Cambridge DELTA Diploma Course: Dublin, Ireland

Teacher Training in Dublin, Ireland

DELTA Introduction - Dublin

The DELTA Diploma offered in Dublin is a high-level, internationally-recognised teaching qualification designed to

• improve your understanding of the principles and practices of teaching
• deepen your understanding of the English language and how it is described
• reflect on your current teaching practices and beliefs
• put into practice what you have learned as a teacher
• prepare you to move to a more senior role, perhaps in academic management or teacher training

The DELTA course programme includes

• 120 contact input hours
• 10 hours of teaching practice
• About 300 hours of reading, research and assignment writing
• observation of teachers (peers, DVD and experienced teachers)
• written assignments
• an extended assignment
• a written examination

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DELTA Structure

The DELTA course comprises 3 modules:

Module 1: Background to teaching and learning ESOL in a range of contexts

Assessment: Written examination (externally assessed). Exams for DELTA Module 1 take place every year in June and December.

The exam can be taken at any accredited DELTA Examination Center around the world; it doesn’t need to be taken in Dublin.

Module 2: Principles and professional practice of teaching ESOL in a range of contexts

Assessment: Five assessed written assignments, incorporating background essays, lesson plans and observed teaching practice (four assignments are assessed internally and one is assessed externally).

Module 3: Chosen ELT specialism, e.g. Teaching English for Specific Purposes

Assessment: An extended assignment of 4,000-4,500 words (externally assessed), it needs to be submitted to Cambridge ESOL for assessment.

On successful completion of each module, candidates receive a diploma for the relevant module.

On completion and achievement of the 3 diplomas, you will be awarded with an overall DELTA Diploma that proofs that you have successfully accomplished the 3 Modules.

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DELTA Entry Criteria - Dublin

Applicant requirements

In order to apply for the DELTA, you should:

• have a first degree (or equivalent) be at least 21 years old
• have at least 2 years’ full time (1,200 hours) experience of teaching English to adults within the past 5 years
• have taught in a variety of different contexts and at variety of different levels have an initial recognised teaching qualification (CELTA or equivalent)
• have a standard of English which will enable you to teach a range of levels

Selection Procedure

Selection of candidates is based on the completion of the application form and language Tasks, followed by an interview with one of the Dublin DELTA tutors. Interviews are conducted face to face, alternatively, for those not residing within the Dublin area; the interview can be done on Skype or over the phone at your own cost.

Applicants are selected based on the assessment of their suitability for the course and is at the discretion of the Head of Teacher Training in Dublin.

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DELTA Overview of Syllabus

Module One: Understanding language, methodology and resources for teaching

This module focuses on the background to teaching and learning ESOL in a range of contexts.

1. Theoretical perspectives on language acquisition and language teaching
2. Different approaches and methodologies, including current developments
3. Language systems and learners’ linguistic problems
4. Language skills and learners’ problems
5. Knowledge of resources, materials and reference sources for language learning
6. Key concepts and terminology related to assessment

Module Two: Developing Professional Practice

This module looks at the theory and practice of teaching and a range of factors which affect teaching and learning:

1. The language learner and the language learning context
2. Preparation for teaching adult learners of English
3. Evaluating, selecting and using resources and materials for teaching purposes
4. Managing and supporting learning
5. Evaluation of lesson preparation and teaching
6. Observation/evaluation of other teachers’ lessons
7. Professionalism and opportunities for professional development

Module Three: Extending practice and English language teaching specialisation

1. Research into specialist areas
2. Syllabus design: principles, influences on, methodological effects of, and major syllabus types as applied to the specific learning context
3. Designing syllabus and teaching programmes to meet the needs of learners in the specific context of their selected specialisation
4. Course design and development in the specific context of their selected specialisation
5. The principles and practice of testing and assessment and application to the candidate's specialist area

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DELTA Assessment - Dublin

There are 3 assessment components in the DELTA:

• The Written Examination (Module 1)
• Course work (Module 2)
• The Extended Assignment (Module 3)

Overview of assessment

Module One

Module One is assessed via a written examination. This consists of 2 papers on the same day of 1 hour 30 minutes each, with a 30 minute break between. This examination tests:

• your knowledge of ELT terminology and key methodological issues
• the purpose and pedagogy of ELT materials and tests
• your ability to analyse authentic text and learner language

Module Two

Module Two is assessed via the following course work components:

• Two assessed Language Systems Assignments (grammar, lexis, pronunciation or discourse)
• Two assessed Language Skills Assignments (speaking, writing, reading or listening)

For each systems or skills assignment, you will write a 2,500-word background essay exploring both theory and practice and you will also plan and teach a lesson based on this research. Three of these assignments are internally assessed and one is your final ‘external’ assessment at our centre, with a Cambridge approved external assessor.

• A two-part Professional Development Assignment. Part One is a critical appraisal of the development of your teaching practice during the course. Part Two is a practical experiment with a new teaching approach or technique.

Module Three

Module Three is assessed via a 4,000-4,500 word Extended Assignment, based on your chosen specialisation. It is supervised by your course tutor but marked externally by Cambridge ESOL.

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DELTA Course Dates and Fees - Dublin

The Teacher Training Center in Dublin offers the DELTA course on a part time basis, two afternoons a week over a period of 30 weeks:

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