"This course provided me with exactly the foundation I needed before starting my CertTESOL qualification. The grammar and phonology sections were particularly valuable in building my confidence."

 Graduate / TESOL Starter Course

Structured preparation for your Trinity CertTESOL

Learning how to teach English – or stepping up to an accredited qualification – can feel daunting. The TESOL Starter Course bridges the gap and elevates you to the knowledge level expected at the start of a Trinity CertTESOL or Cambridge CELTA.
 

In just 20 focused hours you will

  • Grasp the core language systems (vocabulary, grammar, lexis, phonology) that every effective teacher draws on.
  • Explore the most influential teaching approaches and how they play out in real classrooms.
  • Observe authentic lessons and analyse why they work.
  • Walk into Day 1 of the Trinity CertTESOL (or Cambridge CELTA) already speaking the professional language of trainers and peers.

Created by the very same trainers who lead our Trinity CertTESOL, the course equips you with the essential groundwork and a clear head start – so when the intensive qualification begins, you will be able to focus more of your energy on teaching practice and advanced theory rather than first encountering the basics. 

 

What you will learn

Master essential language knowledge

  • Develop a solid understanding of English grammar from a teacher's perspective.
  • Learn to identify and explain parts of speech and sentence structures.
  • Decode the phonemic chart and describe English sounds accurately.

Understand teaching methodology

  • Explore leading approaches (CLT, TBLT, Lexical Approach, PPP) and their classroom applications.
  • Examine teacher roles and classroom management choices.
  • Discover how to engage mixed-level learners and keep motivation high.

Build practical teaching skills

  • Learn techniques for teaching vocabulary and clarifying meaning.
  • Understand the differences between receptive and productive skills.
  • Observe real lessons and identify effective teaching techniques in action. 

Prepare for further qualification

  • Get a realistic preview of CertTESOL assignments and assessment criteria.
  • Get insider tips from previous trainees on succeeding in the qualification.
  • Gain confidence in your readiness to undertake a Level 5 teaching qualification.
Treat this course as “Unit 0” of the Trinity CertTESOL. And because your TESOL Starter fee is fully deductible from our CertTESOL price, your investment today directly reduces tomorrow’s costs.

Begin your journey to a rewarding teaching career

Starting with the TESOL Starter Course positions you perfectly for success in your Trinity CertTESOL studies and beyond. This foundational knowledge will enhance your confidence when approaching the qualification, reducing stress and allowing you to focus on developing practical classroom skills during the intensive CertTESOL programme.

 

By mastering essential language and teaching concepts before beginning your qualification, you will be able to approach your teaching practice with greater assurance and a clearer understanding of the theory that underpins effective language teaching.

 

Your TESOL Starter Course fee will be deducted from your Trinity CertTESOL course fee when you study with English for Asia, making this a cost-effective pathway to full qualification and learning how to teach English professionally. 

Take the TESOL Starter Course to

Build confidence in your knowledge as you explore grammar, phonology and teaching methodologies in a supportive environment.

Make an informed decision about pursuing a full teaching qualification with clear insight into what it involves.

Get a head start on your CertTESOL studies by mastering key concepts before your course begins.

Save money on your qualification journey with your course fee deductible from the full CertTESOL fee.
Developed by experienced members of our Trinity CertTESOL training team to provide the perfect foundation for your teaching career.

Who should take this course?

Perfect for teachers who

Are preparing for a Trinity CertTESOL or Cambridge CELTA qualification.

Want to improve their knowledge of vocabulary, grammar, phonology and teaching methodologies.

Need a short introduction to how to teach English to non-native speakers and what a TESOL course may involve.

Want to build confidence in their language awareness before starting a qualification.

Typical participants include

Professionals considering a career change to teaching.

Those who are planning a CertTESOL or preparing for CELTA in the future and want to get a head start on their studies.

People exploring whether a teaching career is right for them.

TESOL Starter Course curriculum

This 20-hour online course is designed for those considering a teaching career or preparing for a Trinity CertTESOL qualification. The eight comprehensive modules cover essential topics, from teaching methodology and grammar to phonology and skills teaching – all tailored to provide a solid foundation for your TESOL journey. 

What to expect

The course features engaging multi-modal content, including

  • Texts
  • Videos
  • Lesson observations
  • Quizzes
  • Reflective tasks

By the end of this course, you'll have a solid foundation in English language teaching principles and be well-prepared to begin a Trinity CertTESOL qualification with confidence.
 

The modules are arranged in a clear, step-by-step format, and to earn your digital credential, you'll need to complete all modules and pass the final assessment. 

 

End of module quizzes

Each module concludes with a quiz designed to reinforce your understanding of key concepts. These quizzes focus on essential points covered in the module and allow multiple attempts.

 

Final quiz

The course culminates in a comprehensive final quiz, testing your overall knowledge. You will need to achieve a score of 50% or higher to pass. Successfully passing the final quiz earns you a digital credential, which includes an e-certificate and a credential badge, verifiable on platforms like LinkedIn. 

Module 1: Introduction

In this module, you will

  • Explore the course and modules.
  • Meet the English for Asia team.
  • Find out how the CertTESOL course has helped others.

Key units/topics

  • Welcome and platform orientation
  • Introduction to the course
  • Meet previous trainees 

Module 2: Essential TESOL Skills

In this module, you will

  • Explore current language teaching methodologies and approaches.
  • Discover what makes an effective teacher and different teacher roles.
  • Learn how to engage learners and adapt to different student levels.

Key units/topics

  • Your learning experience and motivation
  • Current teaching methods
  • Teacher roles and qualities
  • Engaging learners
  • Student levels  

Module 3: Learning About Grammar

In this module, you will

  • Develop a foundational understanding of English grammar.
  • Learn to identify and explain parts of speech.
  • Understand tense, aspect, form and use in English.

Key units/topics

  • Parts of speech
  • Time and tense
  • Aspect
  • Form and use
  • Error correction

Module 4: Learning About Vocabulary

In this module, you will

  • Understand what we can learn about words and which ones to teach.
  • Master techniques for clarifying meaning.
  • Explore practical approaches to vocabulary teaching.

Key units/topics

  • What can we learn about a word?
  • Which words to teach
  • How to clarify meaning
  • Textbook examples

Module 5: Learning About Phonology

In this module, you will

  • Understand what phonemes are and how they function.
  • Learn to use the phonemic chart as a teaching tool.
  • Explore consonant and vowel sounds and other phonological features.

Key units/topics

  • What is a phoneme?
  • The phonemic chart
  • Consonant sounds
  • Vowel sounds
  • Other features of phonology 

Module 6: Learning About Skills

In this module, you will

  • Differentiate between receptive and productive skills.
  • Understand the sub-skills involved in language learning.
  • Learn effective lesson staging for skills lessons.

Key units/topics

  • Receptive and productive skills
  • Sub-skills
  • Lesson staging
  • Textbook examples

Module 7: Lesson Observations

In this module, you will

  • Watch and analyse real reading and grammar lessons.
  • Identify effective teaching techniques in action.
  • Apply theoretical knowledge to practical classroom situations.

Key units/topics

  • Reading lesson observation
  • Grammar lesson observation
  • Analysis and reflection 

Module 8: The CertTESOL

In this module, you will

  • Learn what to expect from the CertTESOL.
  • See behind the scenes for a deeper understanding of the qualification.
  • Address common questions about the course.

Key units/topics

  • What the CertTESOL can do for you
  • The CertTESOL Documentary
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Next steps for the CertTESOL

Final quiz

In the final quiz, you will

  • Review and consolidate your understanding of key concepts.
  • Assess your knowledge and readiness to apply what you've learned.
  • Reflect on your learning journey and future teaching approach.

Verify your skills with a digital credential

Complete the course

After completing the course modules, you will need to take the final quiz. You will need to achieve a score of 50% or higher to complete the course and immediately receive your TESOL Starter Course digital credential. You can retake the final quiz up to two times (three attempts in total), and you can revisit any sections of the course to study up on questions that you find challenging.

Instant, verifiable credential

Your digital credential includes an e-certificate, which can be downloaded and printed, and a credential badge which can be displayed on your social media and LinkedIn profiles, allowing you to showcase your achievements.
 

Our credentials are incorruptible digital certificates encoded on blockchain, to ensure they cannot be altered or copied by anyone and can be easily verified by institutions. We use the same credential issuing platform as leading universities including Harvard, Oxford, Berkeley, and Johns Hopkins.

What to expect

The course features engaging multi-modal content, including

  • Texts
  • Videos
  • Lesson observations
  • Quizzes
  • Reflective tasks

By the end of this course, you'll have a solid foundation in English language teaching principles and be well-prepared to begin a Trinity CertTESOL qualification with confidence.
 

The modules are arranged in a clear, step-by-step format, and to earn your digital credential, you'll need to complete all modules and pass the final assessment. 

 

End of module quizzes

Each module concludes with a quiz designed to reinforce your understanding of key concepts. These quizzes focus on essential points covered in the module and allow multiple attempts.

 

Final quiz

The course culminates in a comprehensive final quiz, testing your overall knowledge. You will need to achieve a score of 50% or higher to pass. Successfully passing the final quiz earns you a digital credential, which includes an e-certificate and a credential badge, verifiable on platforms like LinkedIn. 

Module 1: Essential TESOL Skills

In this module, you will

  • Explore current language teaching methodologies and approaches.
  • Discover what makes an effective teacher and different teacher roles.
  • Learn how to engage learners and adapt to different student levels.

Key units/topics

  • Your learning experience and motivation
  • Current teaching methods
  • Teacher roles and qualities
  • Engaging learners
  • Student levels  

Module 2: Learning About Grammar

In this module, you will

  • Develop a foundational understanding of English grammar.
  • Learn to identify and explain parts of speech.
  • Understand tense, aspect, form and use in English.

Key units/topics

  • Parts of speech
  • Time and tense
  • Aspect
  • Form and use
  • Error correction

Module 3: Learning About Vocabulary

In this module, you will

  • Understand what we can learn about words and which ones to teach.
  • Master techniques for clarifying meaning.
  • Explore practical approaches to vocabulary teaching.

Key units/topics

  • What can we learn about a word?
  • Which words to teach
  • How to clarify meaning
  • Textbook examples

Module 4: Learning About Phonology

In this module, you will

  • Understand what phonemes are and how they function.
  • Learn to use the phonemic chart as a teaching tool.
  • Explore consonant and vowel sounds and other phonological features.

Key units/topics

  • What is a phoneme?
  • The phonemic chart
  • Consonant sounds
  • Vowel sounds
  • Other features of phonology 

Module 5: Learning About Skills

In this module, you will

  • Differentiate between receptive and productive skills.
  • Understand the sub-skills involved in language learning.
  • Learn effective lesson staging for skills lessons.

Key units/topics

  • Receptive and productive skills
  • Sub-skills
  • Lesson staging
  • Textbook examples

Module 6: Lesson Observations

In this module, you will

  • Watch and analyse real reading and grammar lessons.
  • Identify effective teaching techniques in action.
  • Apply theoretical knowledge to practical classroom situations.

Key units/topics

  • Reading lesson observation
  • Grammar lesson observation
  • Analysis and reflection 

Module 7: The CertTESOL

In this module, you will

  • Learn what to expect on your first day of the CertTESOL.
  • Understand the assignments involved in the qualification.
  • Get insider tips from previous trainees.

Key units/topics

  • Preparing for Day 1
  • CertTESOL assignments
  • Tips from previous trainees 

Final quiz

In the final quiz, you will

  • Review and consolidate your understanding of key concepts.
  • Assess your knowledge and readiness to apply what you've learned.
  • Reflect on your learning journey and future teaching approach.

Verify your skills with a digital credential

Complete the course

After completing the course modules, you will need to take the final quiz. You will need to achieve a score of 50% or higher to complete the course and immediately receive your TESOL Starter Course digital credential. You can retake the final quiz up to two times (three attempts in total), and you can revisit any sections of the course to study up on questions that you find challenging.

Instant, verifiable credential

Your digital credential includes an e-certificate, which can be downloaded and printed, and a credential badge which can be displayed on your social media and LinkedIn profiles, allowing you to showcase your achievements.
 

Our credentials are incorruptible digital certificates encoded on blockchain, to ensure they cannot be altered or copied by anyone and can be easily verified by institutions. We use the same credential issuing platform as leading universities including Harvard, Oxford, Berkeley, and Johns Hopkins.

Get to know our trainers

Click thumbnail to view full trainer details

Maria Björning-Gyde, Dedicated to animal welfare

Maria is an examiner, moderator and marker on all Trinity TESOL panels, including the DipTESOL, CertTESOL, TYLEC, CertPT and CertOT. She has more than 25 years’ experience in New Zealand, Mainland China, Hong Kong and Indonesia. Maria also dedicates her time to education and projects related to animal welfare issues and behavioural change for a One Health approach in Bali.

Kevin Clare, Enjoys a good bottle of wine

Since 2009, Kevin has been involved in teaching English in a range of different settings, teaching adults, teenagers and notably young learners in Australia, Daqing, Guangzhou and Hong Kong. He has worked in language centres as a Director of Studies and in various roles in international schools. At English for Asia, Kevin directs courses and conducts online training for teachers in Hong Kong and around the world.

CELTA, PGCE, BA

TESOL Starter Course

20 hours total study
Access for 3 months
Developed by experienced Trinity CertTESOL trainers.
Digital credential Digital credential
Immediate course fee rebate when you enrol on our Trinity CertTESOL qualification.
The essential preparatory module to the Trinity CertTESOL and Cambridge CELTA.
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