CELTA, or the Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults, is a globally recognized qualification for those who want to become English language teachers. One of the key components of the CELTA program is Assignment 2, which focuses on language skills related tasks.
In this assignment, trainees are expected to demonstrate their understanding of how to teach the four language skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) and how to integrate them into a lesson. They are also required to show how they can adapt materials and tasks to meet the needs and abilities of their learners.
One way to approach this assignment is to first identify the language skill or skills that will be the focus of the lesson. It is important to consider the needs and goals of the learners as well as the specific language items that need to be covered. For example, if the learners are intermediate level students who need to improve their speaking skills, the lesson might focus on practicing conversation and using different structures and vocabulary related to a specific topic.
Next, trainees should select appropriate materials and tasks to support the lesson. This might include a reading passage or listening comprehension activity to provide input on the target language, as well as activities such as gap fills or matching exercises to practice new language items. Trainees should also consider how to vary the level of difficulty of the tasks to challenge and engage learners of different abilities.
In order to effectively integrate the language skills, trainees should also consider how to link the activities together and provide opportunities for learners to practice and use the language in different contexts. This might involve incorporating pair work or group work into the lesson, or using role play or other communicative activities.
Finally, trainees should think about how to adapt the materials and tasks to meet the needs and abilities of their learners. This might involve simplifying or adapting the language for lower level learners, or providing additional support or challenges for more advanced learners.
Overall, Assignment 2 is an important opportunity for CELTA trainees to demonstrate their understanding of how to teach the four language skills and how to effectively integrate them into a lesson. By carefully selecting and adapting materials and tasks, and considering the needs and goals of their learners, trainees can create engaging and effective language learning experiences.