CELTA in a Few Lines
- What is CELTA? Cambridge certificate for teaching English to speakers of other languages. The program focuses on methodology: lesson design, classroom management, guiding learners to study actively, and teaching with detailed feedback.
- Why is it rare in Vietnam? Only about 240 people graduate annually (Apollo Hanoi & HCMC). Tuition is 40-50 million VND, duration is 4 weeks full-time or 12 weeks part-time. Many centers still prioritize native speakers, so fewer people pursue it.
- Is CELTA the only path? No. But it's the "clearest" path if you want to teach systematically or advance in international/academic management environments.
Real Value
- Practice-first: CELTA trainees must teach real classes and receive feedback after each session.
- Self-reflection: detailed feedback helps teachers know their strengths and weaknesses.
- Common standard: opens doors for teaching opportunities in many countries.
The decision to study CELTA depends on your financial situation, time, and whether you have an environment to apply it after the course.
Natural Language Learning Journey
When designing lessons, CELTA always reminds: look back at how we learned Vietnamese.
- Listening (0-5 years old): absorbing sounds around us.
- Speaking: imitating even before fully understanding.
- Reading & writing: only starts after listening-speaking proficiency (primary school).
- Refinement: using what we read/hear to communicate, write essays, present ideas.
Adults learn foreign languages faster with technology support—but still need the full cycle: listening → speaking → reading → writing. Skip any step, results will be lopsided.
Integrating 4 Skills in One Lesson
A 90-minute lesson plan can be divided like this:
- Lead-in & gist (15'): light listening/reading to create context, activate vocabulary.
- Highlight language (20'): extract vocabulary/structures from the main reading/listening.
- Controlled practice (15'): short exercises for learners to control the form.
- Freer practice (25'): discussions, role-play, quick writing... to "use" new language.
- Feedback & homework (15'): comment on key points, assign next tasks.
Lesson Planning Checklist
- Listen/read first before analyzing grammar.
- Use the same topic for all listening-reading-speaking-writing.
- Plan delayed feedback (don't correct immediately when learners are speaking/writing).
- Prepare clear materials (shared slides, flashcards, handouts) for learners to review before/after class.
Train Learners to "Teach Each Other"
- Encourage micro teaching: stronger learners guide weaker ones → deeper understanding.
- Explain the benefits (not "free tutoring" but the most effective learning method).
Integrate Technology
- Prepare Quizlet sets for each unit → learners save time on data entry.
- Use one shared Google Slides/Docs file for the whole class → easy tracking, less link spam.
Summary
- If you can pursue teaching long-term, CELTA is worth the investment.
- After the course, immediately apply the principles of listening → speaking → reading → writing and integrated lesson plans.
- Go the "extra mile": prepare clear materials and processes so learners see your professionalism.
Once you combine certification with real experience, your classroom will be much more sustainable—and you'll be more confident teaching anywhere.