TESL/TESOL DIPLOMA PROGRAMS VIA TESL/TESOL Diploma Programs are recognized by TESL CANADA

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1 TESL/TESOL DIPLOMA PROGRAMS VIA TESL/TESOL Diploma Programs are recognized by TESL CANADA FULL-TIME AND ONLINE TESL/TESOL PROGRAMS TEACH IN CANADA OR ABROAD TSXV-LOY REVISED APRIL 2015

2 TRAINING CENTRE s Mission Statement VIA Training Centre strives to provide the most current and practical English teaching techniques in an enthusiastic and energetic atmosphere. VIA TESL / TESOL PROGRAM INFORMATION BACKGROUND PROGRAM ADMINISTRATORS PROGRAM SUPERVISOR Lilla Capaldo BA, University of British Columbia PRACTICUM SUPERVISOR Victoria International Academy opened VIA Training Centre in 2005 as an extension of the ESL programs offered at VIA. With programs designed by master TESL/TESOL and ESL educators, VIA Training Centre has grown from one fulltime TESL/TESOL program to two full-time and two online TESL/TESOL programs. Based on Communicative Language Teaching (CLT), VIA TESL/TESOL Diploma Programs are designed to meet or exceed TESL Canada requirements. Tara Toller BA, University of Calgary 2

3 PROGRAM DESCRIPTION PRO 120 TESL/TESOL DIPLOMA PROGRAM The VIA Pro 120 TESL/TESOL Diploma Programs are designed for people wishing to pursue a career in Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) to non-native English speakers. The national accreditation body in Canada for these programs is TESL Canada. Graduates of the VIA Pro 120 TESL/TESOL Diploma Programs are eligible to apply for the TESL/TESOL Canada Professional Standard One Certificate. This is the basic standard for ESL teachers in Canada, both in private and public school programs. In addition, TESL/TESOL Canada certification is a requirement for all teachers in member schools of Languages Canada. The VIA Pro 120 TESL/TESOL Diploma Program consists of 100 classroom hours, 10 hours of observing ESL classes and 10 hours of teaching ESL classes, giving students a comprehensive understanding of various ESL teaching theories and methodologies. The classroom component takes 4 weeks to complete plus the practicum, which can be done at VIA or at a location of the student s choosing as long as the location and Sponsor Teacher meet TESL Canada practicum requirements. Classes are comprised of lectures and demonstrations on topics such as the integration of listening, speaking, reading, writing, pronunciation skills, lesson planning, and classroom management. The VIA Pro 120 Online TESL/TESOL Diploma Program is also accredited by TESL Canada and based on the same content as the full-time program. It is divided into 10 modules, each course consisting of two files. One file is a PDF file of readings to supplement the textbook, and a Word file of questions and exercises that must be completed and returned for marking. The exercise file will be returned with comments along with the next module. The VIA Pro 120 TESL/TESOL Diploma Program applies Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) with the goal of providing graduates with the confidence and ability to effectively teach students of all nationalities around the world. PRO 270 TESL/TESOL DIPLOMA PROGRAM The VIA Pro 270 TESL/TESOL Diploma Program is an advanced TESL/TESOL program for professional educators. This extensive program encompasses everything covered in the Pro 120 program in greater detail, as well as a number of additional areas, such as Grammar for Teachers, Sociolinguistics, and Psycho linguistics. This program also covers material from university courses required to become a Resource Teacher in public school systems. The full-time program is 250 hours in the classroom, 10 hours of observing ESL classes, and 10 hours of teaching ESL classes. The classroom component takes 10 weeks to complete. The 20-hour practicum can usually be completed in 3 or 4 weeks but will depend on the schedule of class availability at each practicum location. The practicum can be done at VIA, or at a location of the student s choosing as long as the students and Sponsor Teacher meet TESL Canada practicum requirements. TEXTBOOKS TESL/TESOL - PRO 120 Required: Teaching By Principles An interactive Approach to Language Pedagogy (3rd Edition) Dr. H. Douglas Brown ISBN-10: TESL/TESOL - PRO 270 Required: The Practice of English Language Teaching (4th Edition) Jeremy Harmer ISBN-10: Principles of Language Teaching (5th Edition) H. Douglas Brown ISBN-10: FULL-TIME STUDENTS The textbook can be purchased at VIA before or on the first day of class. ONLINE STUDENTS The textbooks will be mailed to you free of charge after registration is complete and we receive your payment and all required documents. The online program is based on the same material as the full-time program, but is selfpaced and the courses are delivered by . The course work for the online program takes about 6 to 8 months if it is done part-time. For online programs, students will complete a Stand Alone Practicum. VIA Training Centre can help students who experience difficulty finding a suitable practicum location. 3

4 TESTIMONIAL OF ANDREW B. The TESOL 120 course is an excellent way for future teachers to both learn and hone the skills necessary to become a successful ESL teacher. Everything from learning the basics to preparing and performing lesson plans allows TESOL students to discover their inner teacher and apply it to the classroom in a fun and effective way. Whether you are planning to teach in Canada or abroad, the TESOL program offered at VIA Training Centre is a fantastic first step in building the fundamentals of a career in language teaching. ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS (ADMISSION POLICY) Students applying for entrance into the VIA TESL/TESOL Diploma Program must meet the following requirements and provide proof they are either: A: Eligible for VIA TESL/TESOL Diploma and TESL Canada Certificate. A native speaker of English with a university (undergraduate) degree. If the university s main language of instruction was not English, an approved English test score is required. Original university transcripts are required: or B: Not eligible for TESL Canada Certificate. Eligible for VIA TESL/TESOL Diploma. A native speaker of English with high school matriculation. Original matriculation certificate is required: or C: A native speaker of another language, have a minimum of high school diploma and an English test score of one of the following: TOEFL Paper Test: 550 / TOEFL CBT: 213 and a TWE: 5 and a TSE: 60 / MELAB: 85 with a speaking test of 4 / Can Test: Listening, Reading, Writing 5, Speaking 4.5 / CAELS: 80 overall, with a minimum of 70 in both writing and speaking subtests / IELTS: 6.5. Original test score certificates and transcripts are required. CLASS TIMES AND DATES Expected start and end dates are published online and in printed material. Please refer to the posted calendar. Hours: Monday Friday 9:00am 3:30pm Practicum Hours: depends on the teaching schedule 4

5 TESTIMONIAL OF PHILIP B. QUESTIONS OUR PROGRAMS WILL ANSWER How do I plan a lesson? How do I follow a lesson plan? What do I do if the lesson plan falls apart? How do I teach the four skills (reading, writing, listening & speaking)? How do I teach pronunciation? How do I manage a classroom? How do I keep control in a classroom? What if the students don t talk? What if the students ask questions I can t answer? How do I teach children? How do I teach adults? How do I teach secondary school students? How do I teach different proficiency levels? How do I choose a textbook? How do I evaluate students? How do I incorporate evaluations into the curriculum? How do I make lessons interactive? How do I use games and activities in the classroom effectively? How do I use technology in the classroom? How do I explain grammar easily? If you are considering a position as an ESL teacher and especially if you have no experience in the field (as I did not), then I would certainly recommend taking a TESL course here at VIA. I came to this course with a job offer from a school in Taiwan but not a clue how to teach English despite my somewhat extensive experience living abroad. Before taking this course I was terrified of the idea of planning a lesson, and the importance of things like guiding student self-discovery was new to me. Now I m looking forward to starting my new career. Although there s much more to learn, I feel I have been given a solid foundation and a respectable head start. 5

6 TESL/TESOL PRO 120 PROGRAM SCHEDULE FULL-TIME Unit 1 - Methodologies Past and Present / Introduction to Communicative Language Teaching Introduction to the Course Outline Rules and Expectations Lesson Analysis and Comparison Unit 2 - Classroom Principles / Principles for Teaching Vocabulary and Idioms Week 1 Peer Teaching Vocabulary Unit 3 Teaching Different Age Groups and Proficiency Levels Demo lesson : teaching children Unit 4 Techniques and Textbooks / Material Analysis and Development Unit 5 Lesson Planning / Lesson Planning for Children Unit 6 Form Focused Instructions : Looking at Teaching Grammar Week 2 Class Observations and Discussion Peer Teaching Grammar Unit 7 Initiating and Sustaining Interaction / Classroom Management / Teacher Development Unit 8 Integrating the Four Skills / Teaching Listening and Pronunciation Peer Teaching Listening Unit 8 Integrating the Four Skills / Teaching Listening & Pronunciation (cont.) Peer Teaching Listening Week 3 Unit 9 Teaching Reading Skills/Idioms Peer Teaching Reading / Idioms Unit 10 Teaching Oral Communication Skills and Discourse Analysis Peer Teaching Conversation Unit 10 Teaching Oral Communication Skills and Discourse Analysis (cont.) Peer Teaching Conversation Week 4 Unit 11 Teaching Writing Skills Unit 12 Assessment and Testing / Practicum Preparation Final Exam * The schedule is subject to change depending on class size and students needs FULL-TIME PRACTICUM PRACTICUM ONLINE PRACTICUM The practicum consists of: - 10 hours of directed ESL class observations- 10 hours of observed solo teaching * Please note: Completion of the practicum may take 4 weeks or more depending on the number of students enrolled and the holiday schedule. * Please note: If you are in another location and it is too far to get to Victoria, Vancouver or Toronto, you can find out which schools have faculty meeting the requirements on the Languages Canada website. 6

7 TESL/TESOL PRO CURRICULUM OUTLINE UNIT 1 UNIT 2 UNIT 3 UNIT 4 UNIT 5 UNIT 6 UNIT 7 UNIT 8 UNIT 9 UNIT 10 UNIT 11 UNIT 12 FULL-TIME Course Introduction/Methodologies Past and Present/Introduction to Communicative Language Teaching Classroom Principles/Principles for Teaching Vocabulary and Idioms Teaching Different Age Groups and Proficiency Levels Techniques and Textbooks/Material Analysis and Development Lesson Planning/ Lesson Planning for Children Form Focused Instructions: Looking at Teaching Grammar Initiating and Sustaining Interaction/Classroom Management/Teacher Development Integrating the Four Skills/ Teaching Listening and Pronunciation Teaching Reading Skills / Idioms Teaching Oral Communication Skills and Discourse Analysis Teaching Writing Skills Assessment and Testing/Practicum Preparation Module 1 Module 2 Module 3 Module 4 Module 5 Methodologies, Classroom Principles and Learner Motivation (Chapters 1-5 ) Learner Variables & Socio-political/ Institutional Contexts (Chapters 6-8 ) Techniques, Textbooks & Technology, How to Plan a Lesson, Curriculum Design (Chapters 9-12) Interactive Language Teaching: Initiating and Sustaining Interaction (Chapters 13-14) Classroom Management & Strategies-Based Instruction (Chapters 15-16) Module 6 Speaking & Writing (Chapters 19 & 21) Module 7 Listening & Reading (Chapters 18 & 20) Module 8 Integrating the Four Skills: Content - Based Instruction (Chapter 17) Module 9 Module 10 ONLINE Presentation, Practice & Production: Form - Focused Instruction (Chapter 22) Language Testing & Professional Development, Teachers for Social Responsibility (Chapters 23-26) 7

8 TESL/TESOL PRO 270 PROGRAM SCHEDULE FULL-TIME Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 English as a World Language / Theories, Methods, and Techniques Introduction to the Course Outline Rules/Expectations/Assessment Overview Methodologies Past and Present Introduction to Communication Language Teaching Learners and Teachers / Managing Learning Learning Styles Proficiency Levels Fluency vs. Accuracy Roles of the Teacher Materials, Resources, and Technology / Designing and Incorporating Learning Activities Student and Teacher Motivation Textbook Analysis Using the Internet in the Classroom Developing Games for the Communicative Classroom Introduction to Psycholinguistics and Sociolinguistics / Professional Development and SLA Research Week 4 Week 5 Week 6 Week 7 Native English Speaking Teachers vs. Non-Native English Speaking Teachers Communicative Competence Krashen s Theory of Comprehensible Input Cross-Linguistic Influence Action Research in the ESL Classroom Peer- Review and Observation (Best Practices Modeling) Testing and Evaluation / Lesson Planning and Syllabuses Needs Analysis Testing Methods PPP Lesson Structure and Practice Developing Sample Lesson Plan Midterm Exam Focusing on Language: Grammar Error Correction and Feedback Strategies Understanding and Learning the Fundamentals of English Grammar and Punctuation Midway Progress Reports Teaching Grammar Inductive vs. Deductive Grammar Lessons Demo: Teaching Grammar Peer Teaching Grammar Lesson Focusing on Language: Vocabulary / Teaching the Four Skills: Reading Week 8 Week 9 WB Usage and Organization Demo: Teaching Vocabulary/Idioms Peer Teaching Vocabulary / Idioms Authenticity Appropriacy, and Frequency of Lexis Demo: Teaching Reading Peer Teaching Reading Teaching the Four Skills: Listening / Writing Challenges in Listening Demo: Teaching Listening Peer Teaching Listening Writing Conventions (Genre Based) Demo: Teaching Writing Peer Teaching Writing Week 10 Teaching the Four Skills: Speaking / Focusing on Language: Pronunciation * The schedule is subject to change depending on class size and students needs 8

9 TESL/TESOL PRO CURRICULUM OUTLINE Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6 Week 7 Week 8 Week 9 Week 10 FULL-TIME English as a World Language/Theories, Methods, and Techniques Learners and Teachers/Managing Learning Materials, Resources, and Technology/Designing and Incorporating Learning activities Introduction to Psycholinguistics and Sociolinguistics/ Professional Development and SLA Research Testing and Evaluation/ Lesson Planning and Syllabuses Focusing on Language: Grammar Teaching Grammar Focusing on Language: Vocabulary/Teaching the Four Skills: Reading Teaching the Four Skills: Listening/Writing Teaching the Four Skills: Speaking/ Focusing on Language: Pronunciation ONLINE Module 1 English as A World Language (Chapters 1-2) Module 2 Theories, Methods, and Technique (Chapters 3-4) Module 3 Learners and Teachers (Chapters 5-7) Module 4 Managing Learning (Chapters 8-9) Module 5 Materials, Resources and Technology (Chapter 11) Module 6 Focusing on Language I: Grammar (Chapters 12-13) Module 7 Focusing on Language II: Vocabulary (Chapters 14) Module 8 Focusing on Language III: Pronunciation (Chapters 15) Module 9 Teaching the Four Language Skills: Reading. Listening (Chapter 16-18) Module 10 Teaching the Four Language Skills: Writing, Speaking (Chapter 19-20) Module 11 Designing and Incorporating Learning Activities (Chapters 21) Module 12 Lesson Planning & Syllabuses (Chapters 22) Module 13 Evaluation and Assessment: Theory and Practise (Chapters 23) Module 14 Applied Linguistics 1: Sociocultural Factors (Chapters 24-26) Module 15 Applied Linguistics 2: Linguistic Factors (Chapters 27-28) Module 16 Professional Development and SLA Research (Chapters 29-30) FULL-TIME PRACTICUM PRACTICUM ONLINE PRACTICUM The practicum consists of: - 10 hours of directed ESL class observations- 10 hours of observed solo teaching * Please note: Completion of the practicum may take 4 weeks or more depending on the number of students enrolled and the holiday schedule. * Please note: If you are in another location and it is too far to get to Victoria, Vancouver or Toronto, you can find out which schools have faculty meeting the requirements on the Languages Canada website. 9

10 TUITION FEES IMPORTANT INFORMATION 1. In order to register for the Full-time Programs, applicants must pay a $200 non-refundable registration fee. The balance of the fees is due 2 weeks prior to the class start date. 2. In order to register and begin the Online Programs the student must pay the fees in full. VIA TESL/TESOL DIPLOMA PROGRAMS (FULL TIME & ONLINE) Registration $200 Registration $200 PRO 120 (120 HOURS) Textbook/ Handouts Tuition $100 $1,350 PRO 270 (270 HOURS) Textbook/ Handouts Tuition $125 $2,300 TOTAL $1,650 TOTAL $2,625 Registration $200 3 Months $250 PRO 100 (100 HOURS) Textbook/ Handouts Tuition TOTAL $100 $995 $1,295 EXTENSION FEE 6 Months $500 * Students have 12 months to complete the 120 course and 18 months to complete the 270 course. 10

11 STAND-ALONE PRACTICUM STAND - ALONE PRACTICUM If students cannot come to Victoria to do the practicum component of the course they are free to do the practicum at a location of their choosing. You can find out which schools have faculty meeting the requirements on the Languages Canada website: Other suitable locations are government funded programs, such as LINC and inter/multicultural, immigrant and refugee centers. (These have different names in various areas of the country). VIA Training Centre abides by the practicum guidelines set out by TESL Canada and it is the responsibility of the student to ensure that these guidelines are followed. In regards to the practicum, the criteria are: The sponsor teacher is TESL Canada certified or CELTA certified and has 2000 teaching hours There are a minimum of 5 students 18 years old or older (adults) in the class The classes must be regular ESL classes You will observe for 10 hours and then you will teach for 10 hours while being observed and evaluated by your sponsor teacher SCHOOLOGY VIA s online programs are supported with a learning platform called Schoology, making the courses more interactive and allowing students to communicate with one another. Trainees can talk about the online course, teaching in general, ask for information about job opportunities or share tips and ideas to use in the classroom. You will automatically be registered in Schoology when you begin the course. We encourage online students to take advantage of this tool to make the most of their TESL course. TESTIMONIAL OF MARINA ROZENBERG, ESL Instructor, Fraser International College, Book author, Oxford University Press Canada I have taken a PRO 120 TESL online course with VIA Training Centre, and it has been nothing but a rewarding and enjoyable experience. I had researched other places offering TESOL online programs and chose VIA because it offered a very clear study plan, with a practicum option at my current place of work. VIA s website looked detailed but not confusing, and this very professional approach, I hoped, would reflect the study experience itself. My expectations came true: the book and the online materials were of great practical value, and the well-structured assignments were marked and quickly returned to me with useful comments. I appreciated the attention the VIA instructor gave to my questions, no matter how small or big they were. I felt that I could always rely on the professionalism of both the instructor and the administrators. My s were answered promptly. I have been teaching ESL to adults for many years prior to taking this course (my original TESL education is from abroad), and I can testify that the learning experience with VIA was refreshing and inspirational. 11

12 EVALUATION Evaluation is based on attendance and participation, completed homework assignments, written examinations, class presentations and a submitted lesson plan. Students scoring 75% (cumulative) or better on the evaluation criteria qualify for the VIA TESL/TESOL Pro 120 Diploma and the VIA TESL/TESOL Pro 270. GRADING SYSTEM Grading criteria will be evaluated according to the following distribution of marks: EVALUATED CRITERIA FULL TIME DISTRIBUTION OF MARKS Total course grade will be evaluated according to the following distribution of marks: Assignments, Journal, Attendance, Participation EVALUATED CRITERIA ONLINE 40% Exams 20% Practicum 40% Total 100% Assignments, Assigned Questions, Lesson Plans, Quizzes and Tests DISTRIBUTION OF MARKS 60% Practicum 40% Total 100% PERCENTAGE RANGE LETTER GRADE % A % A 80-84% A % B % B 68-71% B % C % C 50-54% D 0-49% F *For the full time students Homework is a journal which is reviewed once a week throughout the program. Class contribution is participation in class discussion of class topics, sharing of experiences and ideas, and the raising of questions. There is one final written examination for TESL 120 and two exams (midterm & final) for TESL

13 JOB SUPPORT JOB PLACEMENT & CAREER ADVISING Our staff is ready to advise you in person, by phone or about the opportunities available to you. We will help you make the best choices on education and job opportunities to move your career in the direction you want. RECRUITMENT SUPPORT FOR POSITIONS IN KOREA, JAPAN AND CHINA VIA is familiar with several East Asian companies and recruitment agencies to help negotiate a fair and safe contract for teachers. We check out the schools to make sure they are not blacklisted and are offering work conditions that are safe and equal to or better than other language schools in each country. JOB PLACEMENT SUPPORT IN EUROPE, SOUTH AMERICA, ASIA AND THE MIDDLE EAST Our staff has experience working around the world and will help guide you on your way to international success. We help you find international job postings, understand the hiring process, and submit a professional application package. INFORMATION ON JOBS AND WORKING CONDITIONS IN EACH DESTINATION COUNTRY Industry statistics, case studies and past experience help us inform you about the teaching opportunities around the world. We will provide information on working conditions for teachers in each destination country and help you make the best informed decisions about your career. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES TO BUILD TEACHING HOURS IN CANADA VIA has three volunteer programs in Victoria to help you gain experience in the field. The Speakwell ESL Program The Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria (ICA) The Conversation Buddies program for PGIC ESL students LETTERS OF REFERENCE We re proud of our graduates and will gladly vouch for students who excel in our classes. Your teacher or practicum supervisor will be happy to provide a reference letter. RESUME AND COVER LETTER EDITING From proofreading to customizing your cover letter and resume, we ll make sure you highlight your most important strengths and qualifications to look your best. 13

14 ACADEMIC DISHONESTY VIA s TESL/TESOL Program has an obligation to ensure academic integrity. All cases of cheating or plagiarism, and any variations thereof, will be immediately referred to the Programs Coordinator. Students who participate in any form of cheating and/or plagiarism may be required to withdraw from the VIA TESL/TESOL Program. Students are expected to carefully review the following points discussing academic integrity and group projects that have been adopted by the VIA TESL/TESOL Programs: Acts of academic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, the following: Using the exact words of a published or unpublished author without quotation marks and without referencing the source of these words Duplicating a table, graph or diagram, in whole or in part, without referencing the source Paraphrasing the conceptual framework, research design, interpretation, or any other ideas of another person, whether written or verbal (e.g. personal communication, ideas from a verbal presentation) without referencing the source Copying the answers of another student in any test, examination, or take-home assignment Providing answers to another student in any test, examination, or take-home assignment Taking any unauthorized materials into an examination or term test Impersonating another student or allowing another person to impersonate oneself for the purpose of submitting academic work or writing any test or examination Stealing or damaging library materials Accessing test prior to the time and date of the sitting Changing name or answer(s) on a test after that test has been graded and returned Submitting the same paper or portions thereof for more than one assignment, without discussions with the instructor(s) involved ATTENDANCE POLICY Students must attend at least 85% of the classes. Students cannot graduate if they miss more than 15% of the classes. 14

15 DISMISSAL POLICY VIA Training Centre expects students to meet and adhere to a code of conduct while completing a program of study. The list below outlines the code of conduct that all students are expected to follow. This list is not exhaustive and students should request clarification from the Program Director if they have any questions. Student is defined as including prospective students as well as those currently registered or enrolled in any VIA Training Centre Program. THE CODE OF CONDUCT STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO FOLLOW INCLUDES Attend school in accordance with the Attendance Policy. Treat all students and staff with respect. Refrain from any disruptive or offensive classroom behavior. This includes any jokes or comments that refer in a degrading manner to race, ethnicity, sexuality or religious orientation. Refrain from cheating or plagiarism in completing class assignments. Treat school property with respect. Refrain from bringing weapons of any kind (i.e. knives, guns) to school. Complete all assignments and examinations on the scheduled completion dates. Refrain from bringing any alcohol or any prohibited mood altering substances to the Institution. Any other conduct which is determined to be detrimental or damaging to the other students, staff members or the Institution. ANY OF THE FOLLOWING, IF SUBSTANTIATED, WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL WITHOUT A WARNING LETTER OR PROBATIONARY PERIOD Sexual assault. Physical assault or other violent acts committed on or off campus against any student. Verbal abuse or threats. Vandalism of school property. Theft. Students who do not meet the expected code of conduct may be subject to immediate dismissal from the institution depending on the severity of the misconduct. Concerns related to a student s conduct shall be referred to the Managing Director to process in accordance with this Policy. ONLINE PROGRAMS Students must inform VIA Training Centre in writing if they require more time to finish an online program. This extension request must be received prior to the program end date. Extension fees stated in the contract will apply. If VIA TC does not receive written notice by the program end date, the student will be dismissed. No refund will be given. 15

16 GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS Students must achieve a minimum of B+ to graduate. PROCEDURE FOR GRADE APPEAL 1. If a student is dissatisfied with the grade received for a mid-term or final course assessment and can provide evidence that a higher grade is warranted he/she should discuss with his/her instructor. The instructor will reconsider the grade and, if warranted, assign a different grade. 2. If the student is not satisfied with the outcome of his/her appeal to the instructor, he/she should submit a written appeal to the Senior Educational Administrator/Academic Manager. 3. The Senior Educational Administrator/Academic Manager will obtain a copy of the mid-term or final assessment from the instructor and will have the assessment re-marked by another instructor. 4. If the assessment achieves a higher grade on re-mark, the higher grade will be assigned to the student. If the assessment achieves a lower grade on re-mark, the original grade will be retained. If a grade appeal is reviewed by the Senior Educational Administrator/Academic Manager, the grade assigned following the re-mark and review will be final and cannot be appealed further. 16

17 PROCEDURE FOR STUDENT DISPUTES 1. When a concern arises, the student should address the concern with the staff member most directly involved. If the student is not satisfied with the outcome at this level, the student should put his/her concern in writing and deliver it to the Senior Educational Administrator/Site Manager. 2. The Senior Educational Administrator/Site Manager will arrange to meet with the student to discuss the concern and desired resolution within 5 school days of receiving the student s written concern, or as soon as practicable. 3. Following the meeting with the student, the Senior Educational Administrator/Site Manager will conduct whatever enquiries and/or investigations are necessary and appropriate to determine whether the student s concerns are substantiated in whole or in part. Those inquiries may involve further discussion(s) with the student either individually or with appropriate VIA Training Centre personnel. 4. The necessary enquiries and/or investigations shall be completed no later than 10 school days following the receipt of the student s written concerns. The Senior Educational Administrator/Site Manager will do one of the following within 10 days of receiving the student s written concerns: a. Determine that the student s concerns are not substantiated; or b. Determine that the student s concerns are substantiated in whole or in part; c. Determine that the student s concerns are frivolous and vexatious. The student and the institution s personnel involved shall receive a written summary of the above determination. A copy of all documentation relating to every student s complaint should be signed by all parties. A copy shall be given to the student, a copy will be placed in the school s Student Conduct File, and the original will be placed in the student file. 5. If it has been determined that the Student s concerns are substantiated in whole or in part the Senior Educational Administrator/ Site Manager shall include a proposed resolution of the substantiated concern(s). 6. If the student is not satisfied with the determination of the Senior Educational Administrator/Site Manager, the student must advise the Senior Educational Administrator/ Site Manager within 48 hours of being informed of the determination. The Senior Educational Administrator/ Site Manager will immediately refer the matter to the Owner of the Institution. The Owner of the institution will review the matter and meet with the student within 5 school days. 7. The Owner of the institution shall either confirm or vary the determination of the Senior Educational Administrator/Site Manager. At this point the School s Dispute Resolution Process will be considered exhausted. 8. If the issue is of a serious nature the Owner of the School may, in his/her sole discretion and cost, engage the services of a third party mediator to assist in the resolution of the dispute. 17

18 PLAR (PRIOR LEARNING ASSESSMENT REVIEW) POLICY Students who complete the VIA 120hr TESL/TESOL either online or in class will be given credit for 7 modules in the VIA 270hr TESL/ TESOL Diploma. Students will also receive credit for half of the tuition fees of the 270 program. VIA TC will give full credit for a 120 hr program that has been approved for TESL Canada Standard 1 certification as equivalent to its own 120hr TESL/TESOL Diploma. The modules to be given credit for the VIA 270hr TESL/TESOL Diploma will be determined by a PLAR of the program completed. The amount of tuition given credit will be determined on a case by case basis. If the 120 hr program was completed at another institution which does not meet the approval of the TESL Canada Standard 1 certification, the equivalency will be determined on a case by case basis through a PLAR. Please be informed that if VIA does grant credit towards its 270 program, the students will also need to submit the same documents for the PLAR to TESL Canada if requested when applying for Standard 2 Certification. In this case, TESL Canada will conduct its own PLAR to determine whether equivalent credit can be given. * Please note there is a $100 fee for the Prior Learning Assessment Review. TRAINEE RIGHTS Trainees are entitled to access to VIA TC facilities including, but not limited to, the computer lab, TESL library, and kitchen and lounge areas. In addition, Trainees are entitled to a safe and non-threatening environment, and are protected by VIA TC s Definitions and Policies Regarding Behaviour guidelines which are available at the VIA TC front counter. Trainees are also entitled to private appointments with the TESL/TESOL instructor and can arrange times directly with the instructor. Trainees have the same rights and privileges as all students at VIA TC as outlined by all local, provincial, and federal laws, as well as those defined by TESL Canada and the Private and Post-Secondary Education Commission. TRANSFER OF CREDITS The TESL Canada Level 1 Certificate is an internationally recognized certificate that can be applied to TESL Canada Level 2 or higher certificates based on the criteria of those level certificates. The VIA TESL/TESOL Diploma Programs do not have any university or college transfer credits. 18

19 PROGRAM DATES TESL/TESOL PRO 120 PROGRAM COURSE # START DATES CLASS FINISH DATES PRACTICUM FINISH DATES TESL 1 JAN 05 JAN 30 FEB 27 TESL 2 FEB 10 MAR 6 APR 2 TESL 3 MAR 16 APR 10 MAY 8 TESL 4 APR 20 MAY 15 JUN 12 TESL 5 MAY 25 JUN 19 JUL 17 TESL 6 JUN 29 JUL 24 AUG 21 TESL 7 AUG 4 AUG 28 SEP 25 TESL 8 SEP 8 OCT 2 OCT 30 TESL 9 OCT 13 NOV 6 DEC 4 TESL 10 NOV 16 DEC 11 JAN 15, TESL/TESOL PRO 270 PROGRAM COURSE # START DATES CLASS FINISH DATES PRACTICUM FINISH DATES TESL 1 JAN 5 MAR 13 APR 10 TESL 2 MAR 30 JUN 5 JUL 3 TESL 3 JUN 23 AUG 28 SEP 25 TESL 4 SEP 21 NOV 27 JAN 8,

20 START DATES 2015 TRAINING CENTRE RED Holiday TESL / TESOL 120 Start Dates TESL / TESOL 120 Finish Dates TESL / TESOL 270 Start Dates TESL / TESOL 270 Finish Dates * Please note that the practicum can usually be completed in 3 or 4 weeks but will depend on the schedule of class availability at each practicum location. 3rd Floor, 1012 Douglas St., Victoria BC, V8W 2C3 I Tel: I Fax: Toll Free: I info@canadatesl.com I