Category Archives: TEFL qualifications

PPP RIP? Part One

Posted on 23/08/2007 by alexcase

Thanks to Appy Linguist for mentioning the PPP approach while talking about the CELTA because I’ve been meaning to write about it for a while. The question is: should teachers still be trained to teach PPP and it’s offshoot (or … Continue reading →

Posted in Alternative teaching techniques, CELTA, Grammar, Grammar games, Lesson planning, Linguistics, applied linguistics and SLA, Pairwork and groupwork, PPP (Presentation practice production), Speaking, Staging, Teacher training, Teaching low levels, TEFL, TEFL certificate, TEFL games, TEFL qualifications, Test teach test | 5 Comments

Why aren't there more CELTA qualified teachers in Japan?

Posted on 22/08/2007 by alexcase

After getting illuminating, intellectually piercing responses to this question on Rave Spelling’s ESL Au Lait Japan forum like “because no one cares” (Only possible response- okay, so why does no one care!) from self-proclaimed well-qualified and experienced “real teachers” before … Continue reading →

Posted in CELTA, Cultural differences/ cultural training, Teacher training, Teaching English Abroad, Teaching English in Japan, TEFL, TEFL certificate | 15 Comments

TEFL Insider Part Three- Breaking News

Posted on 17/08/2007 by alexcase

I hope this is not true, or I might have to swallow my words about the CELTA in record time…I just found out a few hours ago that one UK based CELTA course provider is charging a 50 pound “interview … Continue reading →

Posted in CELTA, Teacher training, TEFL, TEFL certificate, TEFL scams, TESOL | Leave a comment

To CELTA or not to CELTA?

Posted on 17/08/2007 by alexcase

It’s an often asked question and I’m getting bored of answering it, so here’s absolutely my last word on the matter* To CELTA or not to CELTA?- The “final” word  I have been a trainer on 4 week certificate in … Continue reading →

Posted in Academic writing, Cambridge ESOL, CELTA, links, MA TESOL, Teacher training, Teaching English in Turkey, TEFL, TEFL certificate, TEFL qualifications, TEFL working conditions | 2 Comments

My first teaching qualification

Posted on 16/08/2007 by alexcase

Sounds a bit like “my first make up kit” or “my first bra”, but no- it’s about the often asked question of how you should start your TEFL teaching career. Here’s my twopennyworth, which I posted just now on Dave’s ESL … Continue reading →

Posted in CELTA, MA TESOL, Teacher training, TEFL, TEFL certificate, TEFL qualifications, TESOL | Leave a comment

My TEFL tribe

Posted on 16/08/2007 by alexcase

My mauling by the Rave’s ESL Au Lait mob has reminded me again of why I dropped out of my MA and have avoided TEFL academia ever since. It’s all so bitchy and territorial and everything is taken personally. My … Continue reading →

Posted in Linguistics, applied linguistics and SLA, MA TESOL, Teacher training, TEFL, TEFL qualifications, TESOL | 9 Comments

Be proud of your DELTA tattoo

Posted on 15/08/2007 by alexcase

Tattoo might be going a bit far, but I really think UCLES could learn something from a recent idea to have a logo that people with PhDs could use to advertise themselves. Schools could stick it up on the wall with … Continue reading →

Posted in Cambridge Delta, Teacher training, TEFL, TEFL certificate, TEFL qualifications, TESOL | Leave a comment

Why are there so many bad English teachers in Japan? Part Three

Posted on 14/08/2007 by alexcase

Here is the next part of my serious attempt at examining why there might be so many bad teachers in Japan. Having already examined why worse teachers might come out to Japan, now it’s time to examine: Why do good … Continue reading →

Posted in ALT, Business English and ESP, CELTA, ELT publishing, IELTS, Learner motivation, Teacher training, Teaching English Abroad, Teaching English in Japan, Technology, TEFL, TEFL certificate, TEFL qualifications, TEFL working conditions, TESOL, textbooks, TOEIC | 4 Comments

Questions from the audience- Information to find out when choosing a CELTA course

Posted on 10/08/2007 by alexcase

I’ve had a request for advice on how to choose between different CELTA courses. The basic answer is that if you have decided on the Cambridge course (which is, shall we say, the ‘safe’ option) there aren’t a lot of … Continue reading →

Posted in CELTA, Teacher training, Teaching English Abroad, TEFL, TEFL certificate, TEFL qualifications | Leave a comment

Why are there so many bad English teachers in Japan? Part two

Posted on 10/08/2007 by alexcase

There are only five possible reasons why there are more bad English teachers in Japan than elsewhere, and as is usually the case when there are several explanations it is probably a combination of all of them. The possible reasons are: Worse … Continue reading →

Posted in Teacher training, Teaching English Abroad, Teaching English in Japan, Teaching one to one private classes, TEFL, TEFL qualifications, TESOL | 10 Comments