Job Discussion Forums

[struelle]

Hi everyone,

I'm currently doing an RSA CELTA course in Bangkok, exactly at the half-way point. I'm readjusting my goals and expecations since when I first started, given the feedback I've experienced so far. For those who have taken the course before, I'd appreciate some advice on what to expect in the second half, and tips to 'survive and thrive'.

I had two years teaching experience before I went in, and entered with the expectation that the course would be a challenge, very interesting, and certainly passable. I figured I'd get an 'above average' pass, given the feedback I had at my previous teaching jobs.

Well, those perceptions changed pretty quickly. And not for the better, unfortunately. But to start off with the positives: the course is very interesting, and I've learned more in 2 weeks than in 2 years about the English language and how to teach concepts and meaning. I've met lots of great colleauges, and exchanged ideas. We work very well in groups, and teamwork is excellent. I've learned lots about lesson planning and teaching techniques, and have improve confidence a lot.

So what's the problem? Well, the tutors are bitingly frank in their crticisms, in both lesson planning and in teaching. That's great, in they help us by pointing out where we can improve our teaching. They don't sugercoat their comments, either. But the way they approach it is like, "This is the way you should teach. This is the answer. If you don't do it like this, you're wrong." This kind of approach does little to encourage, the effect is the opposite.

During input sessions, when they elicit answers to their questions, they are only looking for one response. If a person answers with something that's not what the tutors want, even if it's valid, they say it's wrong.

In looking at the comments for my lesson plans, they are all to standard, but the comments get progressively harsher and the tutor is more dissatisfied as the course goes on. This is despite the fact I follow his advice and adjust future lessons based on what I've received. Moreover, he writes some personal and global criticisms that are not specific and don't offer and constructive points to improve. He does this to many teachers.

I'm still very interested in the course, and the EFL profession in general, but right now my goal is simply to pass and get the piece of paper. I think most of us are stressed out from the past 2 weeks, and we underestimated how tough this course was going to be.

For those who have survied the 4 weeks, what's the best approach you'd offer at this point in time?

Take care,
Steve

[guty]

Treat it like a driving test, tell them what they want to hear, make it as easy for yourself as possible to get through. Once youve finished the course evaluate their comments objectively, armed with your Certificate.
Good luck

[khmerhit]

DO WHAT THE TUTORS SAY-- DO NOT ARGUE WITH THEM -- TRY NOT TO TAKE THE CRITICISM PERSONALLY, THEY ARE JUDGING YOUR TECNIQUE NOT YOU -- IN THE THIRD WEEK THE FURTHER INCREASE IN PRESSURE IS DELIBERATE AND CALCULATED TO BE UNFAIR -- STAY ON TOP OF ASSIGNMENTS -- BE ON TIME -- REMEMBER IT IS A MINDGAME -- ACCEPT THE FEEDBACK AND USE IT IN THE NEXT LESSONS TO SHOW THEM THAT YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT THEY WANT -- GRASP THE CONCEPTS -- PLAN YOUR LESSONS DOWN TO THE SECOND -- REMEMBER WAR IS HELL BUT THIS ISNT WAR

[dduck]

Survival tips?

Count down the number of days.
Do not go out on a bender or break up with your girlfriend during the course.
Have someone prepare your meals.
Sleep.
Think of your trainers as GODS when you are in their presence, and DEVILS when you're not.
Always appear obedient.
Complain bitterly about the course in private - to reduce stress.
Lean on your team mates, let them lean on you.
Make the course your first and last priority
And finally
Make plans to celebrate the end of the course IN A BIG WAY!

Iain

[dyak]

The guys above have pretty much covered it; but from my own experience, make sure you teach the students what you're supposed to be teaching them within the allotted time... sounds simple I know but make sure your trainer hears the students producing whatever you've taught them at the end of the lesson and all will be sweet.

Oh... and if you're teaching tenses, draw time lines!

[struelle]

[Stephen Jones]

I had a friend who did a CELTA many years after gettiing a PGCE and with years of experience under his belt. This was in the ear;y 1980's and the tutor was par for the course; ignorant, snobbish and with an insecurity problem that all the Homeland defense in the world won't protect you against.

At one point they were emphasizing their latest fad. No teacher "echoing". This means if a student says something you mustn't repeat it in correct pronunciation. Now this, like the advice they gave that only 10-20% of the time should be teacher talk is correct, but when my friend pointed out that when he did his PGCE ten years earlier he would have failed if he hadn't echoed, the response was glacial.

You will be taught a load of fads that change every five years by social, personal, professional and intellectual inadequates.

It's a cult. Nobody really chooses TEFL as a career. They just choose it because it's a stepping stone to something else. If you realize that you will be a good teacher, and a good teacher trainer. If you don't, you'll be a @rshole, and the RSA world is full of them.