Job Discussion Forums

Lilas · Joined: 13 Jun 2010 Posts: 16

Can anyone please point me in the direction where I can find the actual requirements of the CELTA? I've got as far as finding out how many 'experienced teacher' observation hours and actual contact hours but I was wondering in particular about how many hours unobserved teaching we have to do.

Shroob · Joined: 02 Aug 2010 Posts: 1339

Having just done a CELTA course recently, you observe an experienced teacher for 6 hours, you also teach for 6 hours (all observed). As far as I'm aware, you don't teach 'unobserved'. There are also 4 assignments to complete and input sessions to attend.

Lilas · Joined: 13 Jun 2010 Posts: 16

Thanks for the info: we have another 7 hours 'unobserved' time shared between the group, for which we are not required to submit any paperwork. We are however obliged to stay for it so it's making for a long day!

Shroob · Joined: 02 Aug 2010 Posts: 1339

Yeah the days are definitely long, but I you do learn a lot in a short space of time. Plus when you're observing fellow students you can still pick up tips and ideas.

I was fortunate that the group I did my course with were excellent, we all hung out after class (even the tutors!) and got on really well.

Shroob · Joined: 02 Aug 2010 Posts: 1339

Yeah the days are definitely long, but I you do learn a lot in a short space of time. Plus when you're observing fellow students you can still pick up tips and ideas.

I was fortunate that the group I did my course with were excellent, we all hung out after class (even the tutors!) and got on really well.

Lilas · Joined: 13 Jun 2010 Posts: 16

We're all getting on fine too, but there's no time to hang out after class... we are timetabled for 150 hours over the 4 weeks. I assumed we would have 120 hours shown on our timetables - contact hours - so am wondering what is counted as a contact hour.

woodenfloor · Joined: 11 Jun 2011 Posts: 9 Location: Glasgow, UK

The thing with giving people info on the CELTA is that it's good to go into it feeling a bit nervous. It is quite intense, right from the off and you will do little else but focus on the course for the 4 weeks. There's a good chance you will get stressed out a points so it's good to go prepared for this.

At the same time, imo it's not that hard. Put in the effort and I can't see anyone failing it, I also managed a few relaxing nights off a week, and a night out. and the work is broken down into short manageable chunks. the assignments and teaching preps are doable in single sittings which helps as work is sort of done, then out the way.

I don't have a degree and haven't done any college type stuff in about 8 years so it's not like I'm particularly clever or anything.