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DELTA - FAQs
If you have substantial experience of teaching English to speakers of other languages, and are ready to progress your career, you need DELTA. This internationally recognised qualification helps you to:
Deepen your understanding of the principles and practice of teaching the English language to adults.
Examine your current practices and beliefs.
Apply the results of your learning and reflection to your current teaching position and more senior roles.
How does DELTA relate to TEFL/TESOL?
'TEFL' or 'TESOL' are terms often used to describe qualifications for English language teachers. DELTA, the advanced TESOL/TEFL qualification for practicing English language teachers, was previously known as DTEFLA and the 'RSA diploma'.
You may be a graduate, or already hold an initial teaching qualification, and are considering DELTA as a route to further career progression. The qualification is ideal if you wish to extend your professional experience and accept new responsibilities as it not only demonstrates a commitment to the profession, but is also proof of your ability. You may be looking for an opportunity to increase your understanding of the principles and practice of English language teaching to help improve your overall performance in the classroom. As part of this process, DELTA courses encourage you to analyse your existing practices and beliefs. They also help you to apply the results of your learning and reflection both to your current professional life and to contexts beyond your present and previous teaching experience.
DELTA is accepted throughout the world by organisations which employ English language teachers. The Cambridge DELTA has been accredited by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) as a Diploma in Teaching ESOL at level 5 on the National Qualifications Framework. DELTA is also integrated into some MA programmes - we have information on the exemptions offered by some UK institutions. Cambridge ESOL also works with international ELT organisations to ensure the acceptance of DELTA globally.
What are the requirements for the course?
120 hours input
150 hours reading and research
10 hours directed lesson observation
10 hours teaching practice, 4 observed and assessed by a course tutor and 1 externally assessed, internally and externally assessed assignments and a written exam
Is it really as difficult as people say?
Contrary to what you may have heard it is not difficult to pass. It is however demanding in terms of commitment and workload.
On the part-time courses, in addition to attendance at the input sessions, Cambridge ESOL suggest approximately 150 hours is needed for reading and research. Add to that writing assignments, writing lesson plans and completing other portfolio work and many previous candidates will say you need 8 – 10 hours per week self-study.
Should I do the Pre - DELTA course?
While the Pre-DELTA is entirely optional, the 8 week intensive component of the course will be much easier if you have already done a good deal of the reading and research (this will give you more time for assignment writing). Therefore one part of the Pre-DELTA will be to read a set of recommended EFL texts. This is not compulsory but will be invaluable to you. It is done in the form of a reading group which will enable you to work with other candidates, discuss your ideas, and share your knowledge. Previous candidates have commented that they found the reading group extremely helpful.
The language awareness course will help you to analyse the grammatical and lexical systems of English to an appropriate depth for the DELTA. Doing this work before the 8 week intensive component may save you time when you are writing your assignments and planning your lessons. Previous candidates have commented that they found the language awareness course valuable and insightful.
Can I do the DELTA if I don’t work for ILA Vietnam?
We are currently running the course for ILA teachers only. If you are interested in working for ILA Vietnam and doing the DELTA course with us then please send your CV to our recruitment department.
The e-mail address is recruitment@ilavietnam.com
Before the course there is the optional Pre-Delta language awareness course and reading groups. During the course, there’s the course work itself, and input sessions and tutorials on Practical Teaching Assignments and background assignments. You will also be given guidance and support for:
the extended assignment (tutorials, reading first draft, etc)
the exam (exam focussed preparation, mock exam practice, marking and advice)
Can I do the DELTA if I don’t work for ILA?
For 2010 ILA will only be offering this course for its teachers. If you are interested in working for ILA please send your CV to Recruitment at recruitment@ilavietnam.com
