For many, the CELTA program is a new and exciting experience. There\u2019s a lot to learn though, so it\u2019s normal to feel nervous too. Before getting up in front of your first students it\u2019s good to benefit from the advice of those who have been there before. We\u2019ve asked our best CELTA trainers to offer new trainees the tips and tricks needed to have a successful CELTA experience.<\/p>\n
During the CELTA, trainees are both students and teachers. Here\u2019s how to stay on top of the input sessions.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Review your notes from inputs regularly (evenings\/weekends)
\n\u2022 Invest in stationery to help you organize notes (post-its\/dividers\/etc.)
\n\u2022 Ask lots of questions: whether that\u2019s during group discussions or directly to the course tutor.<\/p>\n
Standing in front of students can be exhilarating (or terrifying); here\u2019s how to stay focused.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Keep the weekly criteria in mind \u2013 don\u2019t aim for perfection.
\n\u2022 Spend time on the self-evaluation \u2013 it can make or break a lesson.
\n\u2022 Come prepared! Look over your guidelines the night before so as to hit the ground running during lesson planning time.<\/p>\n
The work doesn\u2019t stop when you leave the classroom; here\u2019s what you need to know to succeed.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Read and follow the rubric exactly \u2013 it\u2019s all there!
\n\u2022 Confirm and clarify with peers and tutors well in advance.
\n\u2022 Proofread!<\/p>\n
Learning, teaching, homework\u2014CELTA is a lot of work! Here\u2019s how to stay organized.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Plan for the intensity of the course, i.e. let friends\/family know that you\u2019re not available for a few weeks.
\n\u2022 Don\u2019t put things off \u2013 plan a lesson over two nights rather than leaving it all until the last minute.
\n\u2022 Have a copy of the course timetable in an easily accessible place.<\/p>\n
All that\u2019s left is to take this advice to heart, get started, and to start teaching with CELTA.<\/p>\n