SIT Vs. CELTA

"Is CELTA more widely recognized in Latin America or the USA for example than TOEFL courses in general? I am looking at Celta vs SIT TESOL but not sure which course to take. Both seem to be well established in terms of longevity and course structure. I would like to learn as much as I possibly can prior to on the job learning!"

"I struggled with the same decision... I'm biased, because I chose SIT over CELTA and believe it was an excellent decision. I'll share what I learned in my own research (in 2003) and what my personal experience has been. The SIT teaching philosophy of reflective and experiential learning matches closely with my own teaching philosophy. CELTA, I've heard, is a much more objectively-based curriculum, with teacher-trainer feedback being much less constructive, as it relies on grades. Everywhere I go, SIT seems to be very well respected. I know I made the right choice for me; I think it really depends on what kind of teacher you are, and want to be. With the SIT TESOL course, you know you're getting the same tried-and-true curriculum on your teacher training. CELTA courses follow some guidelines, and are observed to make sure they're up to par, but the curriculum itself could be vastly different from course to course, depending on the whims of the trainer."

The SIT TESOL is based on SIT's application of John Dewey's Experiential Learning theories, with particular stress on the Experiential Learning Cycle (ELC). The focus is on developing teacher thinking and reflection skills. While teacher reflection is encouraged on the CELTA, it does not play as central a role and is not explicitly addressed.

The ELC, although it sounds theoretical, is actually an invaluable tool. Through written assignments, trainer-led discussions and post-lesson feedback sessions, participants use the ELC to carefully examine, in concrete terms, what was successful (what helped) and what was not (what hindered) in their lessons. This reflection forms the basis of action plans for future lessons. Of the many benefits to this approach, perhaps the most important is that it teaches participants how to examine their lessons independently, something they will need to do once they begin teaching on their own. Widely incorporated into the core curricula of the best TESOL Master's programs around the world, this theory is at the forefront of teaching and learning theories in the field.

The SIT TESOL course is ten hours longer than the CELTA. SIT TESOL is 130 hours, whereas CELTA is 120.

The amount of material covered on both courses is immense. The extra time included on the SIT course gives participants more time to ask the trainers questions, receive guidance during lesson planning, get feedback on their lessons and apply the skills and information they learn about during workshops.

The SIT TESOL course is Pass/Fail whereas the CELTA course issues grades.

Both the SIT TESOL and the CELTA are very intensive courses. Considering the amount of information introduced and the demands of practice teaching and lesson planning, it is not surprising that participants often report that their experiences on the course were life-changing. SIT TESOL's pass/fail system allows participants to take in a lot of new information and methodology without the added and unnecessary stress of worrying about grades.

While CELTA does have guidelines for what must be included on each course, the SIT TESOL Course is the same wherever it is offered.

You can rely on every SIT TESOL course to offer the same curriculum every time. The focus on reflection, the written assignments and the workshops do not change. This consistency gives integrity to the certificate making the course dependable worldwide. The CELTA may differ from site to site and the content depending largely on the trainer or site offering it.