Focusing on Language in the Classroom

It is very interesting when observing trainee teachers on a CELTA course, how many feel the need to “teach” in the old-fashioned sense of the word.  Many trainees believe that if they haven’t stood at the front of the classroom talking at the students for a good chunk of the lesson that they haven’t actually taught anything.

In my opinion, teachers of EFL (though I am sure teachers of other subjects would benefit too) need to stop thinking that they have to teach but rather that they have to help students learn.  After all, if you have discovered something for yourself, you are more likely to remember it.   Continue reading “Focusing on Language in the Classroom”

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The CELTA Grading System Unravelled

There are four possible grades you can be awarded at the end of your CELTA Course,

  • two “above standard” grades – Pass A & Pass B
  • one “to standard” grade – Pass
  • one “not to standard” grade – Fail

The fail grade is rarely awarded but that’s not because the course is easy, instead because the application process ensures candidates who are likely to struggle are not accepted on a course.

So what do the grades really mean? Continue reading “The CELTA Grading System Unravelled”

Getting to Grips with Reading Skills

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Reading is a great way to broaden students’ passive knowledge of the language and this in turn increases their active use. But how should we use reading skills in the classroom to ensure students are getting the most out of what they’re reading? Read on for a Q & A on reading skills…

Continue reading “Getting to Grips with Reading Skills”

Classroom Management – Part 2

For lessons to be successful, your classroom management is of paramount importance. You may have the best planned lesson ever but if your classroom isn’t set up well and your instructions don’t work then the lesson will fail.

In this post I will talk about giving instructions.  For classroom layout and interaction patterns please read part 1.

Continue reading “Classroom Management – Part 2”

Non-Native Speakers – How Good does my English Need to Be?

As CELTA course director, I often get calls from potential CELTA applicants asking whether CELTA is only for native speakers of English.  The easy answer is NO ….

 

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© The Ultimate Guide to CELTA

Continue reading “Non-Native Speakers – How Good does my English Need to Be?”

CELTA FAQs: Everything you wanted to know!

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Before investing time and money in a CELTA course it’s inevitable people have questions that need to be answered. Read on to find out the answers to the questions most commonly asked. Continue reading “CELTA FAQs: Everything you wanted to know!”

Written Assignments: What they are and how to pass them!

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©️The Ultimate Guide to CELTA

On the CELTA course, there are four written assignments. Read on to find out what is required and how to make sure you pass them- if you fail more than one you will automatically fail the course, they are not to be taken lightly! Continue reading “Written Assignments: What they are and how to pass them!”

How to Make CELTA Easier for Yourself!

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© The Ultimate Guide to CELTA

 

The vast majority of trainees pass their CELTA course but fact is, it is extremely intensive. Follow these tips from CELTA trainers to make the course that little bit easier …

Continue reading “How to Make CELTA Easier for Yourself!”

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