Job Discussion Forums

Suziefr · Joined: 21 Sep 2005 Posts: 9 Location: London

Dear All,

I would like to know if a TEFL is more difficult than a CELTA.

Thank you for letting me know.

joshua2004 · Posted: Wed Nov 02, 2005 1:06 pm Post subject:

I do not know which is more dificult, but I do know that many times they are not necessary. Do you have a degree?

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

A CELTA is a TEFL certificate.

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

CELTA is the same course wherever you find it. TEFL has a world of variety, so I don't think one could answer you precisely OP.

CELTA=TEFL but TEFL does not = CELTA

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

Exactly. Asking what's the difference between a TEFL certificate and a CELTA is like asking what's the difference between a cola and a Coca-Cola.

drteacher · Joined: 13 Jul 2005 Posts: 17

"I would like to know if a TEFL is more difficult than a CELTA."

Suziefr did not ask for the difference between them, only which was more difficult.
Suziefr, the CELTA, as an introductory course is far more difficult and expensive than a "generic" TEFL/TESL course and is usually recognized in Europe.
Some TESL/TEFL courses are more focused on practical applications rather than outdated second language acquisition theories, and remain an inexpensive alternative to the Cambridge course.

Chancellor · Posted: Wed Nov 02, 2005 7:48 pm Post subject:

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

Suziefr · Joined: 21 Sep 2005 Posts: 9 Location: London

[quote="drteacher"]"I would like to know if a TEFL is more difficult than a CELTA."

Suziefr did not ask for the difference between them, only which was more difficult.

I wanted to thank you all for your precious advice.
The variety of teaching courses on the market is too confusing.
I will search more into it and will try to choose the right options.

Thanks!

Suziefr

drteacher · Joined: 13 Jul 2005 Posts: 17

"Could you provide some examples of TESL/TEFL courses that focus on practical applications, particularly distance learning/Internet based courses (e.g. i-to-i or some of the others advertised here on Dave's ESL Cafe)?"
Chancellor:
I do not believe that Internet based courses have as much to offer as a classroom (face-to-face) course. That being said (written?), introductory courses based on classroom analysis offer collaborative teaching techniques and resources that are contemporary and authentic. They do not waste valuable class time on outdated methodologies and historical second language acquisition theories that other, longer and more expensive courses seem to dwell on. Introductory courses allow new ESL teachers an inexpensive and intensive way to see if teaching is the way to experience new cultures and if they enjoy the work, they can study for more academic credentials (such as a B.Ed in TESL) and work in more academic environments.