Job Discussion Forums

[zorro]

[Deborann]

The necessity for disclaimers is precisely BECAUSE it is an open forum. Very few people actually know each other. It is too easy to speak with the voice of authority when you have none, to speak with the voice of experience when you are inexperienced. This forum provides information and ideas for people ranging from total 'newbies' to those with many, many years of varied and extensive experience. The credibility of the information is important.

When you listen to information don't you want to know that the information you are hearing has credibility? Working with my students I try to ensure that they check the reliability and validity of their sources before they use them as authoritative quotes.

The medical analogies were chosen because (like 'em or hate 'em) most people accept the medical profession as a 'profession', and therefore can easily relate to the analogy.

[zorro]

analogy. yes.

i understand what you're saying, but personally i have always taken aramas' posts with a pinch of salt (no offence aramas) and think that a disclaimer of any sort would make the atmosphere within the forum very formal.

theres a time and a place. i'm not sure this thread is one of them.

[Deborann]

My disclaimers zorro have been along the line - "I haven't been here for that long, but so far my observation is xyz." "I haven't taught in China yet, but (lecturing) (teaching ) in Oz has shown me that xyz - is this still a valid assumption in China". How hard is that? People know where I am at, they make no invalid assumptions re my experience etc and joy of joys answer me with valuable information that I can verify and use to make useful decisions!!

[stillnosheep]

Dear Zorro,

Once you have learnt to read you may realise that much more than a disclaimer was asked for

[dreaming_saturn]

Because of a conversation I had today, when and 'elite IT' professional scoffed at my job, I have to add my opinions to this debate.

I think EFL can be a profession if you want it to be a profession. The definition of profession : a calling requiring specialized knowledge and often long and intensive academic preparation b : a principal calling, vocation, or employment.

Ok, so your 1 month CELTA certificate may not be enough to call EFL teaching a profession, but if you add to your knowledge and experience, and continue to grow in your field it can become one.

After teaching with my CELTA I went back to University in the Netherlands, and am nearly finished a degree that allows me to teach in secondary schools. I plan on making a career in this field, learning and teaching and adding to my "specialized knowledge" so in my case, I'd call it a profession.

Many on this list seem to be teaching somewhere exotic to them, as something temporary. I quick buck in Korea after graduating, just for example. Many will "go home" after a period, and get on with a "real job" (not suggesting, by any means, that what we do is not a real job! Just my perception of how others may see EFL)

This is a career I have chosen. To me, it's my profession. It all depends on how you look at it.

[guest of Japan]

My wife says I have a profession so it must be true.

[Gordon]

[Aramas]

[zorro]

dear stillnosheep,

i know that you are in wales. can you hear west ham at millenium stadium? come on you irons. big day.

.....i didn't hijack the thread (very popular saying that) because i think that esl/efl teaching is a profession to people who want it to be.

[stillnosheep]

Just kicked off this second.

Hammers free kick. "Come on my son!"

[Hector_Lector]

Football - a way to keep morons happy.

[shmooj]

This Palace fan is one happy moron

[zorro]

i don't like shmooj. and as for graham poll. that was a penalty.

[zorro]

morons????

i laugh in your general direction.

(morons, ha.)