About our programmes and standards of teaching excellence

High standards

Whilst the regulatory requirements of ACTDEC guarantees important high standards, Training Link Online goes much further than the statutory requirements. You may find this brief introduction, as to how Training Link Online programmes are organised and how they are different from many other online programmes, helpful.

Background

During the past 10 years, following the advent of computer-led distance learning, many institutions have moved into the field of computer-generated distance programmes. This usually means a format of onscreen text followed by questions based on the input material provided. Often there is little that mirrors traditional teaching and learning involving lecturers interacting frequently with students. At Training Link Online we believe there is a need to reflect the normal higher level teaching-learning situation. This entails interacting as frequently as possible with our learners and responding to students’ efforts promptly and regularly.

Mirroring face-to-face teaching

We try, as far as possible, to mirror what happens on a regular face-to-face programme with perhaps even more frequent individual tutor assessment, comment and guidance.

Reading from a screen or printed text?

Relatively short texts, displayed on a computer screen, are easy to read, but longer texts can be very tiring and not necessarily conducive to easy learning and retention — a very good reason for us to include a variety of essential course books as background reading and learning; an important feature of our courses.

Ethos

Concern that our distance programmes should reflect, where possible, similar content and ethos provided by a good university ELT department including, for example, the teaching of practical phonetics and the introduction of elements of linguistics, has led us to provide the very sound programmes we currently offer.

Why not respond completely online?

Several reasons! Handwritten responses provide much additional information about students and help develop important and valuable social skills.

Using the phonetic alphabet is perfectly possible online but can prove expensive to set up. Handwriting phonetic script helps develop an ability to transcribe and will prove helpful in the classroom.

Teaching Practice

This really is an important element whether you follow an inclusive TP programme leading to the Advanced Certificate or work individually to obtain an ACTDEC Teaching Practice Certificate.

Read more teaching practice information.

Overall

The course process of input material plus important background reading followed by self-assessment exercises and finally the completion of each module with tutor-assessed worksheets and regular feedback throughout the course provide an ideal programme for the discerning individual wishing to follow an outstanding course.