Job Discussion Forums

[Flicka]

http://www.cambridgeesol.org/what-we-do/newsroom/2011/delta-master-qualification-level.html

But will this mean that DELTA-holders will be able to get those jobs in the middle east that are "masters only" positions currently? How long will it take for this to "catch on", so to speak...

[the_thinker]

Being at the same level in the framework doesn't equate to being equal or equivalent, though. At level 7 you also have PGCerts and the PGDips; if you only do 1/3 of an MA course you can be awarded a PGCert, and if you do the whole taught component but not the dissertation you can be awarded a PGDip. But of course that doesn't mean that a PGCert, a PGDip and a Masters are actually equal.

[Flicka]

Thank you for explaining, all makes more sense now! (You've answered other questions I've been pondering related to this!)

[fladude]

It also just applies to the UK and those countries using the English system. If they use the American system.... it might not hold the same weight. I doubt you could teach at a US style university with just a DELTA, for example. Most people here don't know what a CELTA/DELTA is. But everyone understands an MA.

[Skyblue2]

It's also on the same level (5 I think) as an MA in New Zealand's Qualifications Framework. That doesn't mean that it is recognized as equivalent. Many MAs don't even have a dissertation though, so I'd say it's pretty much on par with an MA.

[GambateBingBangBOOM]

[Skyblue2]

If you look at a lot of the MAs out there, I wouldn't say they're all that demanding and, most importantly, I don't think a lot of them screen candidates with the same rigor as Trinity or Cambridge.

There are MA TESOL programs out there from recognized UK unis that don't require 1) a BA, or 2) any teaching experience, and 3) don't include any research component.

The LTCL Dip. TESOL 1) has a small-scale research component, 2) has on-site quality assurance in the form of external vetting of candidates and externally administered exams, and 3) includes actual observed classroom teaching practice.

If I were to hire a teacher, I would go for a Dip. TESOL or DELTA person, especially someone with a high pass score, rather than an MA TESOL person in general. And I'd be pretty confident that they would be roughly on par in terms of theoretical knowledge.

It's true, though, that the diploma-level qualifications are only really useful in the UK or at organizations like the British Council. Most employers in the Middle East, Japan, Korea, etc. want the MA TESOL.

[scot47]

DELTA is certainly more linked to what happens in the world of the classroom.

I have met people with MA's and PhD's who could not teach for toffee !

[Sashadroogie]

Quite so.