Tips for coping with the course

Before the course:

Complete the Pre-Course Booklet (check your own answers in the back)

Read Jeremy Harmer's "The Practice of English Language Teaching": a very good introduction to the content matter of the course.

Get in the right frame of mind. You need to be focussed, positive, relaxed, physically healthy, etc.

Buy basic items of stationery such as a ruler, scissors, glue, Tippex,etc. (You can get them in Madrid, of course, but your shopping time will be limited on the course.) A good English dictionary would also be useful, but you can consult ours if you don't want to carry one to Spain.

If you are European, make sure you have the forms which will enable you to have free medical treatment in Spain. Non-Europeans will need health insurance.

Pack your bags! Bring layers of clothes because, although it is cold in winter and hot in summer, our heating/air-conditioning means that you might be surprised by the temperature in the classrooms. Remember that it can rain in Spain too.

During the course:

Organise your notes. The pace of the course means that this is essential. If you misplace bits of paper it's just possible that you won't know what you're supposed to be doing in teaching practice, for the written homework, etc

Organise your time outside the course. Make sure you have short breaks during the day and longer ones at the weekend because there is a lot to get through in the evening (and at the weekend).

Try and liaise as much as possible with the other trainees in your teaching practice group; if you help each other with ideas, the preparation will be quicker, easier and more fun. You can get together in the centre at lunchtime, or over a caña (glass of beer) in one of the nearby cafes in the evening.

Try and review your notes as you go along: at the end of the day and at the weekend. Even ten minutes helps.

Don't be phased by the jargon! We use it to save time but it can be confusing at the beginning of the course. Don't be afraid to ask if you don't understand anything - you probably won't be the only one.

Possible problems:

Most people are a bit nervous before teaching practice. The best way to cope with this is to be very prepared: have your plan and materials ready in good time, rehearse any tricky parts (such as instructions) before the lesson, make sure the plan is flexible and that you can change it if necessary (add bits in / take bits out). Remember that the students want to be in the classroom and are on your side - if they look stony-faced the first day, it's because they are nervous too so try and make them feel at ease.

Other ways to help with nerves: a few deep breathing exercises before the lesson; playing background music during pair/groupwork; sitting down (rather than standing up) when addressing the whole class; smiling at the students - sounds daft, but if you present a happy, relaxed face you often start to feel positive on the inside too.

Personality conflicts can occur when course participants are tired and under stress. If you have a problem with someone and cannot sort it out between you, get help from one of the tutors.

Stuck with an impossible language point? Again, get advice from one of the tutors. They might not explain the point in detail, (after the first few days you are supposed to be able to research language areas yourself), but they can certainly point you in the right direction.

Had a disastrous lesson? You are not perfect and things can go wrong. We place a lot of importance on the ability to reflect on your own teaching, so analyse exactly what happened. Often a poor lesson can be a good learning experience.

If you have several disappointing lessons in a row, your tutor will talk to you about this in the next tutorial. If you are worried, arrange with your tutor to have an extra tutorial. Although the tutors look busy they will make time to listen to any kind of problem.

Having said all of this, we do hope that you enjoy your course. The more you are aware of what is involved, the more you will be able to get out of the course & have a stimulating, creative & fun time.