Page 18 - ELG2102 Feb Issue 474

TEACHING QUALIFICATIONS .

Just what is CELTA? The CELTA model

Most widely accepted certificates follow the CELTA model:
The University of Cambridge Certificate in English Language Teaching
to Adults (CELTA) is the oldest established ELT training certificate • 120 course hours, including 20 hours of teaching practice
and was developed from a certificate launched by International House with adult language learners, normally face to face.
over 50 years ago. Most training courses now follow the CELTA model • A solid grounding in communicative language teaching
(see box, right). methodology.
It is also the most well-known. Cambridge Assessment research • Assessed written work.
by the university department which owns CELTA suggests it is the • Assessed teaching practice.
required qualification for one-third of TEFL jobs and it is certainly the • No final exam.
most frequently named in the job ads we see. • Designed as an initial pre-service qualification and does
The main advantages, apart from its reputation and the fact that not confer state-qualified teacher status.
it’s owned by a world-famous university, is that it has a clear syllabus • Available to non-graduates and non-native speakers
followed by every centre and that Cambridge Assessment specifies the (no precise language level specified).
process of training teacher trainers, visits every course provider, most • On the national register of recognised qualifications for
courses and assesses some of the work of every candidate. England at level 5 of the English qualification framework
The main disadvantage is that it’s focused on teaching adults – run by OFQUAL, and on the European Qualification
assessed teaching practice, for example, must be with over 16s – yet Framework at Level 5 with certificate issued by an
most of the students in the world’s language schools are now aged six to accredited assessment body.
16 and, increasingly, even younger.
Although there has been an online option for several years, until NB: A similar qualification framework exists across Europe.
the pandemic all teaching practice had to be face to face, which is In Ireland, for example, it’s run by QQI, and it also exists
clearly optimum. Cambridge is allowing online teaching practice for in Australia and New Zealand. However, the system for
the duration of Covid-19, but it is unclear if this will continue post- certificate validation in the USA is quite different, as trainers
pandemic. We’ll try to keep you posted. Bridge in Denver explain on page 50.

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Take your career to the next level Looking to teach? The CELTA
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"I'd been nervous to take the next step in my career but "I completed my CELTA course through Teaching House
the Teaching House team made me feel confident I could & it was fantastic. A small class (only 6 of us & we have all
do it. The DELTA was definitely a challenge but I now feel become good friends), great students to teach, awesome
equipped with the knowledge to lead a school & step up instructors, excellent facilities & a fantastic spot in the city"
my career"
- Nicholas, 2020 Graduate - - Andrew, 2020 Graduate -
www.teachinghouse.com | info@teachinghouse.group

18 February 2021