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What was your professional or academic background before starting the course?
I was enrolled in the MA TESOL (pre-service) program at UCL, and I hold an undergraduate degree in English education. Additionally, I possess a teaching certificate for instructing high school students in China and have completed several internships working with students aged four to 16.
How did you hear about the CELTA, and why did you choose it over other teaching qualifications?
I received a CELTA leaflet at the beginning of my TESOL program, and I had encountered the certificate online prior to that. I chose this qualification because it is recognized internationally, which opens doors for me to teach English in countries beyond China. Since I was in London, I felt it was a perfect opportunity to gain diverse teacher training experience.
Can you describe your overall experience during the CELTA course?
The CELTA course was undoubtedly fruitful for my professional development and for building interpersonal relationships with friendly colleagues, supportive teacher trainers, and highly motivated learners from multicultural backgrounds. As many who have completed the program would attest, it is intensive; however, if you dedicate a month fully to this course, you will not feel overwhelmed. Instead, you'll be amazed at how quickly you develop and how time flies.
What aspects of the course did you enjoy the most?
My favourite part of the course was the one-hour discussion session after our teaching practice each afternoon. This was a time for reflection on our teaching, where we gained valuable insights and perspectives from colleagues and trainers. We began by completing a self-evaluation table to reflect on our strengths and areas for improvement. I found myself more perceptive during these discussions and appreciated the invaluable suggestions shared. Through this reflection, I felt myself growing more mature and becoming the reflective teacher I aspire to be.
What were some key teaching methodologies or techniques you learned that you didn't know before?
One crucial technique I learned was the importance of checking for understanding, which was a new concept for me. In my previous experience, I often taught students of similar proficiency without designing specific questions to gauge their understanding. However, during the CELTA course, I realized the significance of using concept-check questions, especially with ESL students who may have varying levels of comprehension within the same group. Another key technique was elicitation; I learned that true learning occurs when students engage actively in the process and discover answers themselves. Emphasizing less teacher talking time and more student talking time is highly recommended.
How has the CELTA course changed your perspective on teaching English?
I now believe that teaching should be centred on students' needs. We conducted needs analyses to understand students' preferences for topics and the skills they wanted to develop first. This informed our lesson planning. For instance, we taught practical lessons on seeing a GP, ordering food, and seeking jobs. Students were highly engaged, finding relevance in their lessons and opportunities to practice English in real-life contexts. This approach makes the teaching and learning experience valuable for both teachers and students.
What kind of teaching role did you pursue after completing the course, if any?
I am currently applying for teaching positions in international schools in China. I hope that after gaining several years of teaching experience, I can pursue opportunities overseas. Ultimately, my goal is to become a teacher trainer, following in the footsteps of my own mentors.
Would you recommend the CELTA to others, and if so, why?
I highly recommend the CELTA to aspiring teachers or those looking to gain fresh perspectives in the field. It’s an excellent opportunity to connect with outstanding colleagues and professional educators, forming a valuable part of your network. We continue to check in with each other and share resources like webinars and books for ongoing development. Teaching is truly a collaborative endeavor, and you can gain unexpected insights from your peers.
What advice would you give to future CELTA students?
I encourage future CELTA students to commit fully to the course. Dedicate your days to input sessions and teaching practice and use your evenings for lesson preparation and assignments. Ensure you are physically and mentally prepared for the workload. Be confident and don’t hesitate to ask questions—your peers and teachers will be more than willing to help. Most importantly, enjoy your time with your students!