01 Sep The DELTA Course at IH Bucharest: When, What, Why

Author: Ilinca Stroe

The Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (DELTA) is the highest English teaching qualification available. Designed by Cambridge English Language Assessment, a department of the University of Cambridge, it is the equivalent of a Master’s degree, highly respected and recognised the world over. Holders stand a very good chance to be able to secure jobs and positions otherwise not easily accessible to non-DELTA graduates: international Teacher Trainer, coursebook author, Director of Studies, Head of Teacher Training, Educational Manager, etc.

Most importantly, professionals who have completed a DELTA course successfully acquire proficient-to-expert knowledge and teaching prowess, including:
✓a sophisticated understanding of language-learning concepts that they can apply to lesson planning
✓a thorough understading of learners’ needs using a comprehensive range of teaching techniques
✓an outstanding ability to answer learner questions in detail with minimal use of reference materials
✓awareness of their own strengths and weaknesses, active support for other teachers’ development

There are about 85 DELTA-accredited centres in the world, and International House Bucharest has recently become the only centre in Romania authorised to run all the course’s three modules (up until June 2020, there had been no centres in the country to provide Module 2). IH Bucharest’s Teacher Training Centre (TTC) was set up just over a year ago and it has been remarkably successful since then, having run several CELTA courses and having already obtained their Cambridge Assessment English accreditation to become a DELTA centre. It is a highly ambitious unit which is making huge strides in teacher training. If, like people, centres had a career, IH Bucharest’s TTC would currently be a rising star in the field – one of the best partners that a prospective DELTA trainee can choose when it comes to deciding on where and with whom to do the course.

The three modules of the course can be taken in any order and over any period of time. While completing a module gets the trainee the corresponding certification, it is only by doing all the three modules that a successful candidate achieves the DELTA qualification and diploma. Here’s when you can next take the three modules at IH Bucharest, along with the main topics and areas covered.

Module 1:  21 September 2020 – 28 November 2020
While the Module 1 exam, consisting of two papers (eight tasks to be completed in 3 hours and 30 minutes), is on 2 December 2020, preparation for the exam at IH Bucharest will be conducted online and it will take ten weeks. It focuses on understanding language, methodology and resources for teaching, specifically:

• knowledge of historical and current theories of first and second language acquisition
• evaluation of current and historical approaches and methodologies in English language teaching
• understanding of key features of language systems and skills appropriate to teaching and lesson planning (including problems experienced by learners)
• examination and evaluatation of a range of teaching resources and materials, and reference materials (including e‑resources and multimedia materials)
• knowledge of the role and methods of assessment

Why Module 1 at IH Bucharest. On any course, the trainers’ guidance, approach and attitude are often pivotal to the trainees’ success or failure. That is why IH Bucharest takes the greatest care in selecting the trainers we work with: apart from highly competent professionals with international training experience, our DELTA trainers are also supportive and encouraging, they play a mentoring role, they provide expertise and clear guidance, but also care and assistance. At IH Bucharest, the trainers facilitate the trainees’ success.

Module 2: 5 July 2021 – 27 August 2021
Module 2 is the only one that includes coursework and assessed teaching practice. It will be conducted face to face over eight weeks, and it will focus on developing professional practice. Specifically, trainees will

• research selected language/skills areas and identify problems and solutions for learners
• apply their knowledge and understanding of factors affecting learning and teaching to their practice
• plan, teach and evaluate lessons which meet the needs of specific groups of learners and individuals
• use a range of resources and materials, teaching and learning strategies appropriate to learner needs
• constructively evaluate their own teaching and engage in Continuing Professional Development

Why Module 2 at IH Bucharest. Daily teaching and even lesson observation need to be carried out in good conditions: computers, software, printers and photocopiers are basic to the day-to-day practice of teaching, resources such as (text)books, ELT magazines or activity packs always come in handy when preparing classes or assignments, while the students’ attitude and motivation can often make or break the trainees’ teaching performance. At IH Bucharest we provide a modern, well-resourced and well-equipped centre where DELTA trainees can freely use the facilities, library and equipment available, and where, moreover, the back office staff go out of their way to give support and help whenever needed. As for the Romanian students, they are quite famous regionally for being enthusiastic about English and committed.

Module 3: 7 September 2020 – 14 November 2020
Much like Module 1, Module 3 consists of a 4,000/4,500-word written assignment for which candidates may choose to prepare either on their own or with an approved centre. The main benefit of the latter option is that it provides candidates with a structured approach to their preparation for the assignment, which at IH Bucharest lasts ten weeks and is done online.

In Module 3, trainees have to choose between an ELT Specialism and an ELT Management Specialism. In the case of the former, they focus on: approaches to needs analysis; principles of curriculum and syllabus design; different types of syllabus; course design and evaluation; assessment of learners. Those who opt for an ELT Management Specialism will focus on methods of situation analysis, design of change proposals, and  implementation of change proposals.

Why Module 3 at IH Bucharest. Preparation for writing an excellent assignment relies on relevant guidance and feedback. Again, the tutors have an essential role here. At IH Bucharest we collaborate with trainers who are experienced in giving positive, constructive, insightful and trainee-centred feedback – trainers who make it their mission to bring about carefully, intelligently the fulfillment of every individual candidate’s potential.

Do you now feel more confident and hopeful about setting out to take your complete DELTA at IH Bucharest? If so, check out the prices and download the application form here. We look forward to training you for success!

International House Bucharest runs regular CELTA and DELTA courses for teachers of English at its Teacher Training Centre, as well as training events online, onsite or at partner locations. To sign up for a course or event, contact celta@ih.ro. 

Sources

<www.cambridgeenglish.org/teaching-english/teaching-qualifications/delta/>

<https://celtaromania.ro/index.php/delta-at-ih-bucharest-course-fees-and-dates/>