CELTA

CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) is an initial teacher training qualification for teaching English as a second or foreign language (ESL and EFL). It is provided by Cambridge English Language Assessment through authorised Cambridge English Teaching Qualification centres and can be taken either full-time or part-time. CELTA was developed to be suitable both for those interested in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) and for Teaching English to the Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).

CELTA is designed for candidates with little or no previous English language teaching (ELT) experience. It is also taken by candidates with some teaching experience who have received little practical teacher training or who wish to gain internationally recognised qualification. Candidates should have English language skills equivalent to at least C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) or an IELTS score of 7.5.

CELTA gives equal emphasis to theory and practice. The strong practical element demonstrates to employers that successful candidates have the skills to succeed in the classroom. Courses can be taken full-time or part-time and either face-to-face or online. A full-time, face-to-face course typically lasts between four and five weeks. CELTA is a continuous assessment course (i.e. participants are assessed throughout the course) leading to a certificate qualification.

Candidates who successfully complete the course can start working in a variety of English language teaching contexts around the world.CELTA is regulated at Level 5 of the Qualifications and Credit Framework for England, Wales and N. Ireland and is suitable for teachers at Foundation and Developing level on the Cambridge English Teaching Framework

CELTA is an initial teacher training qualification designed to help candidates acquire and improve the skills needed for teaching English, with an emphasis on hands-on teaching practice. The official course aims are as follows.

The course enables candidates to:

·         Acquire essential subject knowledge and familiarity with the principles of effective teaching

·         Acquire a range of practical skills for teaching English to adult learners

·         Demonstrate their ability to apply their learning in a real teaching context.^[10]

CELTA programmes are designed by individual centres using the syllabus and course aims provided by Cambridge English Language Assessment.

The syllabus consists of five topic areas:

·         Topic 1 – Learners and teachers, and the teaching and learning context

·         Topic 2 – Language analysis and awareness

·         Topic 3 – Language skills: reading, listening, speaking and writing

·         Topic 4 – Planning and resources for different teaching contexts

·         Topic 5 – Developing teaching skills and professionalism.

The exact nature of the programme will vary from centre to centre. Programmes may also vary year on year to reflect changes in technology and teacher training methodology.^[8]However, all courses will have a minimum of 120 contact hours and will include the following components:

·         Input

·         Supervised lesson planning

·         Teaching practice (six assessed hours)

·         Feedback on teaching

·         Peer observation

·         Observation of experienced teachers (minimum six hours)

·         Consultation time.

Candidates are expected to dedicate an additional 80 hours for required reading, research, pre- and post-session tasks, assignments and lesson preparation.