequately prepare for and reflect on practicum experiences as well as provide guidance to support your transition into the workforce in the field of English language teaching.

  • Hours: 33
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites: FPLT8300 OR TESL8230 AND OHS1320 AND TESL8200 AND TESL8210 OR TESL8215 AND TESL8220 OR TESL8225
  • CoRequisites:

Foundations for English Language Teaching II
TESL8245

Description:

In this course, students will trace the history of language teaching methods in relation to the current practice of teaching English as an additional language to adults. Students will learn how to plan program and unit outcomes for a variety of settings based on curriculum development principles and practices. Students will develop both formative and summative tools to assess language proficiency and achievement within a variety of curriculum settings.

  • Hours: 48
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: FPLT8300 OR TESL8230 AND TESL8200 AND TESL8210 OR TESL8215 AND TESL8220 OR TESL8225
  • CoRequisites:

The Structure and Sound of English II
TESL8250

Description:

In this course, students will study the complex grammatical structures and pronunciation features with a focus on technical sound production and elements of interference. Students will learn techniques for teaching and providing effective feedback. Students will also create lesson plans and assessment tools for the two focus areas of grammar and pronunciation and engage in micro-teaching presentations.

  • Hours: 60
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites: FPLT8300 OR TESL8230 AND TESL8200 AND TESL8210 OR TESL8215 AND TESL8220 OR TESL8225
  • CoRequisites:

Teaching the Four Language Skills II
TESL8260

Description:

This course presents an overview of language teaching methodologies. Students will explore core techniques for teaching and assessing the four skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking as well as the focus area of vocabulary development. Students will have the opportunity to complete lesson plans and engage in micro-teaching presentations to enhance their teaching practice.

  • Hours: 50
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: FPLT8300 AND TESL8200 AND TESL8210 OR TESL8215 AND TESL8220 OR TESL8225
  • CoRequisites:

Program outcomes

  1. Differentiate between the language learning needs of learners in order to develop and facilitate appropriate language learning opportunities in a variety of program contexts and delivery models
  2. Develop learning materials and assessments that support linguistics needs of the learners while meeting requirements of TESL Ontario and TESL Canada standard 2 and encourages a respectful environment for a diverse group of learners and cultures
  3. Plan lessons, activities, modules, and assessments using established curriculum guides or supports for a variety of program contexts
  4. Justify the use of a wide range of resources or technological tools to best meet learners’ needs and enhance learners’ engagement and motivation.
  5. Instruct adult language learners while maintaining professional conduct and practice in a clear and engaging manner which fosters community and supports learning.
  6. Engage in reflective practice and continuous professional learning in accordance with principles of lifelong learning