TEFL, TESOL, CELTA, DELTA… What are they? The must know terminology when teaching ESL
Common Terms
ESL = English as a Second Language
ELL = English Language Learner ELT = English Language Teaching (Training)
EFL = English as a Foreign Language
ESOL = English to Speakers of Other Languages
Teaching Certificates
TEFL = Teaching English as a Foreign Language TESL = Teaching English as a Second Language
TESOL = Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
CELTA = Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults
DELTA = Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
English Proficiency Exams for Non-Native English Speakers
TOEFL = Test of English as a Foreign Language
IELTS = International English Language Testing System TOEIC = Test of English for International Communication
STT = Student Talking Time
TPR = Total Physical Response
TSE = Test of Spoken English
TTT = Teacher Talking Time
TWE = Test of Written English
NNS = Non-Native Speaker
NS = Native Speaker
Certification TEFL, TESOL, CELTA, DELTA
TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language)
Probably the most common acronym, TEFL refers to Teaching English as a Foreign Language. In theory, a TEFL Certificate is what you want in order to teach English in a country where English is not the native language (Thailand, for example.)
TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
Another very common acronym, TESOL refers to Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. For example, if you are a US citizen, and you want to teach English to a student whose native language is not English, this is a great certification to have. TESOL and TEFL are used pretty much interchangeably in the industry at this point. The term TESL is used interchangeably by some so do not get it confused.
CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults)
Similar to TEFL and TESOL, it’s an English language teaching qualification curriculum developed by Cambridge English, which is part of the University of Cambridge, which gives you the essential knowledge and training to teach English as a Second Language (ESL).
CELTA is great for people who are new to English teaching. For ones who are interested in advancing the knowledge and understanding of English language teaching, then Cambridge English also has another program, Delta (Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages).
