If you have been teaching English successfully for some time and feel that you have outgrown the basic lesson frameworks you first encountered on CELTA and have been using for the past two or three years, it may be time for you to move on – either into greater specialization e.g.(IHCYLT) or into more advanced study of methodology and language at the level offered by IH CAM – International House Certificate in Advanced Methodology.

IH CAM is an advanced methodology course designed for English teachers seeking to deepen their professional expertise. The course focuses on studying methodological literature and current research in pedagogy and linguistics, experimenting with innovative classroom approaches, engaging in reflective practice and self-evaluation, and delving into in-depth topics not typically addressed in introductory methodology courses.

The IH CAM course is designed to:

• broaden teachers’ understanding of theory and practice in English language teaching, including the use of contemporary resources
• develop skills in critical reading and interpretation of methodological literature and recent publications in the English teaching field
• enable teachers to feel more informed and confident as professionals
• inspire to experiment, including the following self-reflection and self-evaluation during the course and beyond
• develop skills in academic debates based on critical evaluation of different pedagogical methods and learners’ responses to these methods
• deepen understanding of language and language analysis for more effective work with learners in various teaching contexts and proficiency levels.
• prepare trainees for further study, e.g. DELTA modules

Entry requirements

• minimum С1 level of English (CEFR)
• at least 1-2 years of teaching experience after CELTA or its equivalents
• access to classes with various levels of learners, e.g. Elementary, Intermediate, Advanced, and various contexts - General English adults and older teenagers (15-17 y.o.), Exam preparation, Individual classes, etc.

Course format and duration
IH CAM is delivered online. The total duration depends on the number of sessions per month; a common format involves Saturday sessions over 4 to 5 months, making it compatible with full-time teaching schedules.

Course structure

Modules:

1. Course Introduction and Overview
2. Lesson Frameworks
3. Receptive Skills
4. Productive Skills
5. Grammar
6. Materials
7. Testing
8. Error and Error Correction
9. An Introduction to Discourse Analysis
10. Writing
11. Speaking and Spoken interaction
12. Vocabulary
13. Theories of Learning and Teaching
14. Phonology
15. Recent Approaches

Before each module, trainees are given reading and preparatory tasks to complete prior to the live online sessions with the tutor and peers. These tasks form the basis for ongoing practice throughout the IH CAM course.

One of the most important parts of the IH CAM course is systematic self-analysis of one’s own teaching. Trainees are encouraged to consider how their practice might be improved not only intuitively, but through evidence-based methods, and what is more important, evaluation of how these methods and theories work or do not work in their classrooms, and why.

All the teachers who have completed the course note its impact on their professional development. At the very beginning of the course, they identify their personal goals, select appropriate strategies, resources and instruments to achieve them.

Throughout the course, trainees complete 15 assessed portfolio tasks aligned with the course objectives, alongside their individual goals. These form the IHCAM Portfolio.

Portfolio
The portfolio must contain at least 11 portfolio tasks that meet the assessment criteria to a satisfactory standard.
In addition, the portfolio should also include the Final Reflective Assignment.

Final Reflective Assignment
This assignment is a substantial written work of approximately 2000 words, where trainees reflect on the goals they set at the beginning of the course and classroom experiments that were (un)successful and why; new methods they have tried during the course and their impact on their teaching; articles they have read, analysed and discussed during the course. An essential part of this assignment is a 500-word post-course action plan that outlines specific steps for continued professional development and tools for implementing them.

Course Assessment
A selection of portfolios is submitted to IHWO AU and moderated by Cambridge English Assessment. The grading of the course is Pass or Fail. Certificates are then issued and sent to the accredited Centre.

Professional opportunities after IHCAM
After completing the course, the trainees often feel more confident as their knowledge base is strengthened both theoretically and practically. This allows them to become more qualified to take on mentoring roles, supporting teachers.

In addition to mentoring, IH CAM provides excellent preparation for those who plan to continue their professional development with Cambridge DELTA and/or MA TESOL programmes.