Job Discussion Forums

brw · Joined: 09 Feb 2015 Posts: 11 Location: London

Is it usual to have to do a 10 minute 'mini-teach' for an interview? What can you possibly teach in 10 minutes??

I'm assuming at least one other person would have had to do this - any tips gratefully received!

B

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

Usual in what way? There's no international rule that states employers worldwide have to adhere to certain interview requirements. So in answer to your question, yes, requiring a short teaching demo is the norm for some employers.

As for what to teach, prior to the interview, ask the employer what they'd like you to demonstrate. Otherwise, create a one-page lesson on a basic grammar point geared toward the target learners.

esl_prof · Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2015 1:14 pm Post subject:

And don't forget that the key word here is demonstrate. You may or may not be doing the demo before live students but, if not, be sure to teach as if your prospective employers are actual students. The last thing you'll want to do is simply give a ten-minute summary--a common newbie mistake--of how you'd give the lesson if actual students were there.

Good luck!

brw · Joined: 09 Feb 2015 Posts: 11 Location: London

Thanks guys! That's really useful - it wasn't something I'd ever been warned about...

esl_prof · Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2015 2:53 pm Post subject:

fluffyhamster · Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2015 4:20 pm Post subject:

I found it useful to speak not to the interviewer but to imaginary students, and speed up the pacing and act as if everything was being understood by the students. It's possible to zip through a fair bit if one makes such helpful (albeit simplifying) assumptions. Granted that was as the interviewer videoed my demo. Either way, they probably just want to hear what you sound like and if you can form reasonably clear, confident and logical utterances, instructions etc.

Sashadroogie · Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2015 4:27 pm Post subject:

Instructions???!!! Without brackets???

Excuse me, but I need... I need to gasp!

GASP!

Ah... that's better...

fluffyhamster · Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2015 4:31 pm Post subject:

I'm simplifying for the intended audience (interviewers there, if not readers here). Cool

Sashadroogie · Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2015 8:47 pm Post subject:

Might be quicker to just translate it into Japanese, no?

fluffyhamster · Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2015 2:42 am Post subject:

Er, no. Not if one isn't applying for Japan. Or if a Japan-based interviewer insists on the so-called Direct Method. Or if one doesn't speak any Japanese. Or if one isn't posting or indeed intruding on the Japan forum. Or...

Sashadroogie · Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2015 3:31 am Post subject:

Bracket free post!!! Ura!!!

brw · Joined: 09 Feb 2015 Posts: 11 Location: London

Thanks for all your advice guys, I think it went ok, but I haven't heard anything back yet...

brw · Joined: 09 Feb 2015 Posts: 11 Location: London

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

brw · Joined: 09 Feb 2015 Posts: 11 Location: London

The employer just said to do a mini-teach on an ESOL topic of my choice. The learners are adult men - no idea about levels.