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Corinium Academic Solutions
Teacher Training Course

Certificate in Arabic Teaching (CAT)

Teach Arabic

Accredited short course for graduates

Available both online & in-person

For individuals, schools and other organizations or institutions

Bi-Lingual (English & Arabic) or Arabic Only

Two instructors for practical elements

Single Module – 30 hours

Full Course – 120 hours

CPD Member

Teaching Arabic as a Second or Foreign Language

The Certificate in Arabic Teaching (CAT) is an intensive, four-module postgraduate Arabic Teacher Training course developed by Corinium as part of a British/American partnership. The course is for teachers of Arabic as a second language, or for Arabic speakers who want to train as language teachers. It runs for 120 hours in total and is accredited by the Continuing Professional Development Certification Service (CPD UK), who certify university short courses in the UK and overseas. 

CAT is taught in either combined Arabic/English or only in Arabic, can be taught online or in-person and can be used as either a recognized teaching qualification or for teachers’ continuing professional development (CPD). Even experienced language teachers have found the course to be insightful and improve their classroom performance and/or career opportunities. It is suitable for those with a good knowledge of Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), some experience of teaching either groups or individuals and an appropriate understanding of English for the English/Arabic format. For the Arabic-only CAT, a good knowledge of MSA is the main requirement.

CAT is based on TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) methodology and provides a unique opportunity for course participants to take part in interactive training and to develop professionally. It is designed to enhance Arabic teaching skills, strengthen professional development and can certainly take participants further in their Arabic teaching career*. CAT is an international qualification which helps those taking part to make professional contacts. Participants over recent years have come from six continents. Although it is best to start with Intensive Grammar (Module A), modules can be taken in any order. They can also be taken individually, for those who have specific training needs.

*In our experience, our previous graduates have generally been offered either a promotion or other significant career enhancement upon receipt of their CAT certificates. See Testimonials for general feedback

Arabic Teacher Training Certificate, Teach Arabic with Corinium Academic Solutions

Learn to Teach Arabic with CAT

Why Choose CAT?

How does CAT differ from other Arabic teaching qualifications or Arabic teacher training courses?

Not a language course

TESOL certificate courses include significant elements of language teaching. However, CAT is 100% focused on teaching strategies, methodologies and practice, meaning that you will see far greater improvements in your teaching capabilities.

Best of both worlds

In many countries, teaching languages to second language learners is dominated by either British or American qualifications and courses. We’ve combined the best of both systems, meaning you don’t have to choose.

In-person learning online

Whether online or in-person, all of our courses are accredited as ‘in-person’ due to their interactive nature. With our smaller ‘class sizes’ and ongoing direct engagement with trainers, they are more effective than many courses taught in a classroom.

Two trainers

All practical elements and assessment are conducted by two CAS trainers using a robust evaluation system. You will be in safe and attentive hands as they will both be able to provide more one-on-one assistance.

Minimal self-learning

There are some homework components to our courses, but you won’t just be reading textbooks and learning on your own. We prefer to train in real time, with interactive feedback and discussion.

A recent in-person course with teachers from King’s School, Dubai
A recent in-person course with teachers from King’s School, Dubai

“The process is excellent in the way it gradually built up knowledge, practice and confidence in the teaching methods being taught in such a short time”  (Mona, Intensive Speaking and Listening)

Arabic Teaching Certificate

Modules

CAT consists of four interactive modules which can be taken at any time in any order:

Research suggests that life is better for both language teachers and students when more than one method of teaching grammar is used in the classroom.

In this module participants learn and practice a range of different techniques for grammar teaching which will have a significant impact on lesson planning and delivery.

How can teachers get their students to practise using more spoken Arabic in class while developing their language skills effectively? This module teaches participants how to expand speaking activities by using focused practice where interaction is critical. As with all our modules, mini lessons provide the opportunity for trainees to consolidate what has been learned.

It is surprising how many teaching strategies can be applied in the classroom to help students develop their reading skills. Additionally, teaching writing is probably easier than people think: in this module we start with the fundamentals and build from there by introducing strategies which can be applied at different stages of the teaching and learning process.

Vocabulary and pronunciation are essential building blocks of the Arabic learning process, so should students do more than memorize the meaning and sounds of new words? Absolutely. CAT provides participants with varied and memorable strategies that enhance the learning process when teaching new words and lexical phrases, introducing participants to concepts such as Bulbul.

Arabic Teacher Training Strategies and Methodologies

Each module is hosted by two experienced English and Arabic language teacher trainers providing approximately 30 contact hours, whether the course is online, or in-person. Module sessions are interactive throughout and include teaching, group discussions, materials development and extensive practice through presentations and mini lessons. There are also some homework assignments where participants are asked to prepare their mini lessons. Individualized evaluation and feedback are provided to participants at the end of each module to help assess student performance and provide further opportunities for development. After the 4th module, participants need to successfully complete a ‘Grande Finale’ mini lesson.

All participants receive certificates for completed modules. However, those who show progress during presentations and mini lessons are awarded a module certificate stating that they have demonstrated significant teaching skills. To receive a full CAT certificate, course participants need to complete all four modules and meet the attendance requirements, demonstrating significant progress in each one.

Following successful completion of CAT, access to trainers continues to be available, so that past graduates from the four-module course can remain in contact and share experiences and expertise.

Using AI in Arabic Teaching

Due to the rapid developement of large language models (LLMs) and other AI products that have introduced radical changes to both teaching and learning, we have partnered with ‘AI in Teaching’ specialist Renad.  This ensures that our Certificate in Arabic Teaching provides the tools and knowledge to future-proof your classroom skills.

Module D contains a two-hour tutorial on the use of AI within the language classroom. This broadly covers the following topics:

  • AI tools for Grammar Instruction: Showcase how tools can generate grammar drills, error correction tasks, or explain grammar rules in different styles.
  • Gamifying Grammar with AI: Use AI tools to turn grammar practice into interactive games.
  • Differentiated Grammar Tasks: Design grammar activities adjusted by level using AI tools to scaffold instruction (e.g., simplify/expand sentences based on learner ability).
  • AI Voice Tools for Listening Practice: Introduce AI tools to generate high-quality Arabic listening materials.
  • AI-Powered Speaking Feedback: Use AI tools to help students get instant feedback.
  • Role-Play Scenarios Using AI: Create simulated conversations using kids-safe chatbots to engage students in spoken Arabic practice.
  • AI-Assisted Reading Comprehension: Use AI Tools to generate leveled Arabic reading texts and comprehension questions.
  • Writing with AI Support: Demonstrate how students can co-write with AI (e.g., generate a prompt, expand a story, revise grammar).
  • Feedback & Assessment Using AI: Use AI tools to give formative writing feedback at scale.
  • Visual Vocabulary Builders with AI: Use AI tools to create engaging visual flashcards.
  • Pronunciation Practice with AI: Explore apps with Arabic speech recognition to give learners instant pronunciation feedback.
  • Interactive Vocabulary Games: Build quick AI-powered quizzes or matching games to reinforce new words.

How does CAT differ from other Arabic teacher training courses?

TESOL research has been carried out for decades and has identified some very effective methods of teaching English. Therefore, before each teaching strategy is presented, the theoretical framework (based on important research that has been carried out) is provided to help trainees understand why the methods covered are successful. In addition, an outline of the strategies covered is given to the trainees after each session, including references, so that they can link new concepts to the published literature which supports the methods taught

After teaching strategies have been presented during CAT modules, trainees practice applying these methods more than once so that they are learned in a practical, realistic fashion. Practice includes preparing and carrying out mini lessons, followed by feedback from peers and trainers. Trainees often work together in pairs or groups when preparing lessons so that they can share ideas while working as a team. 

It is common for teacher training courses and seminars to present methods which can be applied everywhere, every time and with every student. However, in the practical educational world, teachers need a variety of strategies to be able to enhance the student learning process in different contexts. For example, teaching Arabic in a primary school in the Middle East is very different from teaching adult employees of an international corporation. For this reason, CAT introduces a broad range of methods for teaching grammar, speaking, listening, reading, writing and vocabulary. In this way, teachers can choose to apply different strategies to fit the diverse needs of students in different environments and contexts.

There can be times when teachers have an opportunity to teach but are not given a textbook to follow. At other times, a textbook is provided, but teachers want to enhance the quality of a lesson by producing their own material. In CAT, trainees produce their own material when preparing their mini lessons so that they can master how to generate effective material which will help support the quality of their lessons.

Training courses often teach strategies for teaching language skills separately. However, in the CAT program teaching methods encourage the integration of skills, which increases student opportunities to practice and reach higher levels of attainment at the same time. “Interconnectivity”, which means tying language skills together, is an integral part of CAT and helps teachers who have taken this course to see their students to achieve higher levels of language use in a shorter period of time.

Requirements

CAT is a postgraduate course. With that in mind, the requirements to enrol for our Arabic Teaching Certificate are as follows:

  • Participants will need to have qualifications at degree level (or equivalent).
  • Minimum age of 21 years

Essential:

  • A good understanding of the structures and functions of the Arabic language
  • An ability to communicate in both English and Arabic (for the bilingual CAT)

Desirable:

  • Previous experience of formal teaching to groups, online or in-person.
  • A first degree relating to the Arabic language.

Essential:

  • A high level of Modern Standard Arabic. If you are unsure, please contact us.
  • A good understanding of the structures and functions of the Arabic language
  • An ability to communicate in both English and Arabic (for the bilingual CAT)

Desirable:

  • Previous experience of formal teaching to groups, online or in-person.
  • A first degree relating to the Arabic language.

If you do not fulfil the above criteria, you will likely find CAT to be too challenging and may be unable to complete the modules. However, if you still believe you would be able to complete the modules, please contact us to discuss.

Applicants need to complete a registration form before they can join the course so that we can assess their background and ensure that their experience is suitable. Don’t be put off by this though.

If you have any questions about the course requirements, please contact us.

teacher training certificate

Course Fees

Individual CAT modules cost £395 each per person. When you pay for your 4th module you will receive a 20% discount, meaning that a full four-module CAT costs a total of £1499. The  discount is applied automatically when purchasing your 4th module on our online booking system (Corsizio).

Each module must be paid for in advance and there are limited places available which are allocated on a first come, first served basis.

When booking courses in advance, you can pay in two installments, with 50% of the fee as an initial deposit. The full balance must be paid 2 weeks in advance of your scheduled course.

Financial Support

If and when funding opportunities become available they will be shown here:

QFI Grants – Arabic teachers at state-funded secondary schools in North America, Europe, or the UK can apply for Qatar Foundation International’s Teacher Professional Development Grants. More info at https://www.qfi.org/grants/.

If you have any problems or questions then please Contact Us.

FAQs

Both!

We provide CAT modules for both individual and institutional/corporate clients. For individuals, international courses are held online and provide great opportunities for Arabic teachers in different countries/regions to get to know one-another.

For corporate clients, online courses can also be used. However, we do provide in-person training when all the participants are in the same location. Please contact us for further details.

It is important to note that there is minimal difference between our online and in-person modules, as the amount of discussion involved between individual trainees and trainers means that CAT is completely interactive.

Each module is approximately 30 hours in total and can be taught in 2, 4 or 6 hour sessions. This can take between 1 and 4 weeks.

The full CAT course lasts approximately 120 hours and completing all 4 modules will generally take between 6 weeks and 6 months if done back-to-back.

Days and times of the week can vary. Please view our Booking page for upcoming dates and availability.

If the courses currently advertised are not at a time or date that is suitable for you, or if there is any other way that we can make our courses more accessible then please let us know! We always listen to our students and try to adapt our courses appropriately. It’s in our interest to provide courses that cater to everyone!

CAT trains teachers to use structured, focused and meaningful teaching strategies which are applied to each of the skills that learners need to develop when learning Arabic.

Instructors rely on a set of robust, pre-determined evaluation criteria to try and make assessment as objective as possible. Evaluations are conducted by two instructors.

Each criterion is given a score of either Good (G), Very Good (VG) or Needs Improvement (NI). These weighted points are then added up and if they meet the necessary points threshold the participant will receive an overall rating of NI, G or VG

After every module participants have a one-on-one evaluation/feedback discussion with an instructor to understand how they performed and how they could improve.

CAT is a second language teaching course which is aimed at the same level as other well-known courses for language teachers such as the Cambridge CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages).

However, the major differences are as follows:

  1. CAT is designed for Arabic language teaching instead of English teaching.
  2. CAT participants have language proficiency, which means that we can focus on teaching methodology and the way that language is taught in the classroom.

NO! 

CAT does not require you to complete modules in order A > B > C > D. You can complete any module, any time, according to the scheduled courses in a way that works for you.

However, we do recommend that participants start with Module A wherever possible.

Bilingual CAT: Theoretical input for participants is provided in English, while practice and mini lessons by in Arabic.

Arabic CAT: Input and practice are in Arabic

Participants pay for individual modules which are priced in British Pounds (£). This is automatically converted from your own currency when paying using all major cards.

Once your registration has been accepted, you can sign up for each module using the secure international online payment system (Stripe) on our course booking portal (Corsizio), paying by card. If you would rather pay by bank transfer please contact us and we can help you with this. Payment for each module must be received before you can participate.

We allow payment in installments, with a minimum 50% deposit required when booking. The full balance must be paid 2 weeks prior to the module start date.

Online courses are held via a secure Zoom account.

Currently we only offer in-person training to institutions and corporate clients where this has been agreed in advance.

Module participants carry out regular presentations and mini lessons during the course which require some independent work at home.

Participants are expected to demonstrate progress in the mini lesson at the end of each module, which is reflected in the certificate that they receive. A full CAT Certificate is awarded when a participant has completed all four modules, demonstrating progress in each. Final certificates can be provided in both English and Arabic and are certified by CPD.

Individuals can register and enrol for this course online. Click here for details.

For institutions and corporate bookings, please contact us.

Following successful completion of CAT, access to trainers continues to be available so that previous graduates can remain in contact and share experience and expertise

Arabic Teacher Certificate

Register / Book

Individuals can register and enrol for this course online below.

For institutions and corporate bookings looking to teach Arabic, please contact us.

Step 1

Register

Before you can book a course, you must first fill in a registration form by clicking the link below. Once we’ve approved your registration, you will be given a Passcode so you can book online.

Register

Step 2

Book Online

All available courses are updated regularly via our online portal (Corsizio) where full breakdown of the currently scheduled teaching days and times, and click through to book and pay.

Book Online
Click here for upcoming dates and availability

Contact

Please get in touch using one of the below methods:

Live Chat

Click the live chat box at the bottom right of this page to speak to a member of our team.

Q&A Sessions

Join our next monthly Teach Arabic Q&A information session for free.

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Contact

Click below to complete our enquiry form, or visit our Contact Page for our details.

Enquiry Form
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