Job Discussion Forums

[China.Pete]

I've been there, Voldermort! Worked my a** off at my first university in China: helped them to develop their English curriculum; assisted with teacher recruitment; even got them to use imported textbooks in class. Only to be sabotaged by, of all people, an otherwise qualified foreign teacher who was perhaps just a teenie bit jealous that others might happen be more capable, hardworking, even popular than herself. Did me a favor in a way. Taught me that most Chinese administrators don't give a hoot about (or simply don't understand) quality teaching - at least when it comes to foreign English teachers' classes.

As for teaching EILTs classes, I think they're very nearly a complete waste of time. Teaching test-taking skills might comprise one good class. EILTs reading, writing, listening and speaking classes are just marketing ploys for students who don't have the requisite skills in the first place - and with such classes, probably never will. That said, I wouldn't throw in the towel too quickly at a school where I had at least some say in the way things were taught, unless I were pretty certain of getting an equally or potentially more satisfying position at another school.

[Voldermort]

I know what you mean. Problem for me is, I have to stay in this city. There are only 3 schools able to hire foreigners here, mine, a uni and an agency. The latter I would never work for again, the uni is not my domain so what am I left with? I'm pretty sure the school know this and are trying to keep from having to give me what I want. But I have t draw the line somewhere. What do you think is going to happen when the students fail these exams? I can't imagine them saying "we aimed too high".

I have a plan B, but it invloves using that hidden poker which is a little too aerly in the game.

[China.Pete]

"The university is not my domain so what am I left with?" - Voldermort

Not being familiar with your particular personality, qualifications and experience, I can't say for sure. But I would suggest that teaching at a university in China is not too dissimilar from teaching in a high school elsewhere. The students' maturity is about on a par with teenagers in the west. Classes are scheduled throughout the day, just like in high school. The type of classes taught and the instructional methods used (or lack thereof) by foreign teachers in China are also about the same. If anything, I think secondary schools in China may require a bit more formal lesson planning - though how one would quantify this in relation to "almost none" is anybody's guess.

[englishgibson]

[Voldermort]

[klaus]

[englishgibson]

Nonsense ...really
I bet you are as trained, qualified and efficient as you can be, aren'cha?
Then, I bet you are soooo experienced with those high school kids that you could teach most of those "poor" IELTS foreign teachers in China how to deal with them.
No disrespect to ya You've just given us your first lesson Thanks

[william wallace]

nil

[englishgibson]

Now, on one hand I agree with you on that and appropriate training is necessary, isn’t it?
On the other hand, I must say that IELTS exam is “a test” of a proficiency in English language and an educated Canadian, American, British, Irish or Australian teacher may be able to elevate that proficiency level of a Chinese student pretty well. We shall not “coach” them how to pass that exam, but help them with that much needed proficiency for their lives or studies abroad. Then, there’s virtually no need of an IELTS examiner experience in order to be able to teach IELTS, is there?
In my opinion, having been trained teaching methods to increase students’ listening, speaking writing or reading capabilities as well as knowing correct grammar/structure shall always do, shan’t it?
Hell, maybe I am wrong, but let me know why if so.
Then, I haven’t read China Pete’s Resume either

By the way, appologies to New Zealanders or those English speaking South Africans that I've left you out above. Many of you are fine teachers and do good jobs out there

Peace
and
Cheers and beers

[China.Pete]

"Then, I haven�t read China Pete�s resume either." - Englishgibson

You're correct to suggest that teaching EILTS is really about teaching English listening, speaking, reading and writing. The problem arises when such courses are marketed, implicitly if not explicitly, as substitutions for learning the same. They are typically sought out by students who have failed in previous attempts at learning English, probably through no great fault of their own, and are looking for a quick and dirty way just to pass the test. (What they are planning on doing with their test score after they get their visa and go abroad is anybody's guess!) Just look at the enumerable EILTS books in the test book shops and those used by our students and you'll see what I mean. That said, I'm sure there are FTs out their who have found a niche in this particular market, and enjoy it - just so long as they can get past the marketing and recognize that there are no real short-cuts.

"Nonsense." - Klaus

Comparing my experience with high schools and universities in the west with the universities I've worked at in China, I would say that, yes, this is a lot more like teaching in a western high school than in a western university. Now, I will admit that I have no experience teaching in high schools yet in China. However, from what I've learned about such teaching jobs to date from other FTs, employers, etc., the FTs' classes appear to be as similarly (un)structured as they are in most universities. If anyone disagrees with that because they have had differing experiences, I would be very interested in reading their posts.

"You've neither taken the IELTS training course or been an Examiner, have you?" - William Wallace

Right you are! And if I've read your posts correctly, it can get to be a real grind, can't it? I've tended to gravitate toward the international programs, where I've had to argue against short-cut approaches to passing the EILTS test. It was in this context that my earlier comments should be taken. I certainly meant no disrespect for those FTs whose presumably well-designed courses happen to include the word "EILTS" in their titles. If my intemperate language gave offense, I apologize.