Job Discussion Forums

pcdavid04 · Joined: 19 May 2005 Posts: 19

hello all,

this is my first post, please be gentle...lol.

i am going to be arriving in Taiwan in July and hope i can count on you folks to answer a few of my questions?? i thought i'd give teaching english for pay a shot. i served in Peace Corps in Honduras and taught english informally (read: unpaid). i really enjoyed the experience and would like to continue to do it and get paid at the same time!

i'm not sure that my experience will be all that impressive to buxibans because it was very informal. i simply made up sign-up sheets and posted them in my village...i had never done anything like it before. i developed a simple curriculum and essentially flew by the seat of my pants. classes were twice a week at 2 hours per session. the students, who ranged in age from 8 to about 50, seemed to really enjoy the class. it was heart-breaking when i had to leave.

is this something i should place emphasis on when i meet/interview with possible employers?

also, i keep reading about "demo's" as part of the interview process. what exactly is a demo, and how do i prepare for it?

thanks for your time,
david

matchstick_man · Joined: 21 May 2003 Posts: 244 Location: Taiwan

A demo is a short sample lesson. Preparation for it depends upon the schools policies....some give you an overnight period to sort out what you want to do. Others will have you give the demo right there on the spot.

A lot of the whole demo thing depends on how desperate or fussy the school is and sometimes where the school location is. I've given two demos and had three different jobs here in Taiwan. I didn't get either job I did a demo for. I've still had a number of different jobs here.

As for your experience, I think you'll be fine.

markholmes · Joined: 21 Jun 2004 Posts: 661 Location: Wengehua

Most of the managers/bosses you interview with won't know the word'informal' so don't even bring it up. Its an interview, stretch the truth a little, after all its not like they are going to check.

There's lots of teachers flying by the seat of their pants and most of them had less experience than you when they arrived.

My first teaching experience was the same as yours, only in southern China. You'll be fine, trust me.

Aristotle · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1388 Location: Taiwan

A demonstration is basically little more than a formality. It is a chance for the boss to get a good look at you and little more.
Please read this.
http://www.geocities.com/taiwanteacher2002/Success.html
Good luck!
A.

clark.w.griswald · Joined: 06 Dec 2004 Posts: 2056

It is probably worth mentioning that the government banned the requirement of conducting demo classes in front of students some months ago. Demos can still be conducted in front of training staff and teachers etc but you may be able to avoid a demo by politely declining on the grounds that it is illegal.

pcdavid04 · Joined: 19 May 2005 Posts: 19

excellent. thanks for the feedback folks...it alleviates some of my stress.

Ki · Joined: 23 Jul 2004 Posts: 475

Clark, sure legally you may decline the demo, maybe you should even insist on being paid for it, but if you stick to your guns and decline giving a demo then wouldn't that basically help you to LOSE the job in favor of a more willing canditate? Don't get me wrong. I certainly agree that it is the teacher's right and even maybe obligation to not do the demo but if you were the hiring party of the school would you give the job to the person who did the demo (and showed that the were capable) or to the person who declined on legal grounds?

David, a demo will last about 20 minutes. Keep it simple. Don't try to do too much.

clark.w.griswald · Joined: 06 Dec 2004 Posts: 2056