Job Discussion Forums

[bawny34]

Hi,

I have a long-term plan of doing the DELTA. I would imagine though that it will be a year or so before I tackle it.

What kind of preparation/pre-course reading should I be doing before then? Does anyone have any suggestions.

Thanks!

[grahamb]

You'll find the reading list here:

http://thedistancedelta.com/howitworks/books.aspx

I have copies of many of the titles listed, and am looking to sell them. Contact me if you're interested.

[bawny34]

Thanks for that Graham B. That is very helpful. I will get back to you regarding the books once I get a chance to do some research etc.

Are there any particular books that you would consider a 'must-read' before doing the course, say for Module 1, as I do intend to do the modules in order.

Many thanks

[grahamb]

The titles on the list are the core texts. You should read all of them!

[bawny34]

Great! Will have plenty to get on with

Can anyone enlighten me on the subject of terminology lists? Is there any set list of items that I need to study? Or is it basically an accumulation of all the material/terms you encounter in your reading?

I see online, for example, some people have uploaded terminology cards onto Quizlet. This is certainly very helpful. But, how do you know that you have covered all the required terminology.

Thanks again!

[GKD]

That is a great series of titles and authors ..thanks! (did Scott Thornbury create this reading list by any chance? .. haha)

For somebody in my position, with an eye on professional development but no precise plans for DELTA or MAs at the moment, which of the titles would you most recommend? I guess, to improve classes and make sure students are challenged and really progress their English.

[Shimokitazawa]

Is a DELTA required to teach in European universities or university language centers?

[spiral78]

Most European universities look for related MA, and previous experience working with European students.

European university jobs bear very little resemblance to those in Asia. The market is highly competitive, candidates have upper-level qualifications, and students are extremely different, with most speaking B2+ English already. These aren't jobs for the un or underqualified.

This from my 16+ years working in three different European universities, and our active partnerships with 25 others. I've served on a number of hiring committees over the years.

DELTA is more for private language school DOS or management positions.
A DELTA + experience in Asia won't go far on this job market; you'd need to pay some dues at the newbie level and demonstrate that you can get beyond the difference between Asian and European students. There's a thread below with more info on this if you're interested.

[twowheel]

^^^bumped.

Good thread. Like the OP, I may be a year away from applying for a Delta course.

grahamb, many thanks for that reading list link. I intend to get cracking on that. If I take a full-time intensive course in the Fall of 2016, I have a year to hit it.

bawny34, just re-visiting your original post: will you do the Delta soon?

twowheel

[currentaffairs]

[spiral78]

Yes, fair enough. In my experience, southerners are likely to have weaker English than northern Europeans; it's a useful point.

I am thinking, though, of the Erasmus program which so many European students take part in, which requires at least B2 of the target language (which is not necessarily English, of course), as a standard for second language learning at the university level.

[Nicky_McG]

[spiral78]

Private universities, yes, may be able to do this. Can you be more specific as to which ones and where?

I guess that this doesn't equate to numerous jobs, as the competition will still be fairly stiff with teachers who have higher qualifications, but I don't really know - private universities are off my radar.

[Nicky_McG]

[Nicky_McG]