Key questions and answers
- 1. Aims and candidature
- 2. Content and structure of the Delta Modules
- 3. Assessment
- 4. Recognition and Promotion
- 5. General Questions
1. Aims and candidature
The aims of the Delta Modules are:
- to create an accessible and modular Delta syllabus that will offer candidates flexible entry points
- to enable candidates to acquire all three modules in stages over a period of time that can fit with career and other commitments
- to provide the opportunity for Delta candidates to focus on specialist teaching,
e.g. teaching young learners, business English - to encourage more flexible delivery, e.g. blended learning options
- to allow individual modules to be taken as part of a programme of continuous professional development
- to certificate partial achievement in specific areas
How much experience do teachers need to take the Delta modules?
The modules are for practising teachers. Length of practice is not so important as the quality of the teacher’s previous experience and whether they can demonstrate that they are now ready to progress to a higher level qualification. Following is the guidance given regarding target candidature.
Delta Module candidates
- normally hold an initial teaching qualification enabling them to teach English in their own context
- have a range of experience of teaching different levels in one or more contexts
- have a level of written and spoken English which enables them to teach advanced level students (up to and including level C1 on the CEFR)
- are able to research and present written assignments to the required standard
2. Content and structure of the three modules
What is the focus of each of the three modules?
- Module One focuses on the background to teaching and learning.
- Module Two focuses on developing professional practice.
- Module Three focuses on assessment and course planning in the context of a specialist option (e.g. YL, ESOL, ESP, 1-1).
Do candidates have to take all three modules?
No. Candidates may choose to enter a single module or any combination of modules. Each module is separately certificated: this allows candidates to receive credit for each module successfully completed.
Can the modules be taken in any order?
Each module assumes the knowledge and competence gained in the previous module(s). The usual order is from Module One through to Module Three. However, candidates may choose to take the modules in any order if this is appropriate to their needs and context.
Will it be possible to take all three modules at the same time?
Yes. Centres can offer all three Delta modules concurrently. However, the advantage of the revised syllabus is that the distribution of content across the three modules allows centres to offer individual modules or combinations of modules for candidates who may not wish or need to complete all of them.
Do candidates have to complete all three modules within a specific time?
No. Candidates can complete modules when and as often as they wish and there is no time limit for completion of all three modules.
Do candidates have to take a course for each module?
No. Attendance on a course is only necessary for Module Two so that practice can be directly assessed. Although most candidates will wish to follow a course for Modules One and Three, they can enter for these modules without taking a course.
How long do Module Two courses need to be?
It is important that courses are sufficiently long to allow for teacher development. There are five assessed lessons and a number of written assignments so six weeks is probably the minimum length for full time programmes.
If each module assumes the 'knowledge and competence' gained from the previous one, how can modules be taken in any order?
The Delta modules are for practising teachers. The profiles and needs of candidates varies. Many will have existing qualifications. The modular structure is designed to allow flexible and appropriate development for individual teachers.
How is theory and practice integrated in the modular structure?
Each module relates theory to practice and vice-versa. Modules taken independently will require links to be made between theory and practice. Delta candidates are experienced teachers so already have a theoretical base and practical experience. The examination questions in Module One are set in a practical context and assume that candidates have a practical background. In Module Two assignments, candidates need to analyse, explain and justify selected content and approaches taken. Module Three assessment is a practice based research project.
Why has the option of a specialist focus been introduced?
This reflects employers’ growing needs for teachers skilled in teaching in specific contexts, e.g. Business English, EAP, ESP, 1-1, ESOL, YL.
Do Module Three candidates need to have previous experience of their specialist option?
Previous experience is not necessary. While many candidates already have some experience in their chosen specialism, some candidates may want to extend their professional expertise by developing a specialism in which they have little previous experience. The specialism should be relevant to their current or intended teaching context and the centre at which they are enrolled must be able to supervise it.
Can someone who already holds a DTEFLA or current DELTA:
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take only Module Three in order to develop / accredit their practice in a specialist area, e.g. YL?
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take Module Three a number of times for different specialisms?
Yes, any of the modules can be taken as a freestanding certificate by current DELTA/DTEFLA holders and Module Three can be repeated if a teacher wants to develop expertise in an additional specialist area.
Is Module Three input be tailored to each specialism or is input generic across all areas with an expectation that an individual will tailor the material to their focus.
This depends on the approach taken by the centre. It may be that a whole group chooses the same specialist area e.g. ESP or Young Learners, in which case the same input can be provided for all candidates. If a range of specialist areas is chosen, then input is likely to be generic with individual support being given by tutors with some expertise in the specialist area.
However, it is not necessary to do a course to enter for Module Three. Candidates can advise centres of their specialist area, and receive advice and guidance and support in the form of individual or group tutorials or on-line packages.
What is new in the Delta Modules syllabuses?
The revised syllabus for each module reflects current developments in ELT by including a greater emphasis on:
- the specialised nature of much teaching today
- the role of assessment in course design and delivery
- the use of technology in the classroom
- diversity in the language classroom - variety of learner types and learner needs.
3. Assessment
How is each module assessed?
- Module One is assessed via a written examination.
- Module Two is assessed via a portfolio of coursework, including observed lessons, written assignments, and an externally-assessed lesson observation.
- Module Three is assessed via an extended written assignment.
How long is the Module One examination?
The examination consists of two one and half-hour papers taken on the same day with a break in between the two papers.
How many times is the examination offered?
It is offered twice a year in June and December.
Can Module Two candidates choose specialist teaching for assessment purposes?
Yes, candidates may choose to be assessed with any learner group provided the assessment criteria can be met.
How will the Module Three assignment differ from the current extended assignment?
The focus of the assignment will be on a specialism chosen by the candidate in consultation with the centre. The specialism could be one where the candidate already has experience or one which they would like to explore for future employment. In the latter case, the candidate will need to have access to the type of learners chosen as a focus for the assignment. The length of the assignment is around 4,500 words.
If a YL specialism is selected in Module Three will focus need to be on a particular age group? (e.g. VYL, teens, primary etc)?
Yes. Young learners include a wide range of ages. There would need to be a focus on a particular age group for the research into discussion of theories and principles, and a specified class within that age range would be needed for the course design and assessment elements of the research project
Do candidates who don't pass Modules Two and Three first time round have to complete all the assessment again?
There is a one year referral period for Modules Two and Three.
Module Two candidates are allowed to re-take the external assignment in one or both of the two following sessions. For example, a candidate who fails the coursework in June 2009 can re-enter for the external assessment in December 2009 and/or June 2010.
Module Three projects may be re-submitted on one occasion only in one of the two sessions following the original entry.
4. Recognition and Promotion
Do candidates receive an overall Delta certificate?
Candidates receive a separate certificate for each module completed. The information provided on the back of each certificate will outline the aims and content of the module. Candidates who successfully complete all the modules can request an overall certificate.
Do the Delta Modules have the same recognised status?
Yes. Delta is widely recognized and valued and Cambridge ESOL is working with stakeholders to capitalise on the advantages offered by the revised modular syllabus. The modules offer greater transparency and flexibility as each module will be worth 20 credits (200 learning hours), allowing candidates, universities and other users to see more easily how the modules fit into other qualifications. Cambridge ESOL is actively pursuing the extension of recognition for all three Delta modules.
Whose system does the credit rating refer to?
To align the Delta modules with the QCA’s Qualification and Credit framework, the same system (i.e. one credit represents 10 hours’ learning time) has been adopted. This includes guided and independent learning.
How do Delta credits enable universities and other users to relate to the new qualifications?
The credits assigned to each module indicate to universities the amount and level of learning undertaken to achieve each module. It is up to individual universities to allow transfer of credit. This will depend on the fit between the Delta modules and modules on university programmes.
What is Cambridge ESOL be doing to support and publicise the Delta Modules?
We have:
- produced information and guidance documents
- worked with key stakeholders to maintain current recognition
- presented at international conferences
- provided information seminars
- included information and up-dates in Cambridge ESOL bulletins and on the website.
and we are working to extend recognition of the Delta Modules.
5. General Questions
Who can deliver the Delta Modules?
Approved Cambridge ESOL examination centres and/or teaching award centres can enter candidates for Modules One and Three. Centres may offer face-to-face, online or blended learning preparation courses for Modules One and Three but these courses do not need to be approved by Cambridge ESOL.
Only approved teaching award centres can deliver Module Two courses or integrated modular courses which include Module Two.
Candidates can prepare for the Module One examination wherever and however they like but will need to enter through an approved Cambridge ESOL examination centre.
Module Three candidates will need to register at a Cambridge ESOL centre (examination or teaching award) which has been authorised to accept Module Three candidates.
How long will referral opportunities be available for candidates on courses based on the pre-September 2008 (DELTA) syllabus?
Referral opportunities will be available until December 2011. There will be four opportunities to retake the exam. As at present, candidates can re-enter on two occasions.
June 2009
December 2009
June 2010
June 2011
No deferral or referral candidates can enter after June 2011.
What administrative steps should we take in order to become a centre for any of the Delta Modules?
If you are already approved to offer Cambridge ESOL Diplomas, you do not need to apply for approval. You will, however, need to submit course details for Module Two.
If you are currently approved as a Cambridge ESOL Examination Centre or as a centre for other Teaching Awards, you need to apply for your approval to be extended to add the Delta Modules to the list of products you offer.
If you are not currently approved as a Cambridge ESOL Examination or Teaching Award Centre, you need to apply for approval.
Contact ESOLTeachingAwards@CambridgeESOL.org for the appropriate form.
For further queries, please please use the online enquiry form.
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