Does a TEFL course include teaching practice?
Some TEFL courses include teaching practice and some do not. Courses such as CELTA and Trinity CertTESOL include observed, assessed teaching with real learners. Many self-paced online TEFL courses focus on methodology and assessments without live teaching. You can add practice through a live TEFL course, tutoring, volunteering or an in-person practicum.
What this means in practice
Teaching practice matters most for new teachers and for competitive jobs abroad. Experienced classroom teachers often already have the practice and need the TEFL methodology.
Types of teaching practice
- observed teaching with real learners, assessed by a trainer
- peer teaching: teaching fellow trainees in a live course
- a recorded demo lesson submitted for feedback
- supervised practicum in a school or centre
If your course has no practice
Combine online TEFL with a live course for peer teaching and feedback, tutor a few learners, or volunteer at a school or NGO. Record lessons (with permission) and reflect on them.
APTTI options
APTTI's online TEFL/TESOL course is self-paced with tutor support; the Live TEFL course adds trainer-led sessions with practice and feedback. APTTI's partner, International TEFL Canada, has also offered an intensive in-person course with teaching practice in Hyderabad. Ask admissions about current options.
What good teaching practice looks like
Effective practice gives you a real class or a realistic group, a clear lesson aim, a trainer who observes against agreed criteria, and specific feedback you then act on in your next lesson. Even a few observed lessons, with reflection between them, build confidence and give you material for job interviews.
Practical next steps
- Decide whether you need practice for the jobs you want.
- Check whether your chosen course includes it.
- Add a live course or practicum if needed.
- Keep a log of teaching hours.
- Collect feedback and a reference.
What to keep in mind
Ask exactly what 'practicum' means on any course: real learners or peers, and whether it is observed by a qualified trainer.
Common follow-up questions
Is teaching practice required for TEFL jobs?
Not always, but some employers and countries prefer or require it.
How many hours of teaching practice does CELTA include?
CELTA includes six hours of assessed teaching practice with real learners.
Does Live TEFL include practice teaching?
Live TEFL includes trainer-led sessions with practice and feedback; ask admissions how practice teaching is organised in your batch.
Related course
Live TEFL Course (Online Batches)
TEFL taught live by a trainer in small online batches: real-time demonstrations, discussion, peer teaching and feedback, with the same notarised certificate.
Fee on enquiry
View course