This focused teacher CPD course is for English language teachers who would like to improve their lesson plans, teaching resources, and overall professional development.

This course hones four professional practices that will improve your confidence and development based on the British Council’s teacher development framework. Upon completion of this course, you will have considered and improved your:

Lesson and course plans Teaching resource management Lesson management Responsibility for professional development

Improve your TEFL lesson plans and teaching resources

Quality lesson plans and teaching resources are the first tools in a teacher’s arsenal to ensure that their students achieve their learning outcomes and enjoy the journey to English fluency. You’ll hear from experienced teachers on how they approach their lesson plans, and will have the opportunity to analyse English lessons to see the application of those plans and resources.

Learn with English language teachers worldwide

Each week will focus on one of these practices. Short video interviews with experienced teachers will be combined with classroom films from around the world to illustrate the main points of each week.

Video tutors, Suzanne and Claire, will guide you through each week’s content, offering tips, advice and downloadable resources at every stage.

You’ll be asked to share your own experiences and opinions as you become part of a global community of English language teachers discussing what leads to success.

What topics will you cover?

Planning lessons and courses

Why and how do teachers plan lessons and courses.
What are the key factors to consider?
Identifying aims and stages in your own and others’ lessons.

Managing resources

Making the most of the resources available to you.
The role of technology.
Using flashcards and realia.
Board work, sharing resources with others.

Managing the lesson

Factors that influence learning.
Teacher language and the use of L1.
Pair and group work.
Engaging learners.

Taking responsibility for professional development

Peer observation.
Identifying professional development needs.
Personal learning networks.
Reflective practice.

Learning on this course

You can take this self-guided course and learn at your own pace. On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

Compare teaching approaches and experience with others from around the world.
Discuss factors involved in planning lessons and courses.
Identify the benefits of resources and the role of technology.
Explore classroom management and factors that influence learning.
Reflect on professional development needs and practices.

Who is the course for?

This course is aimed at English language teachers at all levels. You will need an intermediate level English (around B1 on the CEFR) in order to engage with the course materials.

Who developed the course?

British Council

The British Council builds connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and other countries through arts and culture, education and the English language.

We work on the ground in more than 100 countries. In 2019-20 we connected with 80 million people directly and with 791 million people overall, including online and through our broadcasts and publications.

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps, but you can complete them as quickly or slowly as you like
Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

Want to know more about learning on FutureLearn? Using FutureLearn