Job Discussion Forums

ebooktrial0001 · Joined: 02 Jan 2014 Posts: 156

Hi Everyone,

In truth, I'm an ESL teacher that's mediocre at best. I took a CELTA; but, I feel I didn't learn much or do well.

The good news is, my current employer in China wants a Westerner to teach ESL. They may pay for an additional degree, if I will do it. Can someone answer the following four questions as concisely as possible:

1. What degree in teaching will be the best for me to advance?

Potential choices include:

a. Master's in TEFL/TESOL/etc. (either online or in-person)
b. DELTA
c. PGSE

2. For the DELTA, do costs vary by center, as they do with the CELTA?

3. How long does the DELTA take to complete?

4. How much of the DELTA can be done via distance?

Thanks

Gamajorba · Joined: 03 May 2015 Posts: 357

santi84 · Joined: 14 Mar 2008 Posts: 1317 Location: under da sea

Why are you a mediocre teacher?

I think you need to understand that before you choose a path.

Sashadroogie · Posted: Fri May 08, 2015 2:41 pm Post subject:

Delta. Or Trinity Dip

Sashadroogie · Posted: Fri May 08, 2015 2:43 pm Post subject:

All info about Delta options, e.g. the distance Delta, can be found on the Cambridge website. But prices vary, as do local entry requirements. As far as I know.

http://thedistancedelta.com/

ebooktrial0001 · Joined: 02 Jan 2014 Posts: 156

1. Ok. My question is "where do I go from here"?

I'm guessing the DELTA sounds like a good option. Most of it can be done online (perhaps the prep work for modules 1 and 3). The module 2 can be done in-person and completed.

2. Suppose I get my DELTA, can I teach at Universities, etc. in the Middle East?

ebooktrial0001 · Joined: 02 Jan 2014 Posts: 156

1. Ok. My question is "where do I go from here"?

I'm guessing the DELTA sounds like a good option. Most of it can be done online (perhaps the prep work for modules 1 and 3). The module 2 can be done in-person and completed.

2. Suppose I get my DELTA, can I teach at Universities, etc. in the Middle East?

Sashadroogie · Posted: Fri May 08, 2015 4:21 pm Post subject:

Not likely, I'm afraid.

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

suphanburi · Joined: 20 Mar 2014 Posts: 916

A typical question that is often posed is, "If I get some qualification then where can I find work?".

Perhaps a better set of questions might be:

Yes, they will require some reflection but ultimately, your chosen path should determine your credentials and not the other way around.

IF you want to head for the tertiary sector then an MA/M.ED TESOL/TEFL is almost mandatory. A decent one will take about 1 year for coursework and 1 year for your thesis or 2 years of coursework and a mini-thesis type of project. The pay in the tertiary sector isn't always great but the hours aren't so onerous either. If you plan to go down this road then a PhD and further research (as a researcher) is also on your horizon.

If you like working with kids and would prefer a nice remuneration package then a post grad certificate in education or a professional teachers certification course would be in order.
A specialization in TESOL/TEFL would also not be out of place but if you are so inclined a specialization in mathematics or the sciences would pretty much assure that your skills will always be in demand.
Remuneration packages in decent international schools are nice (US$50-60k/year) and they usually come with a full benefits package (airfare, medical, housing, family relocation assistance, generous vacations, etc) as well.
This will usually take about a year to complete.

If you want to stay in the private sector (language academies, etc) then CELTA+DELTA or a DipTESOL would likely be the path to follow. Picking up some additional coursework in management or human resources would not be a bad idea either since these grads tend to gravitate to DOS type or admin positions. These typically take 3-6 months to complete.

IF you like to stay where you are in the TEFL field then further professional development in classroom practices and methodology (workshops, seminars/webinars, conferences, SIG's at your local TESOL Chapter, etc.) would probably help you improve as a teacher, share ideas/experiences and connect with others within your local professional community.

.

MuscatGary · Posted: Sat May 09, 2015 3:00 am Post subject:

Delta may be a good option as you could later use it as partial credits towards a Masters. It's worth 60 points so one third of a Masters.

En929 · Joined: 22 Feb 2015 Posts: 25

Sashadroogie · Posted: Sat May 09, 2015 5:27 am Post subject:

Experience is important. But it ranges in quality too. As does the teacher and their ability to reflect on their classroom experience.

So, experience isn't enough. Training is the key element for most people in EFL. That will help you to understand why some things worked and why others didn't. The issue is usually more about implementation of teaching ideas in specific contexts rather than the ideas themselves.

Training. The key.

(And I get a healthy commission off the back of ALL Delta and Celta applicants - so please do get some more training.)

buravirgil · Posted: Sat May 09, 2015 6:47 am Post subject:

Sashadroogie · Posted: Sat May 09, 2015 7:53 am Post subject:

Not bruised. Just amused. By the one extreme that classroom experience is all you need. And also the opposite extreme which holds that a higher degree in linguistics is the crucial point. In fairness, at least you specified applied linguistics. However, between the two, the Delta and an MA in applied linguistics, the former has made much more of an impact on my classroom practice than the latter. Both have value. But for becoming a better practicioner of EFL, my view is that practical training component of the Delta helps more. And that is what the OP seems to need, with these comments about mediocre teaching.

Take a Delta. Deliver better lessons.

And give me my cut : )