This course has a very practical approach. A solid grounding is provided in teaching skills and techniques. Emphasis is placed on developing awareness and sensitivity to student needs and also on general language awareness.
There is a maximum of 18 trainees per course, divided into two or three Teaching Practice (TP) groups, with a maximum of 6 trainees per TP group.
Full-time course
The full-time course takes 4 weeks (Monday to Friday) and is a highly intensive and rewarding course. Candidates are required to attend daily from 08:30 until approximately 15:30 - although starting and finishing times may vary slightly.
An Orientation Session is held on the Friday afternoon before the course starts. This is optional, but highly recommended, as it offers the opportunity for students to familiarise themselves with the campus and their fellow candidates. They are introduced to our online learning platform, shown how to work the smart boards and get their laptops connected to the printer by IT support.
This course is designed for those who are seeking an internationally accredited qualification in teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) and are willing to dedicate a full 4 weeks to developing their teaching skills and knowledge. Candidates are assessed on their teaching practice, lesson plans and written assignments. All preparation for lessons, as well as the written assignments, happens outside of course hours so applicants can realistically expect to put in 180 additional learning hours for pre-course preparation during evenings and weekends. It is not advisable to hold a part-time job or have other major commitments or responsibilities throughout the duration of the course.
The course consists of 4 elements
1. Input sessions
These include, for example:
- lesson planning;
- classroom management;
- methodology and lesson frameworks;
- language analysis from the perspective of a foreign learner.
Sessions are conducted using the learner-centred methodology that is encouraged in teaching practice, and in these sessions tutors model teaching techniques and concepts.
2. Teaching Practice
Trainees do 6 hours (8 lessons) of assessed teaching practice over the four weeks. This is a key part of the course. The trainees split into smaller groups and teach foreign volunteer students, who often have refugee status. Trainees receive guidance from the tutors in planning their lessons, and after the lessons there is a group feedback session, with oral feedback from other trainees and the tutor. The tutor also gives detailed written feedback on the lesson.
3. Observation of experienced teachers
Trainees observe a minimum of 6 hours of lessons taught by experienced, CELTA-qualified teachers. Up to three of these may be guided video observation. This is an opportunity to observe a range of teaching styles and techniques as well as a range of teaching contexts.
4. Written assignments
Based on input and teaching sessions, these are a very practical assimilation tool, which reinforce skills and knowledge development.