Job Discussion Forums

icollin · Joined: 05 Feb 2003 Posts: 39

I don't know what this forum will bring me in 10 years time, but I like coming here just because I feel understood. Out of all my friends, I am the only one that's been abroad to teach english, so I can't talk about it with them, they can't relate.

khmerhit · Posted: Fri May 07, 2004 11:42 pm Post subject:

YOU'RE SO WEIRD--YOU'RE ALWAYS GOING ON ABOUT JAPAN--GOVE US A BREAK!!!!!!!!!--TALK ABOUT SOMETHING ELSE FOR A CHANGE--YOURE SO WEIRD

caesar · Joined: 30 Jun 2003 Posts: 24 Location: cyberspace

In what ways do you 14 people benefit "greatly" from the forum? Are you all recruiters or something? I understand the "slightly" people, but "greatly"?

What is the sarcasm factor in this environment?

nicdoering · Joined: 28 Mar 2004 Posts: 45 Location: Beijing

In response to your question, Caesar, I said that I benefit greatly because I have been teaching for just over a year, 3 months post-CELTA, and am the only foreigner in my school. As posters have said above, I find this forum to be a place where I can see that I'm not the only one having the problems that I do, and in the absence of colleagues that think about teaching in the same way as I do, this is a godsend for my continuing sanity. Not only problems, but experiences and good things too.

I respect many regular posters here for their professionalism and intelligence and their postings motivate me to go out and do more research and teach what I hope are better lessons than I would give if I didn't read these forums. There is a wealth of information here for less experienced teachers, and I suspect many of the people who voted in the 'benefit greatly' category are like me.

I also find many of the posts funny and interesting whether or not they are related to teaching English - and I've learned a lot from off-topic posts. So I'd say the benefits for me go beyond professional development.

Nic

nicdoering · Joined: 28 Mar 2004 Posts: 45 Location: Beijing

And actually there was no sarcasm in the above reply - believe it or not!

Smile

Will. · Joined: 02 May 2003 Posts: 783 Location: London Uk

sarcasm??? wossat?

Capergirl · Posted: Mon May 31, 2004 8:42 am Post subject:

My time here was worth it but I think my time here is coming to an end pretty soon. Wink

Will. · Joined: 02 May 2003 Posts: 783 Location: London Uk

Please elucidate Capergirl.
Your absence would surely be noted among the dedicated followers of fanclubs that we have here. Is your locquaciousness lacking?

joe-joe · Joined: 15 Oct 2003 Posts: 100 Location: Baku, Azerbaijan

I'd (sadly) have to say this forum has become pretty much irrelevant to me both in personal and professional terms. I did use to find it fun to put the odd posting on here and there. But in general I find it has degenerated into a place where personal attacks on people/flaming of individuals for expressing opinions which might not agree with the general consensus of opinion is prevalent. In fact it has just become plain personal lately. It's just not much use or fun to me. Also I find it just downright 'clique-y' .Thankfully I'm too busy in my 'real' existence for this to be particularly lamentable Razz

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

JoeJoe,
Sadly I would have to agree with you. It has become petty and can be depressing. Having to explain yourselves or defend yourselves from trolls, is not exactly worthwhile. At the moment, I have mixed feelings.

Brooks · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1369 Location: Sagamihara

I have been looking at the board since 1996.
Some posters lack respect of others, and some think they have all the answers and lack humility.
I tend to lurk more than post because I am put off by some of what I read. I think thoughtful people doing EFL don`t post because of the nastiness we can read here.
At least the Korean board isn`t bad as it used to be. It is definitely better.

caesar · Joined: 30 Jun 2003 Posts: 24 Location: cyberspace

1996? Impressive.
I think I started sometime around then - but I was mostly a lurker that got separated when the Korean board started.

I guess I understand how many of you feel if I remember where I was at a few years ago.

But there comes a time, after you haven't seen or talked to another "native speaker" for months on end, when you've been on the brink of REALLY going native - no silly BS: I'm talking cultural immersion here with no visits.

When you see people with something to say get banned but the trolls just stay on forever for some reason...

Well, there comes a time when some of us outgrow the quaint little misinformation center.

There's a whole world of TEFL out there. Go discover it.

hesterprynne · Joined: 16 Sep 2003 Posts: 386

Long ago and far away, I used to drive a semi cross-country in the U.S. Bored, exhausted drivers would keep each other company on the CB. There were those who would turn any discussion into a hatefest. I always thought of it as sportfighting, something to keep one's adrenaline pumping through the long night. Is this what is happening here? This practice of insulting others is just something we have to ignore. Any attempt at rational discussion with a person inclined to be rude is meaningless.
I have benefited (sp?) greatly from this thread. I used it before I came to get vital information, and continue to use it as such.

Will. · Joined: 02 May 2003 Posts: 783 Location: London Uk

Today produced a few giggles a LOL and a little interest.