Job Discussion Forums

jpvanderwerf2001 · Joined: 02 Oct 2003 Posts: 1117 Location: New York

I am considering doing a distance DELTA with, I believe, IH London. Has anyone had experience with this type of course?
One thing I found odd about it is that there you choose your local tutor. Has anyone had experience with the local tutor thing, too?

Input much appreciated.

QatarChic · Joined: 06 May 2005 Posts: 445 Location: Qatar

I did it with them-very professional- the course tutors at IH London are EXCELLENT and know their stuff. Are you doing the orientation course there? Or the whole course? I did the orientation course (2 weeks) at IH and it was really full on and intense. You also have do your first assignment, as well as have your lesson observed. Support is good with the Distance DELTA but you have to be incredibly disciplined as there are deadlines every few weeks with assignments and practice exam questions.

My local tutor was my line manager at the time and it was very convenient for me, as they also have to observe a few of your lessons. I know a few people on the course had to drop out as their local tutor didn't work at the same place as them, and they weren't able to see them as often. Basically it was a lack of communication.

I think a local tutor needs to have the DELTA/Dip Tesol/DTEFLA as well as several years teaching experience.

Hope this helps, feel free to ask any more Qs

sheeba · Joined: 17 Jun 2004 Posts: 1123

I did it by Distance and think that I learnt really well this way. I think that I learnt a lot more than I would have by doing it any other way.

I'm doing an MA now by Distance and finding that a bit more relaxed to be honest. With the Dip you are always worrying about the exams and other bits. Phonology transcriptions are probably the hatdest thing to sort out. I would recommend getting Roach's book and the CD that comes with it and practising all the phonology exercises at the back of the book. I didn't so only just passed this. Having a year to assimilate all the information was nice though. I liked to just wander down to starbucks with books and read for hours while getting charged on caffeine. In all I really preferred doing it this way. I will say though that not being able to watch other teachers teach did affect me and would actually get a video or something of 'how to teach like the Dip people' and master it.