The Dublin TEFL Blog
where good ideas grow
Listening Gapfill Challenge: Thinking about decoding issues for our learners.
In this post, I’ll share an activity I’ve used in many an English Language teacher training session - the gapfill challenge. I’ve used it with pre-service teachers on CELTA or Cert TESOLs, and in-service training or higher quals like Delta and Dip TESOL.
Listening issues: Learner difficulties with unscripted speech.
Listening in an additional language poses a major difficulty to language learners. In this post, Shaun Sweeney reports on a small-scale research project investigating what makes authentic speech so difficult for our learners.
Get Dip Ready
A while back we ran a series of open webinars aimed at teachers preparing to take an advanced TESOL qualification such as the Trinity Dip TESOL or Cambridge Delta.
If you missed these - fear not. We’re making a series of short videos that cover the same ground.
Self-observation as a tool for professional development
…The answer is, if you take a scientific approach, it's easier than you think. First, we don't need to start with evaluating our actions. We need to start with collecting data… The next step is to enter or categorise the data, e.g., fill in a table. We then need to ask the right questions to interpret the data. Finally, we can make informed evaluations and decisions.
Trinity Dip TESOL v Cambridge DELTA. Which should I choose? Part 2.
…On the other hand, Diploma candidates have had the opportunity to integrate skills and language work in individual lessons in a way that reflects common practice in their actual jobs. The ability to revisit areas and receive formative feedback to improve is also a key area where Diploma candidates have a better, more useful experience.
Trinity Dip TESOL v Cambridge DELTA. Which should I choose?
Before we delve into the nitty gritty of our decision, here is a quick side-by-side overview of the two qualifications. Here you can see how the 4 Dip units compare to the 3 Delta modules.
Taking the lesson to task
Interested in making your lessons more task-based? Thinking of doing a task-based lesson on your Dip TESOL or DELTA course?
Task-based lessons are a great way to ensure there is genuine communication and a real focus on meaningful interaction in your lessons.
Dancing police go corona-viral!
This is a materials-light lesson that can be run 100% synchronously or asynchronously or a bit of both. And the feel-good factor when all your students are showing each other how to do their dance crazes at the end is hard to beat. Just the thing for a cold February day.
What Specialism Should I Choose for my DELTA Module 3 Assignment?
As tutors, this is a question we’re often asked when people are considering their Cambridge DELTA Module 3 course applications. The answer really depends on your situation and what you’re looking to get out of the qualification.
9 Nifty Podcasts for the New Year: Our pick of the best ELT listening podcasts.
The best podcasts for listening practice in English