Job Discussion Forums

bobo the clown · Joined: 01 Jun 2003 Posts: 29

So I have interviewed several new teachers in the past few weeks and have met a handful of applicants who were in the military. Now to be quite frank, I am a bit scared of giving them a class, they strike as the type who have been taught language using a strict regimen of repetition, grammar drills, and no regard for..as Krashen says...the Affective Filter.
(Audio-Lingual Method)

Do any of your out there in ESL land have experience with ex-military teachers...and if so were they easy to train in alternative methods of teaching?

Thanks for your input.

BoboTC

struelle · Joined: 16 May 2003 Posts: 2372 Location: Shanghai

chinasyndrome · Posted: Fri Jun 27, 2003 1:21 pm Post subject:

Hey BC, I currently have one 5-year vet who is, as the Muppet says, highly adaptable - and very self-motivated. Not at all a gunny sargeant type. Have another vet joining later in the year who is a man of real integrity and a fine teacher. While ex-army people aren't actively sought, I wouldn't discriminate against them either.

bobo the clown · Joined: 01 Jun 2003 Posts: 29

Ted, sorry to say none of the above. I work at a small school that has little experience as far as English Training goes, so I look for some insight here at the ESL cafe.

Like many of you I have worked at bad schools(some high profile like wallstreet...some not) and good schools and found that low profile schools are better to work at, they allow more feedom to the teachers and can offer better one-on-one training to students who want it.

I have to admit I have enjoyed much of the advice from fellow teachers as to how to run a school and I am hoping to help this school become a strong competitor in Shanghai.

But I have never worked with a Military man and was curious to get some insights. Thank you Sunaru, struelle, and Chinasyndrome for your advice.

bobo the clown · Joined: 01 Jun 2003 Posts: 29

I am not on here to advertise. If you are interested feel free and PM me.