ELT in Brazil

DELTA sure is one hell of a ride. Lots of reading, lots of writing – and definitely a lot of rewriting. However, such a voyage is not undertaken alone. These are my top three books and authors without which I reckon I would not have finished the course.

Grammar for English Language Teachers (Parrot, 2010)

In very clear, straightforward English, Parrot manages to explore many grammar topics ranging from verb tenses to parts of speech and smaller, more atomistic aspects of the English language grammar. In DELTA modules 1 and 2 you are required to carry out systems analysis and Parrot’s grammar will certainly come to your aid. In module 2 in particular, you are required to write an analysis of a grammar topic, exemplify, and write about issues learners might face when encountering that piece of language. While Grammar for English Language Teachers might not be enough for the essays in M2, it sure is a very solid start.

A Course in English Language Teaching (Ur, 2012)

Aside from analyzing and writing about systems (such as grammar and vocab), you will also need to research and write about the teaching of skills. Where Parrot’s grammar falls short of describing these (for obvious reasons), Ur’s book offers an interesting starting point for researching and writing about skills development. Ur also describes, on several occasions, difficulties that learners might have when developing language skills and systems. Again, this is not a book where you’ll find all the answers you are looking for, but it definitely is a safe port to kickstart your research.

An A-Z of ELT (Thornbury, 2006)

Thornbury’s dictionary for ELT jargon is an absolute must. As part of the evaluation criteria for module 2, you are required to define the jargon you use and are encouraged to exemplify. A-Z of ELT provides short yet comprehensive definitions for most of ELT jargon. It is an interesting source to enrich your analysis by adding another author to the discussion when defining terms such as noun, verb tense, futurity, and others. A-Z of ELT is present in all of my bibliographies throughout module 2.

100 Teaching Tips (Ur, 2016)

As an extra suggestion, this handbook comes in handy for the last sections of your essays when you are supposed to come up with strategies to overcome the difficulties you identified as common for learners. While it is fine that you suggest a strategy of yours, I believe it adds in credibility when you ask an expert author such as Ur for advice. This book will give you straightforward, practical teaching tips. Useful for DELTA and the day-to-day routine of a busy teacher.

You can get these books by clicking here (Parrot), here (Ur), here (Thornbury), and here (Ur).

Whether you are currently enrolled in a DELTA course or planning on taking it, I strongly suggest you give these books a read and a special spot on your shelf – one with easy access, I don’t think they’ll be sitting on it for long.