Excel in Your CELTA Course: A Guide to Outstanding Teaching Practice

Shady Abuyusuf

Sun, 19 May 2024

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Introduction

Effective language teaching comprises a balance of theory and artful practice. If you’re enrolled in a CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) course, achieving an above standard grade in your teaching practice is indeed achievable – it just requires a blend of meticulous preparation, in-depth understanding and thoughtful execution. This guide outlines key strategies that can help you stand out in your CELTA teaching practice.

Detailed Lesson Planning

First and foremost, crystal clear and detailed lesson planning is pivotal to succeeding in CELTA teaching practices. Your lesson plan should allow an outsider to paint a comprehensive picture of your intended lesson without you having to explain anything. Populate your lesson plan with clearly stated objectives, a breakdown of the lesson’s stages, clear context setting, as well as anticipated problems and solutions. 

Engage Diverse Teaching Methods

Next, an above-standard CELTA candidate should be able to demonstrate a diverse range of teaching methods. Variety not only maintains learner interest but also caters to different  styles of learning. Learners usually feel bored when one learning style is used all the time. So try to integrate visual tasks, those that have diagrams and images, auditory tasks, where students benefit from discussions and decorative language. Including a blend of activities – such as group work, role-plays, and individual reflections – ensures learner engagement.

Prioritise Learner Autonomy

In a CELTA lesson, the teacher should be the guide, not the dictator. Promoting learner autonomy can demonstrate your understanding of effective ESL instruction. Facilitate pair or group work, encourage learner-to-learner correction, and teach learning skills. Effective activities design and insightful questions can shift the learning focus from teacher-centred to learner-centred, allowing students to take ownership of their learning process. 

Provide Clear Instructions

Instructions are a key element of teaching. An above-standard CELTA trainee should be able to provide clear and concise instructions before every activity. Demonstrate the activity whenever possible, use checking questions (ICQs) to ensure students understand the task, and encourage peer instruction. 

Effective Feedback and Correction

As part of the teaching practice, feedback and correction skills are fundamental. Give error correction where it contributes to language learning, rather than interrupting communication. Use praise judiciously and constructively handle mistakes. Effective feedback nurtures a positive learning environment and contributes significantly to learning progression.

Reflect on Your Teaching 

Finally, be a reflective practitioner. This involves assessing your teaching methods after every lesson and making necessary adjustments. Self-evaluation will help you identify areas where you excel and where you need to put more effort. Always be open to feedback from your tutors and peers and commit to continuous learning.

Conclusion

Performing incredibly well in your CELTA teaching practice is feasible. With excellent lesson planning, varied teaching methods, promotion of learner autonomy, clear instruction, appropriate feedback, and reflective practice, you can excel in your teaching practice and attain a grade that is above standard in your CELTA course. It’s essential to understand that effective teaching is not an act, but a journey that requires persistence, strategic thinking, and consistent refinement. Embrace this journey, and you are likely to surpass your desired grade.