Common Challenges Faced by Students in the Level 5 Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages (CERT)

Teaching English to speakers of other languages can be a rewarding and fulfilling career path. However, like any profession, there are challenges that come with the territory. Students pursuing the Level 5 Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages (CERT) often face a variety of obstacles that can make the learning process difficult. In this blog, we will explore some of the common challenges faced by students in this program and provide some tips on how to overcome them.

Statistics on Common Challenges Faced by Students in CERT

As you can see from the statistics above, there are several common challenges that students face while pursuing the Level 5 Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages. Let's delve deeper into each of these challenges and discuss some strategies for overcoming them.

Language Barrier

One of the biggest challenges for students in the CERT program is the language barrier. Many students may not have English as their first language, which can make it difficult to understand the course material and communicate effectively with instructors and peers. To overcome this challenge, students can take advantage of language support services offered by their institution, such as tutoring or language exchange programs. Additionally, practicing English outside of the classroom through reading, writing, and speaking can help improve language skills over time.

Time Management

Another common challenge for students in the CERT program is time management. Balancing coursework, lesson planning, and teaching responsibilities can be overwhelming, especially for students who are working or have other commitments. To improve time management skills, students can create a study schedule, prioritize tasks, and break larger projects into smaller, manageable chunks. Setting realistic goals and deadlines can also help students stay on track and avoid procrastination.

Lesson Planning

Lesson planning is a crucial aspect of teaching English to speakers of other languages, but it can be challenging for students in the CERT program. Developing engaging and effective lesson plans requires creativity, organization, and attention to detail. To improve lesson planning skills, students can seek feedback from instructors and peers, observe experienced teachers in action, and participate in workshops or training sessions. Utilizing online resources and teaching tools can also help students create dynamic and interactive lesson plans.

Classroom Management

Effective classroom management is essential for creating a positive and productive learning environment, but it can be a struggle for students in the CERT program. Managing student behavior, maintaining discipline, and keeping students engaged can be challenging, especially for new teachers. To enhance classroom management skills, students can establish clear expectations and rules, build rapport with students, and implement strategies for handling disruptive behavior. Seeking guidance from experienced teachers and practicing different classroom management techniques can also help students feel more confident and in control.

In conclusion, students pursuing the Level 5 Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages (CERT) may encounter various challenges along the way. By acknowledging these challenges and implementing strategies to overcome them, students can enhance their learning experience and become more effective and successful teachers in the future.