Job Discussion Forums

Like a Rolling Stone · Joined: 27 Mar 2006 Posts: 872

Which one is better for getting work?
Did you take any of tthese? Did you learn much?

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Thu Apr 06, 2006 6:43 pm Post subject:

The CELTA is a course about 120 hours long, including a fairly intensive look at some aspects of EFL, and observed teaching practice. It is probably the most respected entry level TEFL qualification. It's basic, but there's some good stuff on it.

The TKT (Teaching Knowledge Test) is an exam. Some places may offer preparation courses, but it's an exam qualification, not a course qualification. It's geared towards certifiying that you have the knowledge of English necessary to teach it. Here, at least, the people who generally take the TKT are non-native teachers of English, with an intermediate level of the language. I don't see any advantage of it for a native teacher. (I've never seen the TKT, but it's a recently arrived, and reasonably popular qualification here. I just called their local exam center, and this is what they told me.)

Best regards,
Justin

fluffyhamster · Posted: Thu Apr 06, 2006 11:10 pm Post subject:

JT's made some good points, but I just thought I should point out that the TKT seems, from what I've seen, to be more about testing knowledge of teaching lingo/jargon basics than testing general English ability (although obviously one will need generally good English to understand anything at all!); so it would be better than nothing for native speakers who can't afford or don't want to shell out on a CELTA before they've had a chance to try teaching or save up a few shekels (and if they do indeed decide to do the CELTA, the TKT will have been worthwhile "academic" preparation).

Do a search for 'tkt' and you'll find several posts, some with links to a downloadable glossary etc.

paulmanser · Joined: 28 Nov 2005 Posts: 403

Anybody know what is needed for Poland.

I will have BA degree, Got EU passport, will have 4 week tesol cert and 2 months summer camp teaching English in Poland this summer. British native speaker.

will a CELTA stop me from getting a job? After TEFL job in Torun. My TESOL cert is accred by college of teachers.

Like a Rolling Stone · Joined: 27 Mar 2006 Posts: 872

Thankyou Justin Trullinger, your post was very helpful and I don't think I should do a TKT then. I will look into taking the CELTA course.
Muchos grasias!

grahamcito · Joined: 11 Sep 2004 Posts: 90 Location: Guadalajara

So who would TKT be a good course for?

- Non-native speakers looking to supplement local teaching qualifications with an international/Cambridge-certified one.

- People without the time and money for TEFL, looking to try to get a job without it?

Anyone else?

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

TKT looks more like it would be a good 'end' to a TEFL course, at least as a test, or perhaps as a refresher pre-course or upgrade course.