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| Do you have a CELTA? |
| Yes |
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34% |
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| No |
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63% |
[ 35 ] |
| Currently studying CELTA |
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1% |
[ 1 ] |
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| Total Votes : 55 |
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Whistleblower
Joined: 03 Feb 2007
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 Posted: Sun May 25, 2008 7:53 pm Post subject: |
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| bassexpander wrote: |
| Whistleblower wrote: |
| A CELTA is a prerequisite if you want to teach adults. |
In the eyes of who? |
What CELTA experience have you had? Ohh yeah, none. You haven't taken the course but decide to make it out as a waste of money. 
Stop jabbering on about how bad the CELTA is if you don't know or have any experience about it. |
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bassexpander
Joined: 13 Sep 2007
Location: Someplace you'd rather be.
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| Posted: Sun May 25, 2008 9:56 pm Post subject: |
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| Whistleblower wrote: |
| bassexpander wrote: |
| Whistleblower wrote: |
| A CELTA is a prerequisite if you want to teach adults. |
In the eyes of who? |
What CELTA experience have you had? Ohh yeah, none. You haven't taken the course but decide to make it out as a waste of money.
Stop jabbering on about how bad the CELTA is if you don't know or have any experience about it. |
Stop making the CELTA look bad by making stupid, blanket statements that are 100% untrue.
Prerequisite my ass.
Again I ask, in the eyes of who?
Last edited by bassexpander on Sun May 25, 2008 9:56 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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agoodmouse
Joined: 20 Dec 2007
Location: Anyang
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| Posted: Sun May 25, 2008 9:56 pm Post subject: |
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| bassexpander wrote: |
| A more interesting thread would be for those who work at universities, but needed the CELTA to get their job. The problem is, every CELTA fan and thier socks would be clicking "YES" as has been done here. |
Bassexpander, hard to say. A CELTA isn't a requirement for any job in Korea. It shouldn't be, not to say I don't value it any less. An interview of a job candidate should, however, include a demonstration lesson or other evaluation (below), so an employer can make an evaluation about whether to hire someone.
As we all know, the vast majority of GEPIK/SMOE/EPIK are hired by phone interview, and a face to face interview is admittedly rare in such programs. Which brings me to a question which isn't hard to answer.
As for university teachers, who likely aren't evaluated via demo lesson, the most important point of evaluation should to present a ready curriculum, syllabus, and grading rubric to your interviewer for the English teaching position you're being interviewed for. My two friends who work at universities didn't have those 3 things. Admittedly, one was hired based on his having an M.A., the other with one year public school experience and no M.A.
Bassexpander, and anyone who is at a university: were you asked for such things in your interview? |
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bassexpander
Joined: 13 Sep 2007
Location: Someplace you'd rather be.
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| Posted: Sun May 25, 2008 9:59 pm Post subject: |
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Our teachers are/were screened by a group of 5 to 8 Korean professors, and we have/had to give demo lessons as well. As for what they asked specifically, I can't remember (it was 3 years ago) but there were many questions.
I'd tell you to apply mouse, but they don't seem to hire gyopos for these positions (which is really a shame IMHO). |
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Whistleblower
Joined: 03 Feb 2007
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| Posted: Sun May 25, 2008 10:03 pm Post subject: |
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| bassexpander wrote: |
| Stop making the CELTA look bad by making stupid, blanket statements that are 100% untrue. |
So have you taken the CELTA? |
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bassexpander
Joined: 13 Sep 2007
Location: Someplace you'd rather be.
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| Posted: Sun May 25, 2008 10:06 pm Post subject: |
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| Whistleblower wrote: |
| bassexpander wrote: |
| Stop making the CELTA look bad by making stupid, blanket statements that are 100% untrue. |
So have you taken the CELTA? |
I'll tell you if I've taken the CELTA if you tell us who says it's a pre-requisite for teaching adults.
Remember, I asked you first. |
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Whistleblower
Joined: 03 Feb 2007
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| Posted: Sun May 25, 2008 10:08 pm Post subject: |
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bassexpander
Joined: 13 Sep 2007
Location: Someplace you'd rather be.
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| Posted: Sun May 25, 2008 10:15 pm Post subject: |
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| My answer will only prove you a liar. |
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Fishead soup
Joined: 24 Jun 2007
Location: Korea
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| Posted: Sun May 25, 2008 10:18 pm Post subject: |
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| Drew345 wrote: |
I also got it in Bangkok. Great experience.
Doing observed teaching with feedback from peers and instructors for a month is a great way to improve skills.
Maybe not required here in Seoul, but good for skill improvement. |
Barfining, Soapy slidies. Threesomes |
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Whistleblower
Joined: 03 Feb 2007
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| Posted: Sun May 25, 2008 10:21 pm Post subject: |
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Now Bassexpander the first paragraph of information about the CELTA is highlighted for your perusal. Please note that a CELTA is an internationally recognised teaching qualification that will make it easier for getting a teaching job. Personally, I think that the CELTA should be a prerequisite for teaching adults whilst an online TEFL Course should be provided for those coming to Korea to teach in a Public School or Private Hagwon. It is that opinion which has led me to believe that those without a CELTA shall continue to be in the same teaching position whilst those that really take there career importantly will develop professionally.
Nice to see that your advice is:
1. Don't do the CELTA, it's too expensive.
2. Do an online course, I know it ain't got the teaching practice nor the lesson feedback but it ain't important.
3. Don't listen to those people who have done the CELTA, they are all trying to profit from the CELTA.
I think you should start to get a grip with your career and as you have been in Korea for a while, do yourself a favour and stop making yourself look like a
| Quote: |
Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA)
Teaching English to speakers of other languages can be a highly rewarding career, offering you the chance to live and work abroad. You will need an internationally recognised teaching qualification, and CELTA � highly regarded throughout the world � gives you the skills you need and will make it easier to get a teaching job anywhere.
What is CELTA?
CELTA is an initial qualification for people with little or no previous teaching experience and opens up a whole world of exciting teaching opportunities. Because it is awarded by Cambridge ESOL, part of the world-famous University of Cambridge, you can rely on its quality and recognition.
CELTA can also be taken as Module One of the Certificate in Further Education Teaching Stage 3 with the Certificate for ESOL Subject Specialists, which is a qualification for teachers who want to specialise in teaching English in Further, Adult and Community Education in England and Wales.
Over 10,000 people successfully complete a CELTA course each year.
How does CELTA relate to TEFL/TESOL?
'TEFL' or 'TESOL' are terms often used to describe qualifications for English Language teachers. CELTA, the best known and most widely taken initial TESOL/TEFL qualification of its kind in the world, was previously known as CTEFLA and the 'RSA certificate'.
Who is CELTA for?
People starting a career in English Language teaching
You may be considering a career in English Language teaching and view CELTA as an entry into a good teaching position in another country, or you may be a graduate wanting a qualification that provides a sound basis in the fundamentals of language teaching practice and gives you the confidence to take control in the classroom.
People looking for a career change or career break
Increasingly, CELTA candidates are professionals either looking for a new career opportunity or wanting a short break in their existing career. Many seek the exciting opportunities of living and working abroad. Whether you wish to teach English for the short or long term, CELTA gives you the training you need to help you adjust to a dynamic and challenging new profession.
People teaching English without formal qualifications
CELTA can also be a useful qualification for teachers who have little previous formal training. CELTA sharpens your teaching practice, confirms your ability, and may even lead to internal promotion or a better teaching job.
People who want to work in Further, Adult and Community Education in England and Wales
CELTA is also Module One of a 2 module course leading to the following qualifications:
o Certificate in Further Education Teaching at Stage 3
o Certificate for ESOL Subject Specialists
These qualifications meet the UK government's teacher training requirements for people who want to work in this sector.
What does CELTA involve?
You can take CELTA full time (typically four to five weeks), or part time (from a few months to over a year). Your chosen course:
* teaches you the principles of effective teaching
* provides a range of practical skills for teaching English to adult learners
* gives you hands-on teaching practice
* builds your confidence.
There are five main units of learning:
* Learners and teachers, and the teaching and learning context
* Language analysis and awareness
* Language skills: reading, listening, speaking and writing
* Planning and resources for different contexts
* Developing teaching skills and professionalism.
You will be assessed throughout the course, with no final examination. An external assessor, appointed by Cambridge ESOL, moderates each course. There are two components of assessment:
1. Teaching practice
You will teach for a total of 6 hours, working with classes at two levels of ability. Assessment is based on your overall performance at the end of the 6 hours.
2. Written assignments
You will complete four written assignments: one focusing on adult learning; one on the language system of English; one on language skills; and one on classroom teaching.
To be awarded the certificate you must pass both components. There are three grades � Pass, Pass 'B' and Pass 'A'.
Who recognises CELTA?
CELTA is accepted throughout the world by organisations which employ English Language teachers. The Cambridge CELTA has been accredited by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) at Level 4 on the National Qualifications Framework. Cambridge ESOL also works with international ELT organisations to ensure the acceptance of CELTA globally.
Am I eligible to apply?
Ideally you should:
* have a standard of education equivalent to that required for entry into higher education
* be aged 20 or over
* have a standard of English which will enable you to teach at a range of levels.
Centres may still accept you if you do not have formal qualifications at this level but can demonstrate that you would be likely to complete the course successfully. Some centres may, at their discretion, accept applicants aged between 18 and 20.
How do I apply?
CELTA courses are designed by individual centres, based on specifications produced by Cambridge ESOL. They are available at over 286 approved centres in 54 countries, providing almost 900 CELTA courses every year.
Contact your chosen centre directly for detailed course information.
Apply to become a CELTA centre, using our online application form. |
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agoodmouse
Joined: 20 Dec 2007
Location: Anyang
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| Posted: Sun May 25, 2008 10:36 pm Post subject: |
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| bassexpander wrote: |
| I'd tell you to apply mouse, but they don't seem to hire gyopos for these positions (which is really a shame IMHO). |
I'm not.
| bassexpander wrote: |
| As you'll find, they are a smug lot -- many of which are apparently unable to land a university job here. I suspect this has to do with attitude, rather than true teaching ability. In all honesty, I don't know. |
And bassexpander, despite your unmerited self-anointed importance, not everyone needs or wants university work. |
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Charriere
Joined: 01 May 2008
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| Posted: Sun May 25, 2008 10:43 pm Post subject: |
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I did a CELTA before starting my current position with SMOE. I have found it to be really useful and do not regret for a minute taking it (even though it was quite expensive when compared to other courses that were on offer). I studied in the UK (this may or may not make a difference with regard to the level of teaching that I received) alongside 4 other students and we were taught by 2 very insightful, experienced and encouraging tutors.
I would reccommend the CELTA to anyone planning to teach ESL - I appreciate it isn't required specifically to work in Korea however I feel that the assessed classes and sheer volume of material that you cover can only improve you as a teacher.
Like most things, i believe it's better to learn how to do things correctly before form the start. Bad habits can be hard to change! |
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bassexpander
Joined: 13 Sep 2007
Location: Someplace you'd rather be.
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| Posted: Sun May 25, 2008 11:06 pm Post subject: |
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| Whistleblower wrote: |
Now Bassexpander the first paragraph of information about the CELTA is highlighted for your perusal. Please note that a CELTA is an internationally recognised teaching qualification that will make it easier for getting a teaching job.
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Really just about every other TEFL certification claims this. Whoopie. Thanks for the advertising.
"Internationally recognized" but not needed in Korea. Not even recognized by most schools, actually. Needed in many countries where you'll make considerably less money than in Korea, however.
| Whistleblower wrote: |
Personally, I think that the CELTA should be a prerequisite for teaching adults whilst an online TEFL Course should be provided for those coming to Korea to teach in a Public School or Private Hagwon. It is that opinion which has led me to believe that those without a CELTA shall continue to be in the same teaching position whilst those that really take there career importantly will develop professionally.
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I don't think so. Then again, I don't work for the same company as the CELTA, as you admitted to previously. I suppose that if I worked for Ford, I would feel everyone should be driving a Ford.
| Whistleblower wrote: |
Nice to see that your advice is:
1. Don't do the CELTA, it's too expensive.
2. Do an online course, I know it ain't got the teaching practice nor the lesson feedback but it ain't important.
3. Don't listen to those people who have done the CELTA, they are all trying to profit from the CELTA.
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No, actually, I think it's quite obvious that my advice is, and always has been as follows:
I have a BA.
I didn't need a certification from TEFL International, or CELTA for my university job. I didn't need a TEFL International certificate for my university job.
I didn't need ANY certification.
You don't need a CELTA or a certificate from TEFL International in Korea -- especially if you are going to teach kids. Can you learn something taking the CELTA or getting a TEFL International certificate? You bet. I knock the CELTA a lot, but I like the British Council's website for Task-Based Learning activities. I also use books published by Cambridge. Good stuff. Highly recommended!
The rule of thumb I tell people to follow in regards to TEFL certification, however, goes something like this:
If you are....
... in Korea for just a year or two, and have no plans to teach elsewhere after, don't bother with any TEFL certification.
... in Korea for 3 to 4 years, plan to move on and teach in another country, or stay working a public school job, get a low-cost, approved TEFL course (many are below $400, and can be done via distance. Just make sure they are over 100 hours). If you plan to move around the world and teach in countries that respect the British system, then get a CELTA. All of these certifications (including the CELTA) are next to useless in the USA.
... in Korea for 5 or more years, you should get, or make plans to get, some kind of teaching certification or an MA in Education/TESOL. You could get a CELTA, but if you've been teaching for more than 4 years, I'd say it's a waste of money.
Remember, the CELTA costs about US $1,500 to $2,500, depending on where you take it. The full TEFL International course is going to be similiar in price (it was last I checked). Korea is naturally much more expensive for the CELTA. One could almost say they gouge you here (when they even offer it), but maybe it's the extra cost of buildings or something -- who knows. Don't forget to factor in flight costs, housing costs, and lost work costs for up to 5 weeks. Any flight costs you'd save by taking it in Korea are squashed by the high price of taking it here (unless prices have changed that I'm not aware of).
I added it all up, and found that I'd be out over 4 million won if I took the CELTA, counting lost work time. Even at a 100,000 won per hour raise for having it, that will take you more than a few years to recoup the costs at a public school job.
Not worth it, given my situation. Neither is TEFL International.
Remember: MANY OF THESE CERTIFICATES ARE ONLY ACCREDITED BY THE COMPANIES/GROUPS THEY ARE OFFERED BY.
Would you seek medical care from a doctor who is only a doctor because he passed his own accreditation to become a doctor, and therefore certified himself? Now how about paying that doctor $1,500 to $2,500 for medical care which you don't need, and missing 5 weeks of paid work in the process?
Again, I work at a university, and I didn't need a CELTA or a piece of paper from TEFL International to get my job here. Neither did any of my coworkers, or coworkers at the large SKY uni down the street (few uni teachers in Korea needed it). You don't need one to work at a hagwon, either.
If you seek to increase your pay by 100,000 to 200,000 per month because you work at a public school in Korea, then look into one of the many low-cost TEFL certificate courses offered by companies like ITTT, KEI-TEFL, etc.. Oh, and if you want a lead on a really nice program being offered in Busan, send a PM to Yum Bum Suk. The on-site program he took sounded really great, and it's being offered by a founder of EFL-Law. You can find out about that by clicking on the banner link currently running on this site. The course is taught in person by Rod Ellis, an internationally-praised leader in the EFL industry. If you have been teaching for a while, would be far more interesting than being taught by a bunch of indocrinated trainers who have been trained to tell you you suck and that their way is the only way...
Lastly,
If you plan on teaching around the globe in countries which respect the British system, then consider the CELTA. Also consider, however, that most of these countries will not offer pay/benefits at the level of which you can receive in Korea WITHOUT the need for an expensive TEFL certification.
If you want to spend the $1500 to $2500 it costs to get one of these high-priced certifications just so you can "better yourself," then go for it. Whatever floats your boat. |
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Whistleblower
Joined: 03 Feb 2007
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| Posted: Mon May 26, 2008 12:36 am Post subject: |
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So Mr. Bassexpander when you go back to whatever little place you came from, you will find it difficult to find a job without a TEFL Certificate perhaps earning less than other people because you aren't qualified to teach English as a foreign language.
Good luck and I hope you do try to change your career path, as a career in TEFL perhaps isn't for you. |
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aarontendo
Joined: 08 Feb 2006
Location: Daegu-ish
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| Posted: Mon May 26, 2008 2:06 am Post subject: |
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Eh he does sorta have a point. People here don't generally know what the CELTA is. I was pretty satisfied with the course overall so I don't regret taking it. If someone's taking it purely for the sake of being more marketable in Korea, there are cheaper options.
I do think it's a quality program though, but a spendy one too.
I |
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