1. Pass

Pass grade is awarded to candidates who have demonstrated the following:

Lesson Preparation

Candidates have shown that they:

• Have understood the basic concepts of language development in young learners and are able to use this information to inform their planning/approach

• Can plan lessons appropriately to suit the age / stage of development of the learners in their classes

• Are able to predict the kinds of linguistic problems young learners may have with a particular language point, and prepare lessons that help learners overcome these

• Select appropriate language at different levels

• Identify appropriate main learning aims

• Identify appropriate aims for lesson stages

• Design lessons which are appropriately staged and varied

• Focus clearly on new language

• Can select materials / tasks and activities appropriate to the age / level of the learners

Teaching Skills

Candidates have shown that they:

• Adapt their teaching approach and style appropriately to suit learners at different age ranges

• Can engage young learners in a variety of motivating learning tasks

• Clarify the meaning, form and phonology of new language items, where propriate

• Check the students' understanding of language items

• Provide appropriate language-focused practice activities

• Develop the skills of reading and listening

• Develop the skills of speaking and writing

• Respond to errors effectively and with sensitivity

• Manage groups effectively; adjust their own language to meet the level and needs of learners

Interpersonal Skills

Candidates have shown that they:

• Can establish a good rapport

• Are able to motivate their learners

• Ensure pace is appropriate

• Show awareness of learners as individuals as well as a group

• Teach with sensitivity to the learners' needs, interests and background.

• In addition, participants need to demonstrate ability in the following two areas:

Professionalism

Candidates show that they:

• participate in the course as a reliable member of a team

• are able to assess their own strengths and weaknesses objectively

• attend to all administrative matters as required

• are able and willing to respond to feedback and act on it, where appropriate

Written work

• Pass candidates will produce assignments which demonstrate the ability to reflect and consider the issues affecting the teaching of English to young learners

2. Distinction

This is awarded to candidates who demonstrate an excellent command of a wide range of teaching skills appropriate to the teaching of young learners. Lessons are well-planned and carefully adapted to suit the needs, and the stage of development of the learners. Candidates will demonstrate excellent classroom management skills, appropriate both to the age and educational background of their students. Candidates may show strengths with one age group in particular, but it is important that these candidates have demonstrated the ability to adapt their approach to teach at least at two different age groups.

In addition, candidates will have:

• Submitted assignments demonstrating an above average sensitivity to the issues influencing the teaching of English to young learners

• Made insightful contributions in input

• Shown a high degree of professionalism

3. Fail

This grade is awarded to course participants who fail to demonstrate that they can consistently plan and teach effective lessons to young learners, according to the criteria described above.