Job Discussion Forums

sheeba · Joined: 17 Jun 2004 Posts: 1123

Has anyone any experience with the Trinity Diploma TESOL course? I am about to arrange interview with St George's in London .
I want to take the course by Distance over nearly 2 years . The Distance course is convenient for me . I want the course to improve me as a teacher and hopefully offer me progression in my TEFL career ?
Any thoughts
Regards

balatro · Joined: 01 Jun 2005 Posts: 33

EnglishBrian · Joined: 19 May 2005 Posts: 189

I finished my Trinity Dip in 2002. I also did it by distance rather than concentrated in a full time block. It's more common with the Dip/DELTA 'cos it's meant for people who are teaching already and who can't always get the time or money for 3 months+ full time.

Straight away I was offered an IH DoS job, and it really helped get into the British Council, if you're that way inclined (and at higher salary than if I'd just had CELTA). BC loves diplomas more than MAs. The Trinity is equivalent to the Cambridge DELTA. It was also a really interesting course and I certainly made me a better teacher. It really boosts your confidence and your undersatnding of why you do all those things they teach on the CELTA, as well as updating on how things have changed.

When I did my exams in London there were some people who'd studied through St George's and they seemed happy enough - no negative comments. I did mine with Oxford House College (off Oxford Street hence the name!) which I think isn't far from St. George's and I was very pleased.

All that said, I believe Trinity changed the format just after I finished, and there was talk of portfolios of work etc. I was studying and preparing by distance, then had to go to London for practical teaching assessments, phonology interview and written exams.

One thing I do recall is that at OHC we had 2 weeks of teaching a class prior to the Trinity assessor coming to observe. The St. Georges's folk were only doing a week. Easier on the pocket but it was good having 2 weeks to get used to the class and get the sts on side before the assessment. But as I say, all that side of things may be different now.

balatro · Joined: 01 Jun 2005 Posts: 33

Kent F. Kruhoeffer · Joined: 22 Jan 2003 Posts: 2129 Location: 中国

G'Day Balatro:

This may not be 100% accurate, but I'll give it a shot anyway:

The Trinity Cert TESOL is roughly = to the Cambridge CELTA (a foundation qualification)

whereas

The Trinity Diploma is roughly = to the Cambridge DELTA (an advanced qualification)

Basically, they are just two different schools involved in the moderation & accreditation of 2 different levels of TEFL certification; the Cert being subordinate to the Diploma in terms of # of study hours, price, recognition & prestige.

3 related links:

http://www.oxfordtefl.com/index.htm (Oxford TEFL & Trinity College London)

http://www.tesoltraining.co.uk/index.html (Saint George International & Trinity College London)

http://www.cambridgeesol.org/teaching/index.htm (U of Cambridge ESOL Exams :: CELTA & DELTA)

balatro · Joined: 01 Jun 2005 Posts: 33

So generally speaking ... one would want to get the Cert./CELTA first and get some years under their belt and then go get an advanced one and get the DIP/DELTA?

31 · Joined: 21 Jan 2005 Posts: 1797

Kent F. Kruhoeffer · Joined: 22 Jan 2003 Posts: 2129 Location: 中国

Double Yes.

kaw · Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2005 11:17 am Post subject: Dip TESOL comments

Just a quick pointer - if you're ever thinking of working for the B.C. - it's advisable to go for the DELTA as opposed to the Dip TESOL - and that has come from my Centre Manager. Of course if you get a job with the B.C. - there's also a chance they will fund all if not some of it.......
All being well I'm heading off to do the intensive DELTA in September then start my MA in December.

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

Correct me if I am wrong but I think the BC will fund your Dip if you sign up for two years after completion.

EnglishBrian · Joined: 19 May 2005 Posts: 189

Interesting point Kaw. I wonder what basis they had for saying that? The Council centre's I've worked in have automatically accepted my Trinity without batting an eyelid. I recall plenty of the senior teachers I met had Trinity's too. Maybe because if you do a DELTA chances are you actually did it with the Council? - it seems to be turning into something of an in-house qualification now. Incidentally, again may have changed but my Trinity certificate doesn't have the word 'diploma' on it at all. They started using the term 'Licentiate'.

Not putting down the DELTA - I'd absolutely recommend it, but something I came across with people in the Council who were in the process of doing it. The Council were paying half the cost of the c�2000. Well my Trinity only cost me c�1000. Something fishy there I feel.

kaw · Posted: Wed Jun 08, 2005 8:29 am Post subject: Dip courses

BC will fund dip but...... you have to stay on for another year with the council if you do it in the first year of a 2 year contract or 2 years if you do it in the 2nd year (if that makes sense.....)
As for the Trinity vs DELTA - more funding available for DELTA (but then it is run between the B.C. and International House) - could be an indication why the DELTA is preferred.
I looked into the Trinity but then for some odd reason (ok financial reason - went for the DELTA). The cost depends a lot on where you do it as well with IH in Poland being among the cheapest.

steven_gerrard · Joined: 07 Feb 2003 Posts: 155