Goldsmiths - University of London

The CLTA is a part-time teacher-training programme for teaching foreign languages to adults (18+ years), divided into three modules. It provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles and practice of foreign language teaching and learning in the context of adult students. CLTA Module 1 (either Generic or Spanish) carries the nationally recognised Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS) award – ‘the threshold licence to teach’. Go to www.lluk.org/2986.htm for more information about the PTLLS award.

Study options

• CLTA Module 1 – generic (PTLLS)

or

• CLTA Module 1 – Spanish (PTLLS)
• CLTA Module 2
• CLTA Module 3

The programme is taught to a mixed language group, in English, at Goldsmiths (except for Module 1 – Spanish) though in either Module 2 or 3, each student follows a language-specific teaching practice placement that may be in a centre elsewhere. Please see our webpages (www.gold.ac.uk/pace/languages) for FAQs about the CLTA.

Entrance requirements

You will need to:

• be fluent in the language that you wish to teach (if you are taking Module 1 - Spanish you will need to be fluent in this language)
• have a good level of written and spoken English (preferably equivalent to IELTS 6 or the Cambridge Advanced certificate) if English is not your first language
• normally have a first degree, though not necessarily in languages
• have an interest in languages and language teaching.

You do not need to have any language teaching experience. However, we will not be able to accept you onto the course if we think it is unlikely we will be able to find a teaching practice placement for you.

What you study

CLTA Module 1 — PTLLS Preparing To Teach Minimum 40 hours of guided study.
Sessions include: the role of the teacher; the adult language-learner; methodologies in language- teaching; teaching grammar, vocabulary, listening, reading, speaking and writing; basic lesson-planning; and the basics of language-assessment. Teaching practice will consist of individual ‘micro-teaching’ (planning and teaching a language point to your fellow CLTA students). You will have the opportunity to observe at least one language class in action. If you are taking the Spanish option, your lessons will be held in the London Instituto Cervantes (http://londres.cervantes.es).

CLTA Module 2 The Practicalities of Language Teaching Minimum 40 hours of guided study.
Sessions include: further development of practical language- teaching aspects, including: teaching grammar, vocabulary, listening, reading, speaking and writing (in more detail); working on language-learners’ pronunciation; using IT resources to support language-teaching and learning; and more on lesson-planning and assessment. Teaching practice will consist of an additional 30 hours (on average) supervised individual ‘placement’ – a mix of observation and opportunities to teach your language to a class of adult learners, guided by an experienced teacher.
The placement will normally take place during Module 2 or Module 3, or spread over both.

CLTA Module 3 Working as a Professional Language Teacher Minimum 40 hours of guided study.
Sessions include: the wider context of a language teacher’s work, including: syllabuses and planning language courses; teaching different levels; language-teaching for different contexts (one-to-one, language-teaching for business); professional conduct; keeping yourself up-to-date as a language teacher. Teaching practice: see Module 2 above.