Job Discussion Forums

[jesszilla]

Hi there - I'd like to mooch off your collective wisdom once again. First, though, a thank you to all of you who have answered my questions in the past. Someday maybe I'll have something useful to contribute myself.
Several people have mentioned publication as a necessary step in solidifying a TEFL career here in Japan. Are there any professional periodicals, publications, or reputable Internet resources that you would recommend? Resources that you consult on a regular basis for information about the state of TEFL in Japan? I am of course a long way from publishing - I haven't even finished my first year here as an ALT. But I am always looking for new sources of ideas. I am also looking for a way to familiarize myself with the who's who of the ELT community in this country.
Maybe we could create a reference section for these types of publications? If there is one already, just smack me upside the head and point me there. Thanks!

[Gordon]

Have you joined JALT? That is one way to publish. Attend conferences, network, that will help in getting your foot in the door of better schools. University teaching may not be secure or as good as it used to be, but it is still the best teaching job in Japan.

[Sweetsee]

"...best teaching job in Japan."

How so?

[jesszilla]

Maybe I should clarify. I'm not interested in publication just yet. I'm interested in reading what other people are publishing. I'd like to see what kinds of ideas are being discussed.
I'm not considering university work...I don't have a Masters, and I like being an ALT. I'm just looking to develop my skills. For example, right now I'm looking for anything I can get my hands on about content-based instruction and cross-curricular projects, but I don't have the faintest idea of where to look. Rather than bugging you guys everytime I have a question, I'd rather look it up myself. Any suggestions about periodicals or publications that I could use as a reference tool?

[Gordon]

[moot point]

Join JALT. It'll cost you a little for membership but the annual conference is a great place to meet people and a lot of fun. Membership will also get you their journals delivered to your door.

ETJ (English Teacher in Japan) is another option. It's free and also publishes a quarterly journal. It's a good read and I've written an article for them myself.

That said, I find the English teaching organisations and associated journals to be in totally disarray here in Japan.

TESOL journal, on the other hand, is hard to beat but does not come cheap. The Internet TESL Journal is also a great on-line, and free, resource but not related to one country.

From personal experience, I've also published articles with the English Teachers Journal through Assumption U. in Bangkok. They've been the most professional and efficient publisher I've worked with.

Good luck and enjoy the reading.

[jesszilla]

Thanks for the help. That's just what I'm looking for, Moot Point I'm a voracious reader, though, so any and all other suggestions are welcome. Thanks!

[wintersweet]

Here's a list of some online journals:
http://englishstudydirect.com/OSAC/ebookappling.htm

There are more links here:
http://www.livejournal.com/community/tesol_forum/info