It is a RESUBMISSION HaHaHaHa

Shady Abuyusuf

Mon, 20 May 2024

83

Ah, the wonderful world of CELTA! Life’s a bit like a box of chocolates, and so is a CELTA course: you never know what you’re going to get – except that there will be an assignment in there that needs re-submitting. In this jovial and lighthearted article, we’ll explore why most mere mortals potter around in the realm of the red pen, and we’ll offer you some top-notch tips to avoid those pesky re-submissions, all while remaining as British as your morning cuppa.

So, the question on everybody’s minds: why do so many poor souls have to re-submit their CELTA assignments? Let’s dive in, shall we?

1. Time management – or lack thereof

It might sound like a broken record, but that’s because it’s true: not all heroes wear capes, and not all efficient folks can juggle a million tasks while pursuing their CELTA course. Time management is the key to victory, and it’s quite common for candidates to underestimate just how precious the gift of time can be on this course.

Tip: Channel your inner Dumbledore and master the art of time management by developing a well-timed schedule. You’ll have time to focus on each assignment with the proper care and attention it needs, like a loving gardener tending to their prized rose bushes.

2. Vagueness – the sworn enemy of clarifications

As CELTA candidates, it’s sometimes tempting to substitute precision with a generous dollop of vagueness. It’s like hoping the examiner will fill in the blanks with their own imagination. Sorry, mate! That won’t do!

Tip: To keep the Vague Monster at bay, be crystal clear in your responses; support everything with concrete examples, and make sure to follow guidelines to a T. Remember, it’s better to over-elaborate than to leave things as nebulous as a foggy day in London.

3. Misunderstanding the assignment brief

The only thing worse than facing He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is misunderstanding your CELTA assignment brief. This leads to a poorly written assignment, and you’ll more than likely summon the dreaded ‘re-submission’ spirits to your doorstep.

Tip: Read, Muggles! Read every nook and cranny of the assignment brief over a steaming mug of tea, and clarify questions you might have with your course tutors. They’re there to help you become the victorious conqueror of the CELTA assignments.

4. Miscalculating priorities

In the midst of the CELTA whirlwind, it’s easy to lose track of priorities. Teaching practice? Whole-class feedback? Planning lessons? With so much on your plate, the assignments might end up looking like crumpets without butter.

Tip: Sketch out your priorities – with the biggest focus on assignments during weekends, of course. Consider ditching Netflix for a fortnight and voilà! You’ll be surprised to see how much time you’ve freed up by giving up that nightly Coronation Street binge (sorry, not sorry!).

5. The last-minute panic

Ah, procrastination! The mother of all re-submissions. The CELTA journey is a tad intense, and it sometimes leads to delightful instances of last-minute panic.

Tip: Be your own superhero and tackle pending tasks as soon as you can. Start assignments early, work with your fellow CELTA colleagues, and put those fingertips to work like a typist possessed. With a dash of dedication and a sprinkle of time management, you’ll find yourself ahead of the game.

And there you have it, folks! A bit of wit, a smidgen of comedy, and several tips to help you leapfrog over those assignment re-submissions. All the best, and may your CELTA course be a splendid blend of David Attenborough’s wisdom and Mary Berry’s delightful cakes!