June 08, 2005

New Teaching Award From Cambridge ESOL

Teachers of English in Japan will soon have another feather they can put in their cap. The Teaching Knowledge Test (TKT) is a new teaching award from Cambridge ESOL that focuses on the core knowledge needed by all teachers, whatever their background and teaching experience. Although a certain level of English ability is a requirement, no previous teaching experience or qualifications are necessary. Launched in April, the test for teachers of primary, secondary or adult learners worldwide aims to increase teachers' confidence, enhance job prospects and open access to higher-level qualifications and professional support materials. In Japan, it will be administered by the British Council.

The test consists of three modules, which can be taken separately or all three on the same day. Each module consists of a test of 80 questions, lasting 80 minutes, which require candidates to select the correct answer: module 1 – Language and background to language learning and teaching; module 2 – Planning lessons and use of resources for language teaching; module 3 – Managing the teaching and learning process. Each module of the test costs ¥5,250.

The first TKT session in Japan will be held on July 28 at the British Council's Tokyo and Osaka offices, and there will be a further three sessions within the academic year. According to an article in the Daily Yomiuri, "administrators expect about 200 teachers to take the test during the first year and more than 2,000 in the first five years in Japan."
Cambridge ESOL Teaching Awards, TKT
Cambridge test to gauge skills of English teachers (link will expire)
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