By Jim Korea
First time instructors of English as a Second Language are often bombarded with new, sometimes confusing, abbreviations and acronyms. Although the majority of them are simple enough to dicpher, because they deal directly with the industry it's important to know exactly what they mean. Teachers will often encounter these acronyms when searching for employment as well.
The basic terms that all English teachers should know are as follows:
ESL - English as a Second Language
This is probably the most widely used abbreviation in the teaching industry. Originally this term was applied to the study of English as a Second Language by non-native English speakers in a foreign country. It is now widely used in English language and non-English language countries and can apply to the study as well as to the teaching of the English language.
EFL - English as a Foreign Language
This generally means Teaching English to a non-native English speaker in a non-English country.
ELT - English Language Teaching
ESOL - English for Speakers of Other Languages
TESL - Teaching English as a Second Language
TESL also stands for Test of English as a Second Language, but is not widely used.
TEFL - Teaching English as a Foreign Language
TEFL also stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language and also is not widely used.
TESOL - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
TESOL also means Test of English for Speakers of Other Languages.
KOTESOL is also commonly used for Korea TESOL.
First time instructors of English as a Second Language are often bombarded with new, sometimes confusing, abbreviations and acronyms. Although the majority of them are simple enough to dicpher, because they deal directly with the industry it's important to know exactly what they mean. Teachers will often encounter these acronyms when searching for employment as well.The basic terms that all English teachers should know are as follows:
ESL - English as a Second Language
This is probably the most widely used abbreviation in the teaching industry. Originally this term was applied to the study of English as a Second Language by non-native English speakers in a foreign country. It is now widely used in English language and non-English language countries and can apply to the study as well as to the teaching of the English language.
EFL - English as a Foreign Language
This generally means Teaching English to a non-native English speaker in a non-English country.
ELT - English Language Teaching
ESOL - English for Speakers of Other Languages
TESL - Teaching English as a Second Language
TESL also stands for Test of English as a Second Language, but is not widely used.
TEFL - Teaching English as a Foreign Language
TEFL also stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language and also is not widely used.
TESOL - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
TESOL also means Test of English for Speakers of Other Languages.
KOTESOL is also commonly used for Korea TESOL.
CALL - Computer Assisted Language Learning
TOEFL - Test of English as a Foreign Language
A commonly used test that many World Universities and businesses have used to test the English level of future prospects. This test was first designed for students applying to American universities.
TOEIC - Test of English for International Communication
Another commonly used aptitude test used primarily for everyday English and business English.
Other Acronyms
JET Program Japan Exchange and Teaching
The program for both teachers and coordinators coming to Japan. Primarily used for teachers in the public school system.
http://www.jetprogramme.org/
TOEFL - Test of English as a Foreign Language
A commonly used test that many World Universities and businesses have used to test the English level of future prospects. This test was first designed for students applying to American universities.
TOEIC - Test of English for International Communication
Another commonly used aptitude test used primarily for everyday English and business English.
Other Acronyms
JET Program Japan Exchange and Teaching
The program for both teachers and coordinators coming to Japan. Primarily used for teachers in the public school system.
http://www.jetprogramme.org/
CLAIR Council of Local Authorities for International Relations
This is a term primarily used in Japan.
ALT Assistant Language Teachers
The commonly used term for English Teachers in Japan
EPIC English Program in Korea
The teaching program set up for instructors in Korea.
http://epik.knue.ac.kr/
GEPIC Gyeonggi Province English Program in Korea
Gyeonggi province English Program in Korea (Province around Seoul)
SMOE Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education
ETIS English teachers in Seoul
Commonly used for teachers in Seoul, Korea
http://etis.sen.go.kr/
FAT Foreign Assistant Teacher
Currently the term used for foreign public school teachers in Korea.
NET Native English Teachers
Another common acronym for an English teacher
If you have any other terms from the country that you are living in please feel free by posting a new comment at the bottom of the page and add your suggestion.
Thanks, ESL Daily Team.
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