DESCRIPTION

The University of Cambridge Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA) is the most widely recognized certification in the world for ESL teacher training. It is a highly practical course that aims to give people with little or no previous training, the knowledge, awareness and skills to begin a career in the field of English language teaching. Over 10,000 candidates took the certificate in 2006 in over 250 centers worldwide. Features of the course include:

• a highly practical course with a concurrent practicum
• a low trainee/trainer ration (6:1) with each course limited to 12 participants
• a practicum which is guided, observed and assessed by the course trainer
• Cambridge-approved trainers with wide experience teaching both abroad and in Metro Vancouver
• two formats: 5-week (full-time) or 12-week (part-time) courses, both 160 hours plus.
• external moderation: every course inspected by an assessor from the University of Cambridge Local Examination Syndicate
• the internationally recognized teaching certificate (for successful candidates) from UCLES (University of Cambridge Local Examination Syndicate)
• graduates are eligible to apply for TESL Canada Professional Certification Standard 1

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

Applicants are required:

• To be at least 20 years old by the date of the commencement of the course
• To have an undergraduate degree (Bachelor’s) or be in an undergraduate degree program
• To have a standard of English, both written and spoken, equivalent to that of an educated native speaker

CONTENT

The course is highly practical and it focuses on teaching English to adult classes at beginner to upper intermediate levels. The course aims to

• teach the principles of effective teaching
• provide a range of practical skills for teaching English to adult learners
• give hands-on teaching practice
• build confidence

There are five main units of learning:

• Learners and teachers, and the teaching and learning context
• Language analysis and awareness
• Language skills: reading, listening, speaking and writing
• Planning and resources for different contexts
• Developing teaching skills and professionalism

COURSE PROGRAM

The course is intensive and demands a considerable commitment. There are four components to the course:

Theory and Methodology

The emphasis is on participation and group work rather than a lecture style of presentation.

Teaching Practice

Teaching practice is a major part of the course which runs parallel with the theory and methodology sessions. The teaching consists of supervised teaching of ESL classes, guided analysis and reflection on the teaching sessions, practice teaching workshops, guided lesson preparation, observation of experienced teachers.

Tutorials

There are 3 individual interviews with the course instructors to review progress and assess strengths and weaknesses.

Preparation and Homework

This includes background reading, pre and post session tasks, written assignments and project work, lesson planning and preparation of materials. Students should expect to do at least 80 hours of study outside course hours.

GRADUATION

Upon successful completion of the course, CELTA graduates are eligible for TESL Canada Level 1 accreditation.

Please see the CELTA web site for further information.