Online
CELTA Course Introduction for Full Time and Online
The CELTA (University of Cambridge Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) is the most widely recognised qualification within the English language teaching (ELT) profession.
Awarded by the University of Cambridge ESOL , the CELTA can open up a whole world of exciting teaching opportunities around the world. Most language schools worldwide require their teachers to have such a certificate, as it guarantees that a basic level of teaching competence has been achieved by the teacher.
CELTA course key points
- The CELTA is designed for teachers who are starting a career in education, looking for a career change, or looking to develop their repertoire.
- CELTA is not only for native speakers of English; it is also a great opportunity for non-native teachers of English, as it offers rewards in terms of both personal professional development and enhanced job prospects. However, the required command of English is that of Proficiency (CPE) or C1 within the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), i.e. close to native speaker's competence.
- The CELTA Online is designed for students who want the flexibility of doing part of the course at a distance. However you weill be required to be present twice a week in weeks 6-9.
- CELTA Part Time takes place two days a week over a ten week period.
CELTA course aims to:
- provide you with a sound basis in language teaching practice and give you confidence in the classroom;
- give you the training you need to help you meet the challenge of your new profession, wherever you are in the world;
- provide you with a sound base of modern English teaching that will complement your classroom practice;
- help you learn techniques to improve your interaction with speakers of other languages.
- Once you have gained your qualification you will have the skills and knowledge to teach English at any level to a wide variety of students in almost any country in the world where English is a requirement for work, leisure and life.
Candidates who complete the course successfully can begin working in a variety of ESOL teaching contexts around the world.
Find a TEFL Job Post CELTA
As a StudyCELTA trainee, you will be able to sign up for free to our TEFL jobs website www.teflwork.com. TEFLwork is a platform only for qualified English teachers and will allow you to find work both at home and abroad with your newly gained CELTA certificate.
CELTA Course Entry Criteria
To be accepted for the CELTA course in Palermo, applicants must fulfil the following criteria:
- A minimum age of 18 at the start of the CELTA course
- A good standard of education* (e.g. having gained university entrance qualifications, i.e. completed high school)
- Awareness and high level of competence in written and spoken English in order to be able to follow the course and prepare for teaching a range of levels
- For non-native speakers, the required command of English is that of Proficiency (CPE) or C1 within the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), i.e. close to native speaker's competence.
- No previous teaching experience required
CELTA Course Structure & Content - Palermo
The CELTA course is an introduction to the teaching of English as a foreign language and aims to lay a firm foundation on which a teacher can build as s/he gains experience. During the course, the following aspects are covered:
- Introduction to the underlying principles of teaching language;Ways of presenting new language items
- Techniques for further practice with emphasis on speaking
- Use of visual aids, drama techniques and video
- The listening skill, including use of taped material
- The reading skill, including use of authentic material and readers
- The writing skill
- Using, Adapting, Creating and exploiting materials and course books
- Alternative approaches to language teaching
- Analysis of language from a foreign learner's point of view
- Correction techniques
- Teaching pronunciation
CELTA Syllabus
The syllabus consists of five units of learning that deal with specific topic areas in the teaching of ESOL:
- Unit 1: Learners and teachers, and the teaching and learning context
- Unit 2: Language analysis and awareness
- Unit 3: Language skills: reading, listening, speaking and writing
- Unit 4: Planning and resources for different teaching contexts
- Unit 5: Developing teaching skills and professionalism
Units 1, 4 and 5 focus on the preparation and delivery of ESOL teaching programmes. Units 2 and 3 focus on the content of ESOL teaching programmes as well as the pedagogic knowledge required for teaching language and language skills.
The course is divided into two closely related parts: Teaching Practice and Written Assignments.
Methodology and language analysis input sessions are followed by daily teaching practice where groups of up to six trainees work with small classes of students and gain experience of teaching at different levels.
After each teaching practice session there is group and individual feedback about the lessons taught. The observation of experienced teachers is an intrinsic part of the course and its assessment and requires trainees to be in the centre during the evening outside course hours for full-time courses and between 4pm and 9pm for part-time courses.
The course is designed internally by the centre, but in line with the CELTA Syllabus and Cambridge ESOL regulations.
CELTA Course Assessment – Palermo
Assessment overview
CELTA is awarded at the Training Centre in Palermo to candidates who have completed the course and who have met the assessment criteria for all written and practical assignments.
The overall assessment aims for each unit are that candidates should be able to:
- Assess learner needs, and plan and teach lessons which take account of learners’ backgrounds, learning preferences and current needs
- Demonstrate language knowledge and awareness and appropriate teaching strategies
- Demonstrate knowledge about language skills and how they may be acquired
- Plan and prepare lessons designed to develop their learners’ overall language competence
- Demonstrate an appropriate range of teaching skills at this level and show professional awareness and responsibility
Assessment framework
There are two components:
Component 1: Planning and teaching
In this component, candidates are required to practice teach for a total of six assessed hours, working with adult learners at a minimum of two levels in classes of the required size. By the end of the six hours of assessed teaching practice, candidates should have demonstrated successful achievement of all the teaching practice assessment criteria.
Component 2: Classroom-related written assignments (of which there are four assignments in total).
This component consists of four written assignments:
- Adult learners and learning contexts
- Aspect of the language system of English
- Aspect of language skills
- Reflection on classroom teaching and the identification of action points
The assignments are internally assessed and externally moderated.
Assessment requirements
To meet the assessment requirements, candidates are required to attend a course and to:
- Practice teach classes of the relevant age group and size for a total of six hours
- Observe experienced teachers teaching classes of adult learners for a total of six hours, two of which may be on video
- Maintain and submit a portfolio of all course work including all written assignments and materials related to teaching practice.
Mode of assessment
Assessment is continuous and integrated:
- Assessment takes place throughout the course.
- Component 1 and 2 contribute to the overall grade.
CELTA Certificate Grades
The Certificate will be awarded to candidates who meet the course requirements and whose performance meets, or exceeds, the criteria in both assessment components. Candidates are ineligible for the award in cases where dishonesty or plagiarism is brought to the attention of Cambridge ESOL Teaching Awards.
CELTA is internally assessed and externally moderated by a Cambridge ESOL approved assessor who samples portfolios and teaching practice and who discusses and agrees the grades for all candidates.
A Pass
This grade is awarded to candidates whose performance overall in the teaching practice and in the written assignments meets the specified criteria.
They will continue to need guidance to help them to develop and broaden their range of skills as teachers in post.
Pass (Grade B)
This grade is awarded to candidates whose performance in the written assignments meets the specified criteria and who have demonstrated in their teaching practice a level of achievement significantly higher than that required to meet pass-level criteria in relation to: Demonstration of the criteria for teaching skills and professionalism.
They will continue to need some guidance to help them to develop and broaden their range of skills as teachers in post.
A Pass (Grade A)
This grade is awarded to candidates whose performance in the written assignments meets the specified criteria and who have demonstrated in their teaching practice a level of ability and achievement and a level of awareness significantly higher than that required to meet pass-level criteria in relation to:
- Planning for effective teaching
- Teaching skills and professionalism
They will benefit from further guidance in post but will be able to work independently.
Candidates who fail to meet criteria in any or all assessed components will receive a Fail.
How to Apply for the CELTA in Palermo, Italy
If you believe you meet the requirements to do the CELTA course, fill in our online application. After completing your application and any necessary pre-interview tasks you will be invited to an interview which can be conducted in person, by telephone or via Skype.
Please note: Your place is not confirmed on a course until you have been accepted and have paid a non-refundable deposit.
Unsure if you are Eligible to Apply for CELTA?
If you are unsure if you meet the requirements to apply for a CELTA course then you can take our CELTA Eligibility Test.
