Job Discussion Forums

[lennon146]

Hi,

I'm a teacher with a BA, TEFL and 5 years' experience overseas, who is now thinking about taking his DELTA either at home or whilst working abroad. It just seems like the next logical step in my career and would hopefully open the door to better and more lucrative positions, such as DOS. I've heard a few people say that the DELTA is incredibly hard work - not to mention that it's expensive and can take nearly a year to complete, part-time. I was wondering if anybody who has taken the DELTA could offer their opinion as to whether it was worth it, how they found the course, and if it benefited their teaching career afterwards.

Thanks in advance

[Sashadroogie]

Dear lennon146

The DELTA is hard work, no doubt, but no harder than anything else you would have done so far. There is nothing academically beyond anyone who has completed a BA.

The only trick that really must be got right from the beginning is your pacing. Fall behind the course and then it becomes much harder. Complete assignments on time, and it should be straightforward enough. I did the part-time course, over a year, and that entailed the added challenge of holding down a full-time job at the same time. However, again, it can be done so long as you are disciplined enough to get the graft done early on and keep the DELTA as priority number one. The new modular version of the DELTA is easier to manage, so I've heard.

It is the next logical step for you, it seems to me. It will open up other positions like DOS posts. (However, it really does not include any DOS training per se.) The main benefit is that it makes you a much stronger, more aware teacher. You will be much more creative in lesson planning. Planning should be much easier and faster too. Course planning, syllabus design, test design etc. are all on the course. Observation feedback is probably the biggest tangible benefit, though. For me, this was where I really saw the immediate practical value of the course.

It is unquestionably worth it. Never heard anyone who completed it say otherwise.

Go for it, and good luck!

[spanglish]

Some excellent info. I have many of the same questions so it's much appreciated.

[naturegirl321]

One thing that put me off were the additional fees. Don't forget that you need a tutor, so you'll have to pay someone in country for their time.

[TwinCentre]

I have the DELTA, got it quite a few years ago, and I can honestly say that I hesitate to claim that it was actually worth it.

I think the DELTA is all part and parcel of the great TEFL industry, it is a product that people profit from financially...it is a cash cow.

Do people really profit from it educationally? Well in my case I am not convinced it made me a better teacher. I was good beforehand. The PGCE did far more, although I took that before I started TEFL.

Think about the DELTA, it doesn't get you better pay as a teacher really, but if you really want to be a DOS then I guess you'll have to do it.

[AdrianG4]

What is a DOS ?

[naturegirl321]

DOS, Director of Studies.

I'd like to do the DELTA; but all the people I've heard that have took it have struggled, despite being long time teachers. I think I might agree with TwinCentre, it'�s all about the money.

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]

Once...we sent in seven good men after a DELTA...

...only three made it back alive.

NCTBA

[Mrs McClusky]

[Sashadroogie]

[Sashadroogie]

[TwinCentre]

[bje]