Job Discussion Forums

[sisyphus]

I have read a lot of threads which describe the DELTA as 'difficult'. I wanted to ask in what way?
Is it because it's the short intensive course OR is it intellectually challenging? OR both? Is the distance course 'easier' etc?

[naturegirl321]

Probably becuase it's intensive, you have a short time to do it, and ther'es lots of info.

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]

I don't own one, but, I hear that it's grueling and year-long!

NCTBA

[johnslat]

What does DELTA involve?
You can take DELTA full time (typically two to three months), or part time (from six months to over a year). A Distance Learning programme is also available.

Your course features a balance of theory and practice to enhance your understanding of the English Language, while examining in depth the principles of effective teaching and the practical skills required for teaching English to adult learners.

The course includes:

teaching practice
observation of experienced teachers in the classroom
completion of a range of practically focused written assignments
an extended assignment
a written examination.
There are six main units of learning:

understanding, knowledge and awareness of language
the background to teaching and learning English at adult level
resources and materials
working in the classroom
evaluation, monitoring and assessment
professional development.
As part of your course you should expect 120 contact hours with fellow candidates and course tutors and 10 hours of teaching adults. Four of these lessons are supervised and assessed by a course tutor and one is externally assessed. In addition you have 10 hours' directed observation of lessons, with five of these being live lessons taught by experienced teachers. You spend around 300 hours on reading, research and assignment writing.

http://www.cambridgeesol.org/exams/teaching-awards/delta.htm

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]

Thanks for this, John. Which answers my question of who stuck that stick up your a$$ (not you, John). Really! I respect the DELTA. Other than the observed aspects, I can't see a difference from the Master's. I feel enriched by my M. Ed. In TESOL, but I consider the DELTA a worthy endeavour (opps! "u"! ) "Some of my best friends are DELTA holders!"

NCTBA

[mozzar]

Career wise, how much better is a masters than a DELTA? Will it open many more doors?

[Justin Trullinger]

[Chancellor]

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]

Well, I wouldn't call it a "mere diploma". I think it's all in the way that you look at it. My Dad used to refer to college grads as "college-trained idiots" (until I got my degrees). He was a practical man. A mechanic by nature (with a GED) who valued the practical side of things (no attacks on my Dad, pls.). He had a point as the degree-holding officers that he worked under in maintenance had no "hands-on" experience whereas he had and, intuitively, knew what would and what would not work.

Practicality has its merits. And, from what I know of the DELTA, it is a PRACTICAL qualification. My M. Ed., how much I cherish it, was completely theory and study about the transmission of language than actually performing the act (altho, ALL of the cohort were English teachers as I earned my M. Ed. in a country where English was not the "official" language). Now, that being said, I worked full-time teaching ESL whilst studying for my degree, so was able to incorporate a practical aspect into my studies.

So, I can see the value in programs, such as the CELTA and DELTA. I'd even consider doing the DELTA, but as someone who owns both the practical and theoretical elements of ESL, I think I'll pass...

NCTBA