Elevating ELT Excellence (Advanced Methodology and DELTA preparation)

Course description:

This Methodology Course has been designed to meet the needs of CELTA-qualified and experienced teachers who would like to refresh their knowledge in methodology, get some insightful ideas from academic articles and books of well-known experts, collaborate with like-minded colleagues and get ready for DELTA.

The course, commencing on October 15th, comprises a series of modules, each dedicated to a specific topical area and featuring sample DM1 task types as well as other DELTA-level assignments. The participants will get engaged in insightful discussions, access curated articles and books, and leverage our interactive Telegram channel to share opinions and witness diverse responses. At the beginning of each module, you will be able to get a list of useful resources, work on some tasks and consolidate your learning through engaging webinars, where we will discuss and clarify answers.

Who is running the course?

Anna Kashcheeva

Founder of Teacher-Mentor Learning Community, MSc in Educational Management from the University of Portsmouth, EFL Teacher, CELTA and Delta trainer

Anna Kashcheeva delivers a wide range of online and offline training courses including exam preparation, teacher training and specialism ones such as CELTA & DELTA, EFL Methodology, Teaching Young Learners, Teaching One-to-One as well as designing more tailored courses for different educational establishments.

Aims

Throughout this immersive course, you will:

• enhance your familiarity with ELT terminology, vital concepts, and influential theories
• collaborate and connect with like-minded peers, fostering a supportive community of learning
• get guidance in registering for the DELTA Module 1 exam, DELTA Module 3 submission or Module Two course through one of the affiliated centres
• acquire the confidence needed to tackle DM1 tasks effectively, employing proven exam strategies
• become better aware of what written assignments for Module 2 course (and Module 3) are like and how to work on them

Who is the course for
The course is tailored to you if you resonate with any of the following:
- you are a CELTA qualified teacher with a foundation of teaching experience
- you are an experienced teacher who’s keen on staying updated with modern methodologies
- DELTA is on your horizon, and you’re seriously considering it as a future endeavour
- brushing up on essential terms and concepts excites you, igniting your passion for growth
- more practice with DELTA-level assignments is what you crave, feeding your appetite for improvement

Methods

• you will get materials via our Telegram channel
• you will get some questions and tasks as part of a week-long binge of a particular topic or task exploration
• you will learn, collaborate and share your ideas with others
• you will see other responses in our chat
• there will be a webinar on topical areas of each module to discuss all possible strategies, recommended answers, confirming relevant ideas and sharing some useful tips

Special offers

- If exploring the DM1 format has piqued your interest and you’ve set your sights on taking the DELTA Module 1 challenge in June, you can get feedback on your responses on all tasks and assistance in arranging a trip to one of the affiliated exam centre to take the exam
- If you are considering signing up for a part-time or full time DELTA Module 2 course, you may receive tips on written assignments and get guidance in applying for online or offline Module 2 course through one of the affiliated centres
- You can understand the requirements of the third module, pick your area of specialism and start working on the extended assignment
- For those who are eager to delve deeper and work in small groups or pairs, there is a system of study buddies with weekly meet-ups with peers, reporting on your achievements on a rota basis, consolidating and sharing ideas on written works on the topics of your chose

It will be useful for both CELTA graduates and DELTA-qualified teachers as the content areas are selected to cater for the needs of teachers who want to bridge from CELTA to DELTA or go beyond the methods and techniques that you use all the time. I hope this course will inspire you to do further research, help you become a reflective practitioner and bring about a change in your attitude to some methods.

NB: Although this course can be a useful introductory course for potential DELTA Module 1 takers, we cannot guarantee that you’ll pass the exam with flying colours without doing research on ELT methodology and putting effort into the study.

Syllabus

Module 1 How Languages are Learnt and What Teachers Need to Keep in Mind

In this introductory module, we delve into the influential theories of first and second language acquisition that shape teaching approaches and methodologies. You’ll be provided with valuable resources like videos and excerpts from reference books to grasp the essence of the communicative approach and the evolving ’post-communicative’ perspective. Additionally, we’ll guide you in reflecting on your learning experience and teaching practice to amplify the impact of your lessons. By the end of the module, you’ll have refreshed essential terminology, refined your response skills for DELTA Module 1 Part 1 Tasks 1 and 2, and gained a deeper understanding of what awaits you in Module 2 and 3.

Module 2 Lesson planning and syllabus design

Our Module Two focuses on exploring the fundamental elements of a successful DELTA-level lesson and familiarizing ourselves with common lesson structures. We’ll delve into the concept of syllabuses and understand the key features to pay attention to. As the month progresses, we’ll dive into the evaluation of coursebook materials and crafting responses to DELTA Module 1 Part 1 Task 3.

Module 3 Productive Tasks

Get ready to dive into the area of developing productive skills and the art of adapting ready-made materials. We’ll explore strategies to actively engage our students in the learning process, foster student-generated activities, and cultivate higher-order thinking skills. Towards the end of the module, you’ll have the opportunity to showcase your own creatively designed tasks while reflecting on your students’ valuable contributions to classroom activities. And not to forget, we’ll also tackle DELTA Module 1 Part 1 Task 4 together.

Module 4 Language Awareness for Teachers and Language Systems Analysis

In our discussions this week, we’ll delve into the fascinating realm of word knowledge and grammar analysis. We’ll explore different types of meanings, how words interrelate, and ways to expand our understanding of the English language systems. Through text analysis, we’ll identify vocabulary items and grammar structures that we can effectively clarify based on our students’ levels and specific needs. While teachers typically possess solid knowledge of grammar rules and systematics, it’s always valuable to reconsider our conventional perspectives. We’ll explore the connection between ’descriptive’ and ’pedagogical’ grammars, delve into the concept of ’distance,’ and unravel the extrinsic and intrinsic meanings of modal verbs, among other engaging grammar-related topics. By the end of the week, you’ll have the opportunity to share your insights and responses to DELTA Module 1 Part 1 Tasks 5.

Module 5 Assessment

In this module, we will focus on test exploration and assessment insights. We’ll examine excerpts from various tests, dissecting their unique characteristics and components. As we delve deeper, we’ll engage in thought-provoking discussions surrounding test types, the distinguishing features of formal tests, and alternative assessment methods. Together, we’ll emphasize the significance of effective goal setting and evaluating learner progress. Towards the end of the module, your focus will shift to DELTA Module 1 Part 2 Task 1, where you’ll have the opportunity to apply your newfound knowledge.

Module 6 Teaching Systems and Skills

In this module, our attention will be drawn towards task types and the evaluation of published materials. We’ll delve into the typical stages of lessons, exploring their specific aims and objectives. Additionally, we’ll put on our critical lenses to analyze coursebook materials, considering potential hurdles that students might encounter when learning a second language. By the end of the module, you’ll have engaged with DELTA Module 1 Part 2 Task 2, allowing you to deepen your understanding of task design and evaluation of activities. Furthermore, you may find yourself drawn towards selecting an area of specialism for Module 3, paving the way for further personal and professional growth.

Module 7 Material-light lessons and Feedback

In this module, we’ll explore the significance of breaking free from our reliance on materials and technology in the classroom. At the beginning of the module, you’ll be presented with thought-provoking quotes to ignite discussions and encourage reflective thinking about your teaching practice. We’ll delve into the art of interpreting learners’ thoughts, attentively valuing their contributions, and fostering effective conversation-driven lessons. Additionally, we’ll explore principles for developing fluency and engaging students in activities that promote authentic language use. Feedback, a vital aspect of teaching, will also be thoroughly explored, along with an insightful article on sequencing content and language feedback. To put your learning into action, you’ll work on DELTA Module One Part 2 Task 3. Get ready for a fascinating week of discovering the power of teacher autonomy, student engagement, and meaningful feedback in enhancing language fluency and communication skills.

Optional Module ELT marathon

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