English Teaching Competency Test (ETECT)
The English Teaching Competency Test (ETECT) is a standardized examination for novice and more experienced Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).
Philosophy of the ETECT
The ETECT reflects the principles and practices of Communicative Language Teaching (CLT). This approach to language teaching begins with the understanding that since language is a social practice the goal of learning a language should be communicative competence.
To promote this competence, teachers provide students with numerous opportunities to interact with others and use the language that they are learning. In such settings, the teacher often becomes a facilitator who creates the conditions necessary to optimize learning opportunities, rather than serve as simply a source and provider of knowledge. It also means that teachers strive to help learners develop greater autonomy in their language learning.
This approach to teaching is reflected in the ETECT. For example, the ETECT evaluates the candidates’ knowledge of techniques to increase student involvement and their ability to identify the kind of interaction best suited for a particular learning activity. The test recognizes the importance of authentic use of language to promote the development of integrated skills, namely, listening, speaking, reading and writing. In short, the test reflects the best of current practice and theory in TESOL.