DELTA: Ағылшын тілін оқытушыларға арналған дипломдық бағдарлама

DELTA is an English language teaching (ELT) qualification for experienced Teachers of English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) and Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). It is provided by Cambridge English Language Assessment through authorised Cambridge English Teaching Qualification centres and can be taken either full time or part time. The full name of the course was originally the Diploma in English Language Teaching to Adults and is still referred to in this way by some course providers. However, in 2011 the qualification title was amended on the Ofqual register to the Cambridge English Level 7 Diploma In Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (DELTA) in order to reflect that the wider range of students that teachers might have, including younger learners. Delta is designed for candidates with previous English language teaching experience. Candidates have usually completed an initial teaching qualification and typically have at least one year's teaching experience. It is suitable for first language and non first language speakers of English who are teaching English as a second or foreign language (ESL and EFL) in primary, secondary and adult contexts. Candidates should have English language skills equivalent to at least level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Delta consists of three modules, which can be taken together or separately, in any order, and over any time period. Module Two requires course attendance at an authorised Delta centre so that teaching practice can be supported and assessed. There is no requirement to take a course at a recognised Delta centre for Modules One and Three, although most candidates do. Successful candidates receive a certificate for each module passed, as well as an overall certificate upon the successful completion of all three modules. All three modules emphasise both theory and practice, although teaching practice is only directly assessed in Module Two. Delta also gives teachers an opportunity to pursue areas of specialism in Module Three (an extended assignment on syllabus design, course planning and assessment in the context of a selected ELT specialist area, or an extended assignment on ELT management in the context of a selected management specialist area). Delta is designed to help candidates to develop as teachers and progress to new career opportunities. It is regulated at Level 7 of the Qualifications and Credit Framework for England, Wales and N. Ireland and is suitable for teachers at Developing or Proficient level on the Cambridge English Teaching Framework.

Until 1988 the Royal Society of Arts (RSA) ran two English as a Foreign Language (EFL) diploma level programmes for native and non native speaker teachers, the DTEFLA (Diploma in the Teaching of English as a Foreign Language to Adults) and the DOTE (Diploma for Overseas Teachers of English). In 1988, Cambridge English Language Assessment (then known as the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES)) reached an agreement with the RSA to take over its suite of teacher training courses and qualifications. UCLES integrated DTEFLA and DOTE to launch the Cambridge DELTA (Diploma of English Language Teaching to Adults). In 2008 Delta was revised to its current format, making it suitable for all teaching age groups and divided into three free standing modules, which can be combined to constitute the Diploma qualification. The earlier formats of the qualification were equivalent in level to the current Delta qualification but were more narrowly focused on teaching general English (as a foreign language) to adult learners; whereas the current qualification is more broadly focused on teaching a wider range of learners with a variety of needs.) The current qualification also has a more practical orientation. The written examination, which previously consisted of a number of essay questions, now uses pieces of data (such as samples of students’ work, authentic texts and published ELT materials) for analysis, comment and evaluation. Candidates of the current qualification are not required to write traditional academic essays.

Assessment is conducted on a module by module basis.

Delta courses can be taken full time or part time and either face to face, online or using distance learning (NB: the Teaching Practice component of Module Two must be conducted in a face to face environment). All versions of Delta lead to the same internationally recognised certificate. Full time courses, conducted face to face in an authorised Teaching Qualification centre typically last seven to twelve weeks (depending on the centre). Part time courses, conducted face to face in an authorised Teaching Qualification centre, can last anything from a few months to up to 18 months (depending on the centre). Delta is available in many different countries around the world. A directory of global Cambridge English teaching qualification centres and their contact details can be accessed on the Cambridge English Language Assessment website.

Candidates can take the Delta modules through distance learning programmes, which combine both face to face and online learning. This means that teachers who do not have access to a local Cambridge English Teaching Qualifications centre can also take Delta courses.

Delta candidates receive a free 1 year membership of Cambridge English Teacher along with their final certificate. Cambridge English Teacher provides continuous professional development for English language teachers and is run by two departments of the University of Cambridge: Cambridge English Language Assessment and Cambridge University Press.