TEFL Career Development: DELTA

So you’ve done the Trinity CERT TESOL/Cambridge CELTA qualification, you’ve got six years experience under your belt… what next? Progressing your career as a teacher of English as a foreign language isn’t a simple thing. But perhaps the best starting point for anyone looking to take it to the next level is the Cambridge DELTA qualification. DELTA is the Diploma in English Language Teaching to Adults, and from September 2008 there will be some significant changes to the course.

DELTA Course Content

One of the major changes in the introduction of three separate modules which will effectively allow much greater flexibility.

• Module One focuses on the background to teaching and learning.
• Module Two focuses on developing professional practice.
• Module Three focuses on a specialist option (e.g. YL, ESOL, ESP, 1-1)

Module three is the key element here. It will allow teachers to really hone their skills in a specific area such as young learners, or business English. Although the modules can be taken independently, allowing the student to fit their studies around other commitments, it is assumed that the previous module has already been studied, so a linear approach of Module 1 – 2 – 3 is perhaps wisest. This also means, however, that just one module can be studied if the candidate so wishes.

DELTA has always been a challenging qualification, and it looks like the revisions taking place in September are going to keep it that way. If you study full time, DELTA will take up 2 to 3 months of your life, while the more reasonable part time option will probably last around 6 months. The exam system has also been retained (much to some people’s chagrin) – in fact, it sounds even more intense than before. Module One alone is assessed by two 90-minute tests, while Module Two is assessed through a portfolio of work, and Module Three returns to the standard testing format of a written assignment.

What DELTA can do for you

For all the challenges that DELTA poses, it is a great way to enhance your career. Most highly-regarded employers look for a DELTA qualification above all else. DELTA can even qualify you to move into teacher training or management, if you so wish. If your heart is as much in teaching as ever, though, then Module Three will take your abilities to the next with its specialised focus.

Understandably, many people will have questions before the changes take place in September, so Cambridge has set up a very useful website, as well as an FAQ.