A tesol practicum in england

Abstract

This chapter sets out the details of the teaching practicum at Anglia Ruskin University. The practicum is unusual in that it combines two different qualifications at the same time. During the practicum the trainees are taking three modules on their BA English Language and English Language Teaching and at the same time they are taking a separate, externally validated, qualification, the Cambridge English CELTA. While combining these two strands is highly beneficial for trainees in terms of outcome, it does pose unique challenges for tutors in terms of aligning the delivery and assessment with both the university system and CELTA course requirements. The course is also unusual in that it takes place over a full academic year, unlike most CELTA courses which are 4 weeks in duration. This presents opportunities for more depth of discussion, reviews of concepts and unassessed teaching practice but, again, presents new challenges, such as keeping trainees motivated and focussed through two semesters in which they also have other modules to attend and submit work for, as well as typically working part-time to finance their studies. Ultimately, however, the essence of this course is the Cambridge English CELTA programme, which is standardized across the globe.