TEFL / TESOL Courses in Florence, Italy

Learning Center Tuscany:
Learning Center Tuscany is a language and cultural institute located in Florence that provides recognized TEFL courses and TESOL diploma programs, the major ESL qualification required to teach English abroad. Whether it is through our well-known TESOL course or our pedagogically sound language courses, our mission is to provide quality research-based education and services for each of our customers. TLC offers opportunities to do more than enjoy the Tuscan experience as a tourist; instead, we offer true immersion by introducing our customers to the reality of life in Italy with each of our services. We listen to individual requests and aim to provide 100% customer satisfaction.

We offer intensive TEFL Certificate Courses and TESOL Diploma Courses, offered year round with dates beginning each month. Our courses are internationally-accredited and recognized by organizations and institutions across the globe. Our Certificates are accepted throughout the world and our job placement assistance program will ensure you have a job for life.

TEFL Certificate Course
We are a truly international certificate, exceeding international standards that include 140hours of classroom time and, the most important part of any real TESOL certificate course, 9 hours of Observed Teaching Practice. 

TESOL Diploma Course
 Our TESOL Diploma Course prepares experienced teachers with the skills and knowledge needed to advance their careers beyond classroom teaching. While certificate level training shows the trainee 'how' to do things, the Diploma will demand explorations of 'why'. The TESOL Diploma course has all the ingredients of other in-service courses and input from international experts in the field, who keep abreast of changes in the industry. It consists of:

Language Acquisition
This component will be aimed at exploring how people acquire their first and other languages. It will include readings in first language acquisition in psycholinguistics and cognitive psychology, and studies in second language acquisition. As well, each student will define a classroom based research project to test ideas from the readings. The final project for this component will show an understanding of:

- The difference between language learning and acquisition
- Current theories of language acquisition
- Proper conduct of a classroom-based research project

Language – Morphology, Phonology and Syntax
A closer look at language from the aspect of morphology, phonology and syntax. The main point will be to explore the study of language, and then choose one feature to explore in depth. By the completion of this project the student will demonstrate:

- Understanding of the current research in language
- Knowledge of major areas of linguistic study
- Explication of a specific feature of language
 
Techniques, Approaches and Methodologies
A look at teaching behaviors from techniques to approaches and methodologies. This component starts with the teaching techniques modeled and practiced in the TESOL Certificate input and teaching practice, and goes on to explore teaching approaches and methods that underlie what experienced teachers do in the classroom. This includes looking at the principles and beliefs that each individual has about teaching that determines and limits our choices. As Donald Freeman puts it, “Good teachers know what to do.” Thus this component looks at “why” teachers make the choices they do, and “what” alternatives might be available to them. By the completion of the project the student will demonstrate an understanding of:

- Major developments in language teaching methods and approaches since WWII
- Critical ingredients of context, comprehensible input, naturalness, monitor effect and affective factors
- Why good teachers do what they do – principles and beliefs
- The role of “error” and inter-language in language learning
- Classroom study of teaching-learning behavior
- Critical reflection on individual teaching experience