Job Discussion Forums

xnihil · Joined: 06 May 2003 Posts: 92 Location: Egypt

Here's a total Newbie question:

What does D.O.S. stand for?

M.K. · Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2003 8:35 pm Post subject: Newbie Answer

I'm a newbie, I'll bite...and I've been curious about that myself, as TEFL seems to be quite the maze of acronyms.

Does it mean Director Of Studies?

Do I get a prize if I'm right?

I bet if I'm wrong I'll get a thorough flaming along the lines of "you suck so don't even try to get anywhere in this business dumb@ss" Rolling Eyes

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

It's Director of Studies

Wolf · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 1245 Location: Middle Earth

But in the world of TEFL we seldom will get a prize, even when we're right. Wink

Wolf · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 1245 Location: Middle Earth

M.K. · Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2003 3:28 pm Post subject:

For the most part I find those on this board to be kind and patient with the newbies like myself. I'm just wary of those experienced teachers who seem to on the lookout, flamethrower in hand, for grammar mistakes or stupid questions. Why even puruse the Newbie Forum if these types of blunders get you so worked up that you have to waste time typing a discouraging response along the lines of "you suck, you'll never make it, etc."? I think that's why you'll see a lot of people in this forum are very defensive if it's their first post.

Anyway, thanks for sharing your "secret", Wolf Wink

You said:
"Making it/not making it has a lot to do with fate, personal integrity, a willingness to grow by suffering, tenacity and asking the "dumb" questions. Wow, that could be used even outside EFL."

I fully agree. Suprisingly enough, we newbies aren't all a bunch of naive 20-year-olds fresh out of college looking to party and get laid. Some of us have held down professional jobs for a few years, so we actually do know how the real world works and we know what it's like to have to work hard and put up with some crap to make ends meet. Something for experienced teachers to consider next time they read a question that appears stupid or obvious to them. We all have to start somewhere in this field, and asking stupid questions is all part of the learning process.
I'll hop down off my soapbox now Smile

Best regards to all,
Melissa

Jojo · Joined: 25 Mar 2003 Posts: 119 Location: Ontario, Canada

WEll said Melissa. Wolf thanks for sharing your tidbits of wisdom with us.

Jojo Very Happy

Ben Round de Bloc · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1946

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

...to which I would add that most newbies only ask questions, and never help others on this forum!
Once they do have a job out there, they are never heard of or seen again!

M.K. · Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2003 2:46 pm Post subject:

Ben Round de Bloc said:
"Personally, I find it a bit irritating when I post a response/opinion based on my experience and knowledge, and then a newbie who has never been here wants to argue about it or tells me I'm wrong."

I completely agree! I think a lot of newbies are in denial about the realities of TEFL. They want to think it's going to be a life of luxury - living in some postcard-perfect exotic locale, maybe working a few hours here and there. When anyone tells them otherwise, or heaven forbid, that they might not even qualify for their desired destination due to EU citizenship status, having no degree, or simply a lack of available positions, then they get all defensive and turn to the old "Well, I KNOW I can teach in Paris because I know this guy who..." Yes, that's annoying to everyone, not just the experienced folks.

Thankfully before I made my final decision to enter this profession, I talked quite a bit with a friend of mine who is currently teaching in Eastern Europe. She was able to give me a realistic picture of what it's like, so I do feel like I'm going into this with my eyes open.

And regarding Roger's frustration with newbies disapperaing into the wild blue yonder and never returning to supply advice on this board...I promise not to do that, okay? Wink

This forum and Dave's whole site have been infinitely valuable to me during this newbie period. I will be happy to return the favor!
Melissa

Stephen · Joined: 02 Feb 2003 Posts: 101

Stupid questions are fine; it is stupid moralising rants about the realities and technicalities of EFL teaching from those who cannot present any form of alternative response to a constructive, informative, and/or well argued post that annoy me.

As for DOS officially it does mean Director of Studies. However, in many/most schools in Taiwan it means somebody who has aquired a job thorough longevity at a company (this can be as little as 9 months.) This generally means that they fall into one of two categories: firstly, never wanted the job, but was forced to take it; secondly, on a power trip (but probably pretty $hite as a teacher). (Please note this is not all DOSes, just the majority.)

Good luck
Stephen

"To be or not to be that is the question. Whether it is nobler in the mind to accept the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, or take up arms against a sea of troubles and, hence, end them." (Probably misquoted)