Job Discussion Forums

[TawtViet]

I have some ESL and EFL teaching experience but have never really taught grammar. As a native English speaker I can notice those things that are a little off or blatently incorrect and teach students the right, better, or the best ways to use the targeted language. Some grammar is taught naturally through this process.
I really can't spit out grammer rules and wonder what is expected in Vietnam. I also feel like some of my training several years ago was quite inadequate and I am interested in going through the CELTA certification training program. How much grammar rule quoting knowledge is necessary to be successful in a CELTA course? Thanks!!

[Mr Wind-up Bird]

I did the Trinity course and those course members who didn't already have a good grasp of grammar really struggled. Not sure what the CELTA course is like but the Trinity course I did involved 2 grammar tests and a 20-minute grammar presentation.

You may not be teaching grammar per se, but more able students may question you about certain grammar rules and your credibility may be called into question if you can't give them a convincing answer!

[GeorgeD]

the main struggle in the classroom i found was getting the students to talk. vietnamese students learn english grammar at school, even elementary students have very good writing skills.
but if you're going to teach english you really should have a basic understanding of grammar and be able to explain / communicate it in the classroom.
i would do the celta/trinity if i was you as the training helps you a lot and gives you confidence. it's also a lot easier to wing a hangover lesson at 730 in the morning with a few tricks up your sleeve.
the salary is pretty good in vietnam, and you're earning 8 times the national average. the students pay a lot of money by their standards and the job market is very competetive for them so they really do want value for money when it comes to learning english. unfortunately they don't have a clue as to what constitues effective taching / learning methods and they will whinge, wine and complain endlessly if they think your not doing the job properly.
so do the course and bush up on your grammar. it will benefit you in the short and long term.

[TawtViet]

I appreciate the staightforward advice. I hope you don't mind my asking you something. I believe that the majority of native English speakers can't spit out grammar rules despite excellent writing and speaking ability. There are those few who really enjoyed elementary school English and beyond, and who retained nearly all they were taught. Others study their guts out as adults trying to absorb the rules and vocabulary behind what they exercise naturally as native English speakers. What seemed to be the primary reasons behind the grammatical rule knowledge students like you had who struggled less through the Trinity training: knowledge retention through childhood or intense adult study? I would have to do the latter. Can you recommend any books? Thanks!!

[huxter]

Sorry TawtViet, but I'm really struggling to work out what point you were trying to make in your last post....?

Anyway, my advice is to get yourself a Celta where you'll hopefully be able to grasp the fundamentals of grammar, and of course a few principles on how to teach it. (I was told on my Celta to think of the certificate as a learner's permit and now, two years down the line, I see there was a lot of truth in that.) From then on it's all down to you - getting a job, gaining experience and learning more. The way I see it you can only soak up grammar by actually teaching it and learning from your mistakes. I personally don't think there's much point in ploughing through a grammar book, such as Murphy, in the hope you'll have a better understanding of it all - more likely you'll put yourself straight to sleep!

Hope this helps.
Cheers and good luck

[Mr Wind-up Bird]