Celta Interview Question

[raj_j_i]

Hey everyone! My interview at the today was absolutely splendid! I was interviewed by this really nice Australian tutor, Deirdre, who had a lot of positive things to say about my application and pre course task, even though I made a fool of myself a few times during the interview. But more importantly she took the time and effort to point out the areas I need to improve on. And she made sure that I completely understood what I'm getting myself into. I couldn't have asked for a better interview.

If anyone wants to know, this is basically what transpired. I was first asked a few general questions, like why I want to do this course and what I intend on doing with the qualification. We then went through my pre-task form and application. Thankfully I didn't make too many mistakes and she was quite impressed by it . Even so, Deirdre did point the mistakes out and made sure I understood why they were wrong.

And then she explained the way the course works. Every aspect was covered; from the grading system, the standards and procedures and even bits of what I can expect in terms of lesson planning and such. I was given a very detailed explanation of what is to come when I start the course next year in terms of workload and participation. I was then given a tour of the facility and I got to see the classes in action.

After that, it was my turn to ask some questions. Since everything I needed to know was pretty much covered, I asked Deirdre if she thinks I should do the course. I wanted her personal opinion. Her reply was 'Absolutely!'. Another confidence boost.

Finally, I was given 20 minutes to complete a short essay. I guess it was just a way for them to be sure that I really have the necessary skills for the course and that I wasn't faking my application in any way. The essay was pretty easy. I had to choose either of the two scenarios provided. I chose to write about the time when I had to work in a team and the experiences I gained from it.

Deirdre read my essay, pointed out one glaring spelling mistake I overlooked and I was then offered a place! That was it! I also received an e-mail with my letter of offer attached later in the evening. And that was the best interview, of any kind, that I've ever had. Period. I'm just really happy that I wasn't judged by the way I look (I have very messy long hair) or by the way I dress (I don't believe in proper pants, ties or tucking my shirt in) but purely based on my work and my capabilities. It's a breath of fresh air for sure!

So thank you Airone, Paul and Soup. I'm eternally grateful for your help. Now the real challenge begins! Oh, and sorry for the lengthy rant! I just had get it out.

-Raj-

[colloquium]

So thank you Airone, Paul and Soup. I'm eternally grateful for your help. Now the real challenge begins! Oh, and sorry for the lengthy rant! I just had get it out.

-Raj-

I am glad you've found some useful information here Raj.

I really enjoyed my CELTA course.

I can offer some advice: try to get some teaching practice (if you don't already have any) before doing the course.

I would say that if you had to weigh it up (in terms of preparing for the course), the teaching practice is probably slightly more important than the grammar. As long as you have a good foundation of grammar knowledge, you can learn bits and pieces as and when you need to, but with actual teaching it's not so simple.

Good luck, and come back to this thread if you have anything to add on the experience. It can be hard to find "real" information on these courses are threads like this are a valuable source of information for newcomers to the field.

Paul

[raj_j_i]

I am glad you've found some useful information here Raj.

I really enjoyed my CELTA course.

I can offer some advice: try to get some teaching practice (if you don't already have any) before doing the course.

I would say that if you had to weigh it up (in terms of preparing for the course), the teaching practice is probably slightly more important than the grammar. As long as you have a good foundation of grammar knowledge, you can learn bits and pieces as and when you need to, but with actual teaching it's not so simple.

Good luck, and come back to this thread if you have anything to add on the experience. It can be hard to find "real" information on these courses are threads like this are a valuable source of information for newcomers to the field.

Paul

Hey Paul, thanks for the advice! Definitely something I'm considering at the moment. I'll be sure to come back here soon with my experiences. :D

Sorry I took so long to reply by the way.

Thanks again!