Irwin Temkin talks about the course...

What I like about CELTA courses is to see the trainees' progression not only with regard to their self-development but also in their personal relationships. A Celta course is unique in this respect.

On the first day when the trainees arrive, as usually happens in any new class, no-one speaks very much to begin with, but by the end of the day they have all started bonding together and, in doing so, they are really motivating each other regards their teaching. They experience fear and at the same time excitement when they are told that they will be teaching on the first day, even if it is unassessed, but they help each other which is very important.

After getting over this initial shock, the trainees get into a routine and they quickly get used to lesson planning and attending input sessions until the next fright comes when it is the day on which they have to hand in the first assignment. Everyone works like mad on the computers to have the assignment ready for the deadline but again they all manage it. The stress level decreases again and they feel satisfied that they have met an objective.

However, this reduction in stress does not last long because the assessor's visit starts to loom up and this is really one of the most exciting days for the trainees. There are numerous questions as to what he/she will be like, what he/she will do that day etc. All the CELTA files have to be signed before this visit and there is that last minute rush again but the bonding persists and everyone finishes in time.

After this visit, there is a tremendous feeling of relief, The worst is over. It will be plain sailing from now on and it usually is.

The last day arrives and all the final signing takes place. It is on this day that I feel a kind of sadness to think that these people who have worked so hard and been so close together for a whole month will now go off to places all over the world, perhaps never to meet again.