Job Discussion Forums

[Trina Marlow]

I'm working in tutorial and language center and I handle admin and some IT tasks. The management is offering me an English Tutorial job. I'm interested with their offer coz I'm considering it a career growth. However, I'm not so confident with the way I communicate. So now, I'm looking for an online training that could help improve my communication skills. Any suggestion?

[nomad soul]

Consider joining your local Toastmasters chapter.

[mmcmorrow]

You could take a look at this free online course in public speaking from the University of Washington or this one on negotiation skills from the University of Michigan. And, as the last poster commented, Toastmasters, an international public speaking club, has branches in many cities around the world. There's one on our campus, and several international students who I support participate in it.

Martin McMorrow, Learning Consultant, Massey University, New Zealand

[Trina Marlow]

I was looking for some software that can help me enhance my communication skills and I ended up with this one by HRDQ. I want to try it out. Wish me luck!

[nomad soul]

Frankly, using DVDs is a passive way to learn and not likely to boost your speaking and listening confidence. Since you're looking at this English tutoring job as a stepping stone to a career in TESOL, consider 1) investing the time and money in a CELTA or equivalent TEFL cert; and 2) cross training as a classroom assistant under a seasoned instructor at the language center where you work, which would give you hands-on, on-the-job experience.