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      Celta - Suggestions and how tos
      Submitted by anna28 on 10 June, 2010 - 16:18

      Hello,

      I am new to the forum and hope to get some help.

      I am about to start a (Celta) course and would love to know how it works and how to get myself ready for it. What happens? how does it work?

      I read a number of things online, including that I will be asked to prepare lessons, can anyone give me details on that please? If possible I'd like to chat with people who already did that and are therefore able to tell me all I need to 'survive' 4 weeks... so intensive and challenging.

      Thanks!!!

      ‹ You Cannot be TEACHERS !? Reflection on teaching as an English teacher from China ›

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      besherry's picture
      besherry
      CELTA
      Submitted on 16 June, 2010 - 16:19

      I haven't come across the Celta course, but I think the whole point of taking a course is for you to learn, I doubt they'd expect prior knowledge from you.

      ShAlyona's picture
      ShAlyona
      CELTA
      Submitted on 16 June, 2010 - 20:04

      Hi Anna28!

      I did my CELTA almost two years ago. In a nutshell, you'll have either teach or attend your mates' lessons every day. The next day you do your self assessment (if you taught the day before) or discuss other trainees' lessons. Don't forget about lesson plans. And more to it, you'll have to do written assignments. Get ready to work under pressure. If you do what you're told, it'll work out fine.

      If you need more detail, feel free to ask (you can find me on Skype - alyona571.

      Best wishes,

       Alyona

       

       

      Heath's picture
      Heath
      Open minded, following suggestions, and hard-working....
      Submitted on 25 June, 2010 - 04:33

      Do the following:

      • go in with an open mind and willingness to learn
      • follow the suggested procedures and use the suggested techniques
      • actively use and work on advice and suggestions both from the tutors and your peers
      • treat the students as the normal, intelligent, adults that they are, while respecting their culture
      • make sure you're prepared for a very intensive 4 weeks with no other commitments on

      And you'll be absolutely fine.

      It's an 'initial' training course that is suitable for people with no previous teaching experience and doesn't require any background knowledge in grammar or linguistics, other than what the pre-course tasks guide you through.

      Quick and logical thinking, organisational skills, and a sociable outlook will all help too.

       

      An exciting course - enjoy it!

      Derek Spafford's picture
      Derek Spafford
      TE Team
      You'll be fine
      Submitted on 8 July, 2010 - 11:42

      I mirror Heath's comment's above

      Although its a while since I did my CELTA I remember it as being a very intensive, stressful experience however very enjoyable and rewarding. It you follow Heath's advice above I'm sure you'll be fine.

      Cheers

      Del  

      OzkanD's picture
      OzkanD
      Hi Anna
      Submitted on 20 September, 2010 - 22:27

      Hi Anna,

      I have just finished the CELTA. First of all, as the name suggests, it is really "intensive". Therefore, it is a good idea to stop your life for a month and just concentrate on the CELTA.Believe me you wont have any "free time" and you will miss slepping a lot :) but it worths. In CELTA, there are input sections about methodolgy, pronunciation, skills, grammar etc. And you are expected to apply in your teaching practises what you learn in the sections. You teach 6 hours in total, which means you will have 8 teaching practises (each of them 45 min.) and teachign practise and lesson plans are  the most important part of the programme. Secondly, you will observe your colleagues and give them feedback about the pros and cons of them after each teaching practise, and this is the section that you share your ideas with your colleagues and tutors. Lastly, you will have 4 written assingments. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

      Look luck..