Job Discussion Forums

[stevenabroad]

I was approached (in Beijing) about a job at a university. But they wanted me to do a teaching demo so I passed. What are your thoughts on doing demos?

[Voldermort]

Doing a demo class is pretty much a standard practice in China at the moment, especially for those teachers who are currently in the country. I see it as a way for the school to check out your teaching standard before actually hiring you. If I were in their position I would do exactly the same. Its also a good chance for the teacher to examine the standards of the school and the students before signing the contract.

On another note, some schools do go a little too far in demanding that the teacher travel half way across the country to perform this, and then don't offer to pay the travel expenses.

I see it as an opportunity to show new employers that I really am a good teacher before they start phoning past employers and hearing another story.

In a nutshell, no problems with giving a demo.

[7969]

i did a couple fo demos in the past, adn in the iddle of a demo the teacher observing would tell me to move onto something else. that got me a bit worked up, and after the demo, i was hoping they wouldnt hire me. they didnt. in doing a demo, leave the demonstrator alone to do what they're doing..... but i guess some can't let that happen.

[Roger]

Chinese teachers have to do that too; I personally consider it ridiculous since you and I are here precisely because we teach DIFFERENTLY, and how can these blobs judge whether our style is productive of good results?

But I don't mind so much; in one middle school they were wowed when the kids learnt manners first before they were made to speak any English in my class - I got the job after that demo, and I also got paid for that demo.
I insist on being remunerated, and I often decline if remuneration is not offered.

[ChinaLady]

yes, do the demo.
go early. walk around the campus. in and out of buildings.
dress up a little. (i.e. no jeans - unlike the Chinese teachers, you do not want to look like a student - do you?)
after the demo, ask to meet a few teachers.
Chinese and native speakers.
are they staying? running away?
and, , , eat in the canteen.
do the students talk to you? is the food eatable?
ask about housing. ask to see the housing, if possible.
and, , , yes, you can say no to the school.
smile and say no. give a reason? sure - class to big, no air con, book is out of date, etc. - smile.

[Keath]

You should charge the school to do any demo..