With the summer heat reaching its peak, teachers in the UAE are being put through their paces on an intensive teacher training course at IH Dubai. 22 teaching candidates are working to prove their worth and gain the edge over their competition by completing the CELTA programme (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) from the University of Cambridge ESOL.
The programme allows teachers to enhance their knowledge and develop their skills in the classroom. Throughout the training courses, participants work through the skills needed to manage lessons effectively, to tailor teaching to be more student-centred and less teacher-focused and develop their own knowledge and understanding of language and methodology. The programme is continuously assessed and challenging, but this is what makes it the best-known English Language Teaching qualification internationally.
Amena Al Muhairi, a CELTA candidate, said: "The CELTA course that I took at IH Dubai was very comprehensive in its content. It covers both linguistic and pedagogical issues that are essential for teachers to be aware of. It has refreshed and consolidated my knowledge in the field of English language teaching. Furthermore, the tutors organisation and presentation of the input have made the course easy to follow and interesting as well."
Another candidate, John Fritchie, stated that "the CELTA has been a revelation for me. I have learned so much every day from the course. Moreover, the experience has renewed my excitement and enthusiasm for teaching. But most useful has been the observed teaching practice. There is just no better way to improve than to have expert teachers
Watching and helping you understand your strengths and weaknesses, as well showing you how to teach better.
In fact, this course falls on an auspicious date for another reason. IHWO is celebrating 50 years of teacher training in 2012. The IHWO was the first in taking steps to professionalising the industry and the very course that IH first developed went on to become the Cambridge CELTA so well known today.
Jamie King, Director of Teacher Training said: "In 2012, we have noticed a huge increase in the numbers of teachers in the Gulf region wanting to invest in their further professional development with accredited University of Cambridge Teaching Awards and Certificates.
In addition to the CELTA, these include the Delta Modules (an advanced in-service qualification) and the TKT (Teaching Knowledge Test) which offers a whole suite of teaching examinations relevant to a range of teachers from different sectors. It appears that teachers in the region are becoming more and more aware of the need not only to continue to develop professionally, but to make themselves more competitive."
IH Dubai delivers these practically-focused qualifications, as well as a range of other services from education consultancy and curriculum development to teacher development programmes which are easily integrated into the academic year. Qualifications offered by IH Dubai can be tailored to meet the development needs of local schools and training centres, so that they are able to develop internal talent and give their institute, and their students, a real competitive advantage.
For further information about University of Cambridge teaching qualifications available from IH Dubai please visit http://www.ihdubai.com/teachertraining.html
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About International House Dubai
IH Dubai is at the forefront in teacher training and development and has become synonymous with language development excellence. Currently offering the full range of University of Cambridge ESOL Teaching Awards, IH Dubai is also a Cambridge Exam Centre offering tests for Young Learners through to professional English qualifications such as the Business English Certificates (BEC). IH Dubai is also one of two agents in the country offering BULATS (Business Language Testing Service) in four languages.
The International House World Organisation (IHWO) has more than 150 affiliate schools in over 50 different countries, teaching 19 different languages and will be celebrating 60 years of teaching excellence next year. Each school adheres to the rigorous quality management systems of IHWO.
IH Dubai is a body that is accredited by the KHDA in the UAE.
© Press Release 2012
