Job Discussion Forums

[naturegirl321]

I'm trying to take a DELTA course, but being in Latin America it's quite difficult. I live in Peru and there are courses in Argentina, Brasil or Mexico. And not all of them fill.

Looking at other places, there are a few in the USA, and Canada. IN Africa, there's one in SA, in Asia, there's one in Vietnam and there are a few in OZ and NZ. There are 30 plus in the UK only. Any many in other European countries.

What does this mean? That since it originated in the UK, many places in Europe accept it? Or does it say something about the teachers? There are many CELTA courses in Asia, but only one DELTA course, does that mean that most teachers leave after a couple years? Or that they aren't as interested in diploma courses as those in Europe?

Looks like I'll be stuck taking the distance DELTA: They have Orientation courses in Mexico and Colombia, depending on enrolment.

Maybe as more serious teachers go to places outside of Europe, they'll open more training courses. I remember five years ago there were no CELTA courses in China and now there are three.

[sheeba]

Recently on asking my 'boss' to sign my form for proving that I have taught lessons for the DELTA portfolio , I suggested that the DELTA was a good course that had really helped me this year. She looked at me like 'I couldn't give a flying '. I think they value experience here a lot more in China and to some extent I can see why . But the DELTA does prove that you are dedicated to this profession and are familiar with teaching methods, phonetics + phonology , grammar + discourse and those teaching 'micro skills 'that make a difference in class. I think it should be therefore recognised more in China . Far too many teachers here that think they are doing a good job but reality is they're doing very little with their 'experience'

Part of the problem I guess is that the private schools are simply businesses. The quality of the teacher means little . Teachers/students are always changing . The Universities are also just a place where students just do what is necessary to get their bit of paper . Teaching methodology has a long way to go in China . Most Chinese teachers I know don't know about subtleties of English , methodology and so on . The teaching standard is pretty low . I noticed in the Guardian this week a position vacant for training Chinese teachers . That was nice to see . I hope that standards begin to raise and the Chinese become more aware of what really is needed in their class. Perhaps then a DELTA or an MA ELT might mean that bit more . Time will tell . I would say getting a DELTA is a move in the right direction (even for teaching in China) and that will be because of the Chinese and their own development and understanding through teacher training .

[QatarChic]

Here in the Gulf (well certianly Qatar) the DELTA is not widely recognised as they prefer the MA. I do know that HCT in the UAE recognise it (those living in the Emirates can correct me if I am wrong) but an MA is what most Institutes/Unis/Colleges are looking for in this region.... the language schools such as the BC etc will, but their pay is comparatively lower than other places

[Gurdeep Rivenvald III]

A DELTA is a good qualification and very practical. However, an MA opens many more doors, including the possibility for visas to different countries. To my knowledge, a DELTA does not.

[dmb]