FAQ about Prac for EDET402 Students

The following FAQ provides answers to students' questions on the subject 'Teaching English in International Contexts' (EDET402) - an elective for those wanting to do an overseas practicum or teach overseas. These arrangements apply ONLY to this particular subject and not to other elective choices.

Q: I was wondering about the level of difficulty as it is a 400 level subject and how demanding the course is.

A: Although it is a 400 level subject, no assumptions will be made about previous knowledge and it will be quite a practical subject.

Q: I am thinking of taking this subject on as a 5th subject in the Autumn session and was wondering what sort of workload it would be in regards to assessment etc. The timetable at the moment only mentions a lecture/seminar - are these 3 hours the only hours face to face each week?

A: Assignments will be primarily aimed at familiarising you with the target culture/education system and helping prepare activities/materials/ etc. to use when teaching overseas. At this stage, it is planned to have only 3 hours face-to-face. Alternative arrangements might be negotiated once final numbers are known, but it won't be more than 3 hours per week. (Though you are always encouraged to work in groups outside of lecture times.)

Q: I would like to know what's involved in this course and would it be of benefit to me as a mature aged student.

A: This subject is specifically for those wanting to teach overseas - mature aged or not. Teaching English overseas is somewhat different from teaching ESL in local primary schools, so it would not necessarily prepare you to teach ESL.

Q: As a second-year student, am I eligible to enrol in this subject? Our progression grid states we need to enrol in one KLA elective and one outside faculty elective at 100 or 200 level, and this subject doesn't appear to fit into either of those requirements.

A: It is possible to do this subject as an additional elective this semester instead of another discipline elective later in your program.

Q: I am very interested in the course EDET402 as i would love to teach overseas when i finish University. Can i enroll in this subject for second year? Would it benefit me when i finish uni and travel?

A: As above - 2nd year students can take this as an additional elective this semester instead of a later one. It will be of some benefit if you want to teach English while travelling, though to get a recognised qualification you would need to complete the Grad Cert in TESOL.

Q: I was just checking whether the EDET402 subject is an elective in the same category as EDUL224 EDUM224 etc?

A: These are KLA electives while EDET402 is a discipline elective. (But see above.)

Q: I'm in 3rd year Teaching and just wanted to ask if EDET402 is a valid subject elective for me to do? I have enrolled in the subject for autumn session and am hoping that it counts as one of my electives even though it isn't in our list outlined in the course handbook?

A: Yes (see above - it can be counted towards your credit points in a later semester).

Q: I am really keen to do the subject but was wondering where it would fit in my progression. I have done both my discipline electives for third yr in my second yr. This semester I will have 3 subjects, which made me wonder whether I could count edet402 as one or both of my 4th yr electives that need to be at 200 level or above.

A: Yes, you can count this subject towards one of your 4th yr electives.

Q: I am currently enrolled in a BA Teach (Primary) and need to complete two more KLA subjects and no discipline subjects. I intend to teach overseas, in a developing country and am very interested in education internationally and the teaching of English as a second language in other countries. I was so excited to hear about this subject and am very interested in the course. Can this subject be use in the primary program grid (2005) as a KLA subject, for example: in the place of Sci and Tech?

A: EDET402 is a Discipline elective and cannot replace a KLA elective