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"The Internet's Meeting Place for ESL/EFL Students and Teachers from Around the World!"
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Super Mario
Joined: 27 May 2005
Posts: 1022
Location: Australia, previously China
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 Posted: Mon Jul 17, 2006 3:06 am Post subject: |
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A pre-teaching degree gives one some theory. Your first 5 years in the field teaches you how to teach, or lets you know that you can't teach.
Its interesting that those who dismiss EFL teaching in China, and indeed the people of China, still have extensive experiences to relate. Why so? TP was clearly revolted by the place, but stayed for some time. Necessity?
One positive application of Chinese experience [which I enjoyed, btw] was to get into the growth industry back home. My time in China, along with post grad TESOL, has opened up opportunities in the ESL world at home, where Chinese and Japanese make up a good percentage of clients. And of course, the obligatory teaching degree all those years ago is vital, even if its outdated and largely irrelevant. |
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Lobster
Joined: 20 Jun 2006
Posts: 2040
Location: Somewhere under the Sea
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| Posted: Mon Jul 17, 2006 10:40 am Post subject: |
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You said:
| ColinA wrote: |
| As they say, those who cant do, teach and those who cant teach, teach the teachers. |
and I said
| Lobster wrote: |
| "They" are uneducated, anti-intellectual boors who don't realize that, without teachers, the world would be full of uneducated, anti-intellectual boors. Do you, as a teacher, subscribe to this point of view? |
This is what I'm on about. You made the statement, I asked you to clarify whether you believe "those who can't, teach", and you started stonewalling. Suggestion denied. Don't play that "I have better things to do" card. You're here and posting, semi-retired and living the life of BBQ leisure, so how about a quick answer of Yes or No?
Sorry FTs, as those who can't do, and yet teach, you no longer can claim to speak English.
RED |
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Bounder
Joined: 06 Apr 2005
Posts: 21
Location: Nanjing, China
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| Posted: Tue Jul 18, 2006 5:42 am Post subject: |
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RE Nanjing, yes I agree it's 'not' scary at night. I spent three years there and I thought it was pretty nice, the north end around Gulou is wonderful with nice parks, universities and walking paths.
Re China and ESL: It seems the doors are closing somewhat to the 'backpackers' however it is still possible to get in. Some places will simply use their connections with the police department or ministry of ed. to get the teacher in.
China simply doesn't offer the same level of pay as some other countries to attract the talent and education-level it needs from the teachers it's importing. Those teachers do exist but the demand for them outstrips the supply, partly because of China's size and partly because of what schools in China offer, or fail to offer. That's not to mention the problems people run into when they get suckered in by some in-betweener or shaky school to come over on a tourist visa with promises that everything will be okay.
I'm going on my fourth year here but it's wearing me down. I'll probably go home next year for some respite from what originally was supposed to be respite from my old life. Maybe I'll settle back home or maybe I'll look for another country. Time will tell.
Bounder |
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gulam2
Joined: 19 May 2005
Posts: 137
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| Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 2:24 pm Post subject: |
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Its certainly possible to save money in Africa.
I save about 1000 US a month (management/teaching)
(and the teachers can save 800 US.)
When I was in China I saved about 500 US
In Vietnam about 400 US
In Thailand next to nothing. (one year negative savings!!!)
Only in the Gulf States was I able to save more than I can save in Africa now.
[email protected]
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ColinA
Joined: 31 May 2006
Posts: 262
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| Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 2:48 pm Post subject: |
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| gulam2 wrote: |
Its certainly possible to save money in Africa.
I save about 1000 US a month (management/teaching)
(and the teachers can save 800 US.)
When I was in China I saved about 500 US |
Considering most FT are lucky to earn US$650 a month, you've done very well, Gulam. Personally, I spent most of my 5000rmb and enjoyed doing so. By the way, I read somewhere the average mortgage in the US is $320,000 and climbing with every rate hike.
I often hear people who are "saving for a rainy day" but few really seem to know what their goals are? Having reached retirement age I have friends who continue working with no idea of why, or how much they're going to need. I suspect without their job and the way it consumes their lives, they have no idea what their true identity is. Fear of the unknown is probably our greatest motivation and also our biggest threat.
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We all have big changes in our lives that are more or less a second chance. |
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ColinA
Joined: 31 May 2006
Posts: 262
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| Posted: Fri Jul 21, 2006 9:35 am Post subject: |
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[quote="Lobster"]You said:
| ColinA wrote: |
| As they say, those who cant do, teach and those who cant teach, teach the teachers. |
and I said
| Lobster wrote: |
| "They" are uneducated, anti-intellectual boors who don't realize that, without teachers, the world would be full of uneducated, anti-intellectual boors. Do you, as a teacher, subscribe to this point of view? |
Sorry I couldnt work out whether you meant "boor"or "bore". Let me just say, I have reached a point in my life where I regard certain people as "significant others" and value their opinions and criticisms. Despite what some "experts" claim here, qualifications and experience are as necessary to Education as they are to other professions like medicine unless of course, you're in China.
I was a late starter as a teacher but 20 years on, I think my own teaching skills have been honed to quite a respectable level. My teaching has always been about content, process and outcomes but whether one needs more than conversational skills and a good imagination in an ESL classroom is another matter. |
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Lobster
Joined: 20 Jun 2006
Posts: 2040
Location: Somewhere under the Sea
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| Posted: Fri Jul 21, 2006 9:45 am Post subject: |
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Thanks for not answering my question.
RED |
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cj750
Joined: 27 Apr 2004
Posts: 3081
Location: Beijing
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| Posted: Fri Jul 21, 2006 10:42 am Post subject: |
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| Quote: |
klaus wrote:
What possible relevance would holding a Dip. Ed or a B. Ed have for anyone wishing to teach English language? There is absolutely nothing in either of these courses that would even remotely prepare anyone to engage in English language pedagogy.
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Whether or not it prepares one for teaching, it does prepare one's employer for the realization that the organization must pay more if it is to use one's certification for validation of a program.
What my teaching licence does allow is a monthly income that can total around 500USD more per month than one without it. This will allow one to rent an apartment with a patio on the roof and to eat all the wonderful imported food items available in china these days, to drive a vehicle, own a dog and generally live life in a custom an educated person should be accustom too. |
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ColinA
Joined: 31 May 2006
Posts: 262
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| Posted: Sat Jul 22, 2006 2:13 am Post subject: |
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Mei wenti! Bu yong xie, Xie laoshi!
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"They" say one should keep peers guessing rather than open mouth and confirm shortcomings. But who takes any notice of what "they" say?. |
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