Job Discussion Forums

william wallace · Joined: 14 May 2003 Posts: 2869 Location: in between

nothing to say

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

I don't think there is anything wrong with having to do a demo lesson in an interview. This is the norm for language schools that I have ever worked for. Sounds like you think it is beneath you, you are the one looking for a job so you will have to play by their rules.

As far as being observed by a newbie, not much you can do about that, maybe apply somewhere more reputable.

william wallace · Joined: 14 May 2003 Posts: 2869 Location: in between

tedkarma · Posted: Sat May 20, 2006 2:12 am Post subject:

I've never been a big fan of demo lessons - as they are rather artificial measures of what you might do in the long term. But, they do tend to be a neccesary evil.

Demo lessons do tend to tell a potential employer if you are serious about getting the job, can prepare a decent lesson, and if you are able to establish some sort of rapport with students you haven't met before. They also tell them if you are a high energy teacher or if you will put us all to sleep. (You may well be right about charisma)

Ten years experience can make one an excellent teacher. Or, if the teacher has never really taken a serious look at how they do things, just as mediocre as they were their first day.

Only my experience in four countries - but strangely, it seems the more money you are offered the LESS likely you'll be asked to do a demo lesson.

One funny exception though - where I was asked to read a thirty six page business case study and develop a week's worth of lessons and deliver one of them - as only a few of the many steps for a corporate training position. But that overbearance (is that a word?) on their part led me to take a better position elsewhere. It told me that it was just the beginnings of being forced into a crushing bureaucracy - whereas I was used to working independently and creatively.

saint57 · Posted: Sat May 20, 2006 4:22 am Post subject:

Hey William, one good thing I will say about Korea is that there are no demo lessons.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Don't like the demo lesson idea? Move.

Here in Japan, they are often requested, even by university professorial candidates.

Yes, they are partly a matter of charisma. If you haven't learned that in 10 years of teaching, or how to show such a thing (as it should be a normal part of your lessons), then maybe it's time to reconsider your career or the country where you work.

tedkarma · Posted: Sat May 20, 2006 2:47 pm Post subject:

Actually, the corporate demo lesson WAS in Korea.

I have to agree with Glenski - charisma is an important part of the the teachers's role in the classroom. That's just how it is. And, why not? Personal energy and rapport is critical in this business. Is that not what charisma is?

D.O.S. · Posted: Sat May 20, 2006 3:09 pm Post subject:

Sweetsee · Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Posts: 2302 Location: ) is everything

Think of demo lessons as a chance to show what you are bringing to the table, a chance to shine; an audition.
Reminds me of sitting down with Doris Hope, Candy Spelling, David Murdoch or Arnand Milchan and walking away from those interviews knowing that I had nailed the jobs in the first go.
And I liked what you said Ted about the inverse relationship between money and demo lessons. Just as Doris had me serve her and Bob a meal before hiring me, we had an Adolpho fashion show my first night working for Murdoch at Belagio.
Different jobs, same deal.

william wallace · Joined: 14 May 2003 Posts: 2869 Location: in between

tedkarma · Posted: Sat May 20, 2006 11:40 pm Post subject:

I think gut feelings are important in any business. From what you are saying, it may not be only the demo lesson that has put you off.

Generally, when I get that feeling early in the game, I walk away. There are plenty of decent jobs out there.

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

I've been teaching for quite some time now and wouldn't feel slighted if asked to do a demo lesson, as long as the other candidates had to as well. It would be a chance to show them what I can do, my style of teaching, etc. In fact, I would see whether I would fit with them, so we could both benefit from the demo lesson. If I'm not energetic enough or whatever, then I would know that this isn't the place for me and I wou;d rather find out sooner than later. Mind you, I would only apply at unis so this probably wouldn't apply.

Of course, if given a choice, I'd much prefer a job interview over a cup of coffee. Much less work to prepare.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

sidjameson · Joined: 11 Jan 2004 Posts: 629 Location: osaka

If I was an employer I would want to see a demo. I mean, how many people have we worked with that looked good on their resume only to be incompetent in the workplace? I think the recruiter is just doing their job and checking that the teacher meets the minimum standards.

And yes, I agree with Glenski. I have met many students here who are happy to say when a teacher is dull.

Henry_Cowell · Joined: 27 May 2005 Posts: 3352 Location: Berkeley