Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

Overview

There are three Delta modules:

Module One	Understanding Language, Methodology and Resources for Teaching
Module Two	Developing Professional Practice
Module Three	Option 1: Extending Practice and ELT Specialism Option 2: English Language Teaching Management

Take your career to the next level

Delta can help you to:

• extend your knowledge and understanding of the principles and practice of English language teaching
• critically examine your current beliefs and practices as a teacher
• apply your new knowledge and understanding to your current teaching role
• extend your knowledge of English language teaching in contexts other than adult learners
• develop your career and apply for more senior roles.

Recognised worldwide

The three modules of Delta allow you the flexibility to:

• take all three modules at one time, two together or just one
• receive a certificate and credit for each module successfully completed
• take modules in any order (though each assumes the knowledge acquired in the previous ones)
• take modules as often as you wish over any period of time (there is no time limit for completion of all three modules).

Valuable

Achievement of Delta helps teachers prepare for more senior teaching roles and facilitates progression to other qualifications such as MAs in Linguistics and Language Teaching. Some MA programmes will accept Delta credits (up to 20 credits for each module).

A Cambridge qualification

Because Delta is awarded by Cambridge ESOL, part of the University of Cambridge, it is internationally recognised, highly respected and a benchmark for quality.

Format

• Module One

  Understanding Language, Methodology and Resources for Teaching (20 credits)

  This module focuses on the background to teaching and learning English in a range of contexts.

  Content areas

  1. Theoretical perspectives on language acquisition and language teaching
  2. Different approaches and methodologies, including current developments
  3. Language systems and learners’ linguistic problems
  4. Language skills and learners' problems
  5. Knowledge of resources, materials and reference sources for language learning
  6. Key concepts and terminology related to assessment

  Assessment

  Module One is assessed through a written examination – two 90-minute written papers with a 30-minute break between each paper. The examination is externally set and marked.

  How can I prepare for Module One?

  You can prepare for Module One by:

  1. following a course at one of the approved centres
  2. reading and studying independently using English language and teaching methodology reference books.

  Downloads

  Module One, summary of description and structure
  
• Module Two

  Developing Professional Practice (20 credits)

  This module focuses on the principles and practice of planning and teaching.

  Content areas

  1. The language learner and the language learning context
  2. Preparation for teaching English to language learners
  3. Evaluating, selecting and using resources and materials for teaching purposes
  4. Managing and supporting learning
  5. Evaluation of lesson preparation and teaching
  6. Observation/evaluation of other teachers’ lessons
  7. Professionalism and opportunities for professional development

  Assessment

  Module Two is assessed through a portfolio of coursework, including observed lessons, background written essays and an externally assessed lesson observation.

  How can I prepare for Module Two?

  You can prepare for Module Two by:

  1. buying an English language reference book (your centre will recommend one)
  2. thinking about your strengths and weaknesses as a teacher
  3. asking colleagues or other members of staff to observe a lesson and give you constructive feedback
  4. observing other teachers to experience new techniques, materials and resources.

  Downloads

  Module Two, summary of description and structure
  Module Two Assessment Specifications
  
• Module Three

  Option1: Extending Practice and ELT Specialism (20 credits)

  This module focuses on needs analysis, syllabus design, course planning and assessment in the context of a selected specialism.

  Content areas

  1. Research into specialist areas
  2. Principles of syllabus design and implications for specific learning contexts
  3. Designing syllabus and teaching programmes to meet the needs of learners in the specific context of the selected specialism
  4. Course design and development in the specific context of the selected specialism
  5. The principles and practice of testing and assessment and their application to the candidate’s specialist area
  6. Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness and quality of courses and programmes of study

  Option 2: English Language Teaching Management – NEW (20 credits)

  This module focuses on needs analysis, syllabus design, course planning and assessment in the context of a selected specialism.

  Content areas

  1. Research into a chosen management specialism
  2. Methods of situation analysis
  3. Design of change proposals
  4. Implementation of change proposals

  To successfully complete the English Language Teaching Management option, candidates will need to have access to management data from a relevant language teaching context.

  Assessment

  Module Three is assessed through an extended written assignment. For Option 1, the assignment is focused on a specialist area of teaching and learning (e.g. English for academic purposes, teaching exam classes, young learners, one-to-one teaching) chosen by the candidate. For Option 2, candidates complete an assignment on their chosen ELT management specialism. The extended assignment is externally marked.

  How can I prepare for Module Three?

  You can prepare for Module Three by:

  1. following a course at one of the approved centres
  2. reading and studying independently using reference books focusing on your chosen specialism as well as books on assessment, syllabus and course design
  3. observing other teachers to experience new teaching contexts.

  Downloads

  Module Three
  Module Three, English Language Management Reading List
  

Delta preparation resources

Cambridge ESOL offers a range of preparation and practice materials to support teachers preparing for Delta.

Materials to buy

Books for study

Books for study

A range of coursebooks and learning resources are produced by independent publishers in the UK and overseas to help you prepare for Delta.

Find books for study

Free materials

To help you get started, Cambridge ESOL has some free materials which you can download:

Delta syllabus
All the detailed information you need about course content.

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DELTA Handbook for tutors and candidates

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Handbook Supplement
Supplement to the Delta handbook

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Module One Summary of description and structure
Find out about Module One in more detail.

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Module One Exam report June 2010
Help yourself prepare for Module One by seeing how previous candidates have performed.

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Past papers
Download past papers for Delta Module One

June 2010 Paper 1
June 2010 Paper 2

Module Two Teaching assessment criteria
A detailed look at the assessment criteria, with integrated explanatory notes.

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Module Two Professional development assignment
A detailed look at the professional development assignment, with integrated explanatory notes.

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Module Three - English Language Teaching Management syllabus
A detailed look at the new Module Three option – English Language Teaching Management.

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Results

Each module has three grades: Pass, Pass with Merit and Pass with Distinction. Successful completion of all three Delta modules confers the status of the Delta qualification for which a separate certificate is awarded.

Cambridge ESOL sends results to your centre two months after you have completed a module. Your certificate is sent to your centre one month after you have received results.