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The Cambridge Certificate in English Language Teaching

Introduction
Aims of the course
General Course Information
Entry requirements
Course content
Course requirements
Course structure
Course Dates 2009
Format
Attendance
Assessment
Job Opportunities
Fees 2009
How to apply
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Contact us

Monash University English Language Centre (MUELC)

Monash University English Language Centre is one of the largest university language schools in Australia. The students come mainly from Asian countries and mostly wish to enter Monash University after their English language course.

The centre runs a variety of classes - General English, English for Academic Purposes and exam Preparation, and University Bridging programs. All teachers at the centre must have a post-graduate English teaching qualification.

The course this year will be delivered at the Monash Caulfield campus

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Introduction

CELTA is formally accredited through Cambridge University in the UK and is the most widely recognised pre-service course in English Language Teaching to Adults.
While it is still possible to gain informal employment overseas without an ELT qualification, the better paid, better resourced and ultimately more rewarding positions will require a qualification of this sort. CELTA is recognised by NEAS – the National ELICOS Association as an entry level qualification for Australia, but experience is also expected in most cases.

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Aims of the course

The course teaches the basics of ELT methodology including:

  • Planning and preparing effective English classes for adult learners
  • The skills to analyse language
  • To understand and respond to the needs of learners
  • Methodology for effective delivery of lessons
  • Class management skills
  • Effective use of published materials
  • Creating customised material to suit your learners.

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General Information

The course at Monash is currently available full-time. It is delivered over dates that fits with the university holiday schedule to enable students to participate.

The course is intensive, considered as a training course and requires commitment and a professional approach.

The syllabus is published by Cambridge ESOL, a division of Cambridge University. The quality of the course is assured through a process of external approval of the centre, the course and assessment by Cambridge ESOL.

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Entry requirements

Candidates must :

  • be at least 20 years old, though candidates as young as 18 can be accepted at the discretion of the Centre.
  • have an awareness of language and competence in English to successfully undertake the course and the potential to develop as teachers.
  • attend an interview after completing a pre-interview task.

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Course content

There are three main strands to the course:

  1. methodology
  2. language awareness and
  3. teaching practice.

The teaching practice is integrated throughout the course and is designed to fit with input sessions in methodology and language analysis. All teaching practice is observed by tutors and peers.

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Course requirements

  • 100% attendance
  • daily teaching practice, feedback and input sessions;
  • observation of experienced teachers at Monash University English Language Centre
  • completion of four written assignments.

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Course structure

The course will run in compliance with the strict guidelines laid down by Cambridge TESOL. The course will take the equivalent of 20 fulltime days.

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Course dates 2009

16 Nov - 11 Dec 2009 inclusive

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Format

Full time daily from Monday - Friday for 20 days. Each day will be 9 to 5.30 pm.

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Attendance

100% is expected. It is possible to be flexible to deal with unexpected absences but if you know in advance that you will need to miss some days then you should not choose this course.

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Assessment

Primary assessment is through observation of teaching practice. There are also four written assignments which must be completed before the end of the course. The certificate is awarded to all successful candidates. Assessment is externally validated by a Cambridge appointed assessor.

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Job Opportunities

During the course we shall run a session that focuses on job prospects including writing an appropriate curriculum vitae, the nature of contracts, where to look for work, visa issues, etc. Although we have many contacts overseas, we do not undertake to find work for you. We shall assist you in how to start looking.

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Fees 2009

Fee is $2800. The cost includes the Cambridge enrolment fee.

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How to apply

  1. Download the CELTA application form and the Pre-Interview Language Awareness task form
  2. Complete both forms and send them to the contact details below

Note: Monash University English language Centre will contact you to arrange an interview shortly after receiving your application.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is CELTA highly regarded?

Cambridge is one of the most prestigious universities in the world.

The CELTA program is by far the largest and best known training program of its kind in the world.

All centres undergo a rigorous approval process. Every course is assessed by an approved assessor. All tutors are specifically trained to train on CELTA courses and require external assessment before commencing.

Courses provide expert instruction in methodology and language analysis, and include practice teaching with real classes of non-English speaking students.

Courses offer training in a communicative teaching approach based on the best of current practical classroom techniques.

Only candidates who attain the required standard in teaching practice gain certification.

2. Is it possible to do CELTA online?

CELTA is not available via any form of distance learning. It is a highly practical, hands-on professional training course.

3. Am I qualified to teach in Australia?

CELTA is considered an entry level qualification by the National ELICOS Association, the accrediting body of short term intensive English courses to overseas students. All ELICOS centres accept CELTA but would not expect to employ only staff with CELTA as their only qualification. Teachers who expect to make a career in ELICOS would be advised to study for other qualifications post CELTA and after gaining teaching experience overseas or in Australia.

4. I already have teaching qualifications, would CELTA benefit me?

If your objective is to teach English in Australia or overseas then the answer is yes. CELTA will complement existing qualifications though there may be one or two old habits to change.

5. Who else recognises CELTA?

CELTA is recognised by TEFL employers worldwide, including: language schools such as International House, ELSI and EF; many overseas public schools, colleges and other employers; many ministries of education, and government bodies such as The British Council; and by TESOL, IATEFL and other major professional organizations.

It is also well regarded by organizations such as AVI and JET.

6. How is assessment conducted?

There is no written or practical examination at the end of the course. Assessment is on a continuous basis. This assessment covers two main areas:

Teaching practice

TP is the core of the assessment. Candidates are expected to develop a growing awareness of the needs of learners, plan and prepare lessons which are staged appropriately to include effective interaction among learners and also address the needs of individual students. Candidates will also need to competently demonstrate basic principles of classroom management and lesson delivery.

Written assignments

There are four assignments that must be completed during the course. Each focuses on a specific area of the syllabus. The assignments are designed to be practical and useful; informed by some of your classroom experiences and to inform future classroom activities.

All candidates receive regular guidance and assistance where assessment is concerned. Three one-on-one tutorials with tutors are scheduled: progress is discussed and areas to work on are identified. You should note that the more independent a candidate becomes the more likely they will be to achieve a higher grade.

7. Is it possible to fail the course?

Any candidate who is considered weak and in danger of failing will receive guidance and assistance to aid them to pass. However, it is possible to fail though the failure rate is small – about 5%.

8. Do I have to be a native English speaker in order to take CELTA?

No, although you must have an awareness of spoken language and competence in English, both written and spoken, that will enable you to complete the course.

9. Can I receive university credit for completing CELTA?

The Faculties of Education at most universities in Australia will recognise CELTA in part completion of the teaching practicum component of a Graduate Diploma in TESOL.

10. I am approaching middle age. Will I be able to find work overseas?

There are some English Language Schools who will prefer young teachers capable of becoming involved in sporting activities with students. Other schools and certainly the more serious employers will look for a balance in their staff – ages, experience, other abilities, etc. Many parts of the world welcome teachers with more life experience.

11. I’d really like more information on specific job prospects. Where can I start?

Try www.eslcafe.com. This web site has enormous amounts of information and useful links. You can find jobs and advertise them. You can post questions about potential employers or destinations. A word of warning though; we do not promote or necessarily support any activities or opinions mentioned on the site. You will have to make your own decisions of the veracity of its content.

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Please contact Annie Qu at:

Monash University English Language Centre
Building 73, Wellington Road
Clayton Campus, Victoria 3800
Australia

Telephone: + 61 3 9905 5270
Fax: + 61 3 9905 5274
Email: celta@mcpl.monash.edu.au

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