TEFL certificates

[bash]

Guys, sorry to resurrect a 5 year old thread but I'm currently 5 days into my CELTA, I'm learning in not far from where I live in London.

If anyone is thinking about doing this then be sure its bloody intensive and nerve wracking unless you've done teaching before which I have NOT. Be prepared to stand up in front of foreign adults who might know more than you do and make an ass of your self for a few weeks.

Anyone else done one? How did you get on, did you/are you making use of it?

[kryss]

I'm looking to add some similar certificate to my barrage of qualifications in January, I fear I may have to take a week off work to do it. but it'll be worth it.

[Darwock]

Haven't done it myself, but friends I know who have done it *after* experience of real teaching claim that they gained so much more confidence from their classroom experience, whereas the other students visibly had to overcome that mental hurdle of being the one at the front of the room.

When I think how natural it is for me now, compared to how I used to brick it at even talking in front of five people - well I suppose I should be proud of myself lol.

[randombs]

Anyone else done one? How did you get on, did you/are you making use of it?

I did an intensive CELTA course in 2013 in London.

Yes, it was tough. The coursework wasn't too difficult at all but the teaching was scrutinised a fair bit. I failed two advanced lessons and got a pass because I was allowed to re-do one. I got very good reviews in terms of energy, friendliness, etc, but I failed to properly explain the grammar point. My style works better with beginner classes because I prefer to improvise. This style over substance method carried through to my ALTing where I mostly entertained the kids.

The course helped me build confidence but it I haven't found it necessary in the grand scheme of things; I'd already got my ALT job offer before I started the course but wanted the certificate to help with finding future work.

It's hard to say if it played a role in my teaching job and it definitely means squat now I'm back in IT. Not sure if I'll ever use it in the future but never say never!

I'm not slating the certificate or the course at all. It was enjoyable and my colleagues were great(a bunch of us still keep in touch). I just didn't need to do it in the end so could've saved the 1000-odd quid it cost!

Just remember one thing: elicit, elicit, elicit

[bash]

Yeah, I didn't elicit enough today ffs. 3rd lesson today and I'm still crapping it, I don't have a clue about past future perfect simple tenses and all that crap. I just hope that real teaching is not as bad otherwise I'll never be successful, anxiety is a mo fo fo sho.

[randombs]

One thing it might help to remember(although it probably won't when you're up there being observed by the tutor and your colleagues!) is that they don't expect you to do brilliantly. When you pass it, your score sheet will have advice for your future teaching department to explain areas you'll need help with. Even if you get 100% on the course it just means you're able to do classes with some assistance. Thy may have already told you this, though.

Also, about grammar: you'll be told what points you have to teach so if a student asks you about another grammar point it's perfectly fine to say you don't know. You just have to understand the one you're teaching at the time. One guy kept trying to answer but would often be incorrect and get marked down for that. They don't mark you down for not knowing but they do for giving incorrect answers. You might also get the advanced/cocky ones but just remember those students are volunteers paying a few quid per lesson

Almost all the people on my course who did really well had over six months' experience and just wanted the certificate to apply for other jobs that required it or to improve their confidence/skills.