Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

DELTA is an English language teaching (ELT) qualification for experienced Teachers of English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) and Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). It is provided by Cambridge English Language Assessment through authorised Cambridge English Teaching Qualification centres and can be taken either full-time or part-time. The full name of the course was originally the Diploma in English Language Teaching to Adults and is still referred to in this way by some course providers. However, in 2011 the qualification title was amended on the Ofqual register to the Cambridge English Level 7 Diploma In Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (DELTA) in order to reflect that the wider range of students that teachers might have, including younger learners.

Delta is designed for candidates with previous English language teaching experience. Candidates have usually completed an initial teaching qualification and typically have at least one year's teaching experience. It is suitable for first language and non-first language speakers of English who are teaching English as a second or foreign language (ESL and EFL) in primary, secondary and adult contexts. Candidates should have English language skills equivalent to at least level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

Delta consists of three modules, which can be taken together or separately, in any order, and over any time period. Module Two requires course attendance at an authorised Delta centre so that teaching practice can be supported and assessed. There is no requirement to take a course at a recognised Delta centre for Modules One and Three, although most candidates do. Successful candidates receive a certificate for each module passed, as well as an overall certificate upon the successful completion of all three modules.

All three modules emphasise both theory and practice, although teaching practice is only directly assessed in Module Two. Delta also gives teachers an opportunity to pursue areas of specialism in Module Three (an extended assignment on syllabus design, course planning and assessment in the context of a selected ELT specialist area, or an extended assignment on ELT management in the context of a selected management specialist area). Accessed 18 May 2015

Delta is designed to help candidates to develop as teachers and progress to new career opportunities. It is regulated at Level 7 of the Qualifications and Credit Framework for England, Wales and N. Ireland and is suitable for teachers at Developing or Proficient level on the Cambridge English Teaching Framework.

History

Until 1988 the Royal Society of Arts (RSA) ran two English as a Foreign Language (EFL) diploma level programmes for native and non-native speaker teachers, the DTEFLA (Diploma in the Teaching of English as a Foreign Language to Adults) and the DOTE (Diploma for Overseas Teachers of English).

In 1988, Cambridge English Language Assessment (then known as the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES)) reached an agreement with the RSA to take over its suite of teacher training courses and qualifications. UCLES integrated DTEFLA and DOTE to launch the Cambridge DELTA (Diploma of English Language Teaching to Adults).Hawkey, R. & Milanovic, M. (2013) Cambridge English Exams: The First Hundred Years, Cambridge University Press, pp.107 – 109 240 – 241

In 2008 Delta was revised to its current format, making it suitable for all teaching age groups and divided into three free-standing modules, which can be combined to constitute the Diploma qualification.Pulverness, A. (2015) A brief history of Cambridge English Language Assessment teaching qualifications in Studies in Language Testing (SiLT), Volume 42, Assessing Language Teachers Professional Skills and Knowledge, Cambridge University Press.

The earlier formats of the qualification were equivalent in level to the current Delta qualification but were more narrowly focused on teaching general English (as a foreign language) to adult learners; whereas the current qualification is more broadly focused on teaching a wider range of learners with a variety of needs.)

The current qualification also has a more practical orientation. The written examination, which previously consisted of a number of essay questions, now uses pieces of data (such as samples of students’ work, authentic texts and published ELT materials) for analysis, comment and evaluation. Candidates of the current qualification are not required to write traditional academic essays.

Admissions

Delta is suitable for experienced teachers, who have usually completed an initial teaching qualification, and have at least one year's ELT teaching experience in adult, primary or secondary teaching contexts. Delta modules may be taken by teachers, at any time during their career, who wish to: Refresh their teaching knowledge Review and update their practice Extend their expertise in a specialist area.

Teachers without an initial teacher training qualification and English language teaching (ELT) experience may be more suited to another qualification such as CELTA. Delta is suitable for teachers at Developing or Proficient levels of the Cambridge English Teaching Framework, whereas CELTA is designed for teachers mostly at Foundation level.

Delta candidates should have English language skills equivalent to at least level C1 of the CEFR – a standard of English which enables the teaching and understanding of language issues at a range of levels, from beginner to upper-intermediate students.

Although the modules are designed as a complementary set, candidates to do not have to take all three modules and can select and apply for a combination of modules according to need. Candidates wishing to enter for any, or all three, modules must register at an authorised Cambridge English Language Assessment examination or teaching qualification centre. Candidates wishing to enter Module Two are required to take Module Two at an authorised Delta centre. Centres have their own selection procedures for entry onto Module Two.

Delta aims and main features

Delta is aimed at those wanting to update their teaching knowledge and improve their practice. It is designed to help candidates to: Extend knowledge and understanding of the principles and practice of English language teaching Critically examine current beliefs and practices as a teacher Apply new knowledge and understanding to a current teaching role Extend knowledge of English language teaching in contexts other than adult learners Develop their career and to apply for more senior roles.https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/teaching-english/teaching-qualifications/delta/why-take-delta/ Accessed 18 May 20115

Delta consists of three modules, each of which is separately assessed and certified. Achievement of a Pass in all three modules confers the status of a full Delta qualification. Candidates may choose to do any or all of the modules; there is no time limit for the completion of all three modules and there is no limit on the number of times a candidate can take a module.

The modular framework aims to provide an accessible professional development programme with flexible entry points. Candidates can take the modules in any order, although it is most practical to take them in order, as Modules Two and Three assume the candidate has knowledge and competencies gained in the previous module(s).http://www.englishlanguagehouse.co.uk/downloads/139463-delta-candidate-leaflet-document.pdf Accessed 18 May 2015

The three Delta Modules are:

Module One – Understanding language, methodology and resources for teaching This module focuses on the background to teaching and learning English in a range of ELT contexts

Module Two – Developing professional practice This module focuses on developing awareness and expertise in relation to the principles and professional practice of teaching English in a range of ELT contexts

Module Three – Option 1: Extending practice and English language teaching specialism or Option 2: English language teaching management. This module focuses on broadening candidates’ knowledge of a chosen specialism and developing understanding of syllabus design, testing and assessment (Option 1), or of ELT management (Option 2).

All three modules focus on both theory and practice, though teaching practice is only directly assessed in Module Two. Candidates have the opportunity to focus on a specialist area of teaching in Modules Two and Three. Candidates may either follow a course at a centre or prepare independently for Modules One and Three. Module Two requires course attendance at an approved Delta centre so that teaching can be supported and assessed. A Module Two course will involve 200 learning hours, including 100 tutor facilitated hours and 100 independent learning hours (reading and research and assignment preparation).

The course dates, fees, course format (e.g. face-to-face learning, distance learning) are determined by each centre. The exact nature of each course will vary from centre to centre, but all courses will cover the same content points, as set out in the Delta syllabus developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment.

Course syllabus

The Delta syllabus includes three modules, which are assessed by a combination of exams, teaching practice and written coursework, and an extended essay. Module One: written exam Module Two: practical assessment and portfolio of coursework Module Three: extended essay

The following section outlines the main content points of each module. The full learning outcomes and indicative content are available in the course syllabus.

Module One – Understanding language, methodology and resources for teaching

Module One has six syllabus content points: Theoretical perspective on language acquisition and language teaching Different approaches and methodologies including current developments Language systems and learners’ linguistic problems Language skills and learners’ problems Knowledge of resources, materials and reference sources for language learning Key concepts and terminology related to assessment.

Module One is set at a postgraduate level (with 20 credit value). It is assessed through a written exam (externally marked) consisting of two 90-minute papers.

Module Two – Developing professional practice

Module Two has seven syllabus content points: The language learner and the language learning context Preparation for teaching English language learners Evaluating, selecting and using resources and materials for teaching purposes Managing and supporting learning Evaluation of lesson preparation and teaching Observation/Evaluation of other teachers’ lessons Professionalism and opportunities for professional development.

Module Two is set at a postgraduate level (with 20 credit value). Assessment takes place during the course through assessed teaching practice, assignments and background essays as well as via a teaching practice assignment which is externally assessed by a Cambridge English assessor.

Module Three – Extending practice and ELT specialism (option 1) or ELT management (option 2)

Candidates have a choice of two options for Module Three: Option One: Extending practice and English language teaching specialism. This focuses on needs analysis, syllabus design, course planning and assessment in the context of a selected specialism (e.g. English for academic purposes, teaching exam classes, young learners, one-to-one teaching). Option Two: English language teaching management. This focuses on situation analysis and planning, and implementing change in the context of a selected management specialism.