Job Discussion Forums

[naturegirl321]

Where did xiaoge go? Kind of suspicious that she only came to say bad things about the Boland school and then left.

[lifestream]

I agree. It is quite odd...moreso that she attacked their teaching methods rather than reputation.
I didn't agree with every teaching method when I was in school but there is always a reason behind it and if the method works, even if it is tedious, then so be it.

I've checked out Boland and they seem very reputable. They're quick to respond to e-mails and are extremely professional. I'll probably choose them to get TEFL certified.

[xiaoge]

Sorry if anyone has missed me but I'm back!

Look, the Boland methodology is the pits!
You've seen my comments on their policy of 100% error correction in oral language production, which even includes beginnners - they make no distinction between fluency vs accuracy - this is contrary to all the research and plain criminal.
You also have my views on their emphasis on grammar - it's just to pad the syllabus and total overkill. But if you want to go crazy learning the subjunctive mood and gerunds vs infinitives, please do so! But you'll never have to teach it.
How much time did you spend agonizing over the International Phonetic Alphabet? Check the research - students should not be taught the IPA, It's simply too confusing.
Our trainers tried to get extra time from Boland in the course to spend more time evaluating trainee classes, but to little avail - she wouldn't shell out the additional training funds. Class evaluation is a critical skill because the teacher then shapes her own methodology from critically appraising another's.
I could go on - not enough computers for trainees; toilets breaking down for days at a time, student chairs collapsing .......
Happy teaching.
Xiaoge

[Devin_07]

I have been to half a dozen interviews here in Prague, and no one has asked to see my TEFL certification, a "generic" one if you will. If you can get to the point where you have an interview/demo lesson, that is all that matters.
As far as a job, at least in Prague, I have no reason to recommend CELTA over TEFL, or a big school over the small one. If I were you, I would read a couple grammar/pedagogy books, make up the name of a school to put on your resume, and save yourself a thousand bucks.
Devin

[merlin]

[lifestream]

[merlin]

[naturegirl321]

For xiaoge, who I think is a woman? since xiao is used for woman in China, the Boland School didn't work for her.

For me it did. I think that Katie is competent and does her best to help TEFLers.

[merlin]

So we have it - two different people, two different opinions based on facts from their unique experiences and perspectives. Both are equally valid.

It seems to me that the training program isn't for everyone. Some people feel it was exactly what they needed. Which category you fit into depends on what kind of person you are I guess.

Basically after talking to a handful of dissatisfied customers over the years I'd say that before handing over any cash you should meet her (the director of the same name as the school) face to face because the program IS her. If you think you could get along with her personally for a few months day after day for several weeks, go for it. If you feel she'd rub you the wrong way, skip it and go for a name-brand training program that is less personal.

[xiaoge]

Katie Boland rarely does any training herself - only relief stuff in an emergency. She is quite personable up front - as so many are - so the unwary would be taken in. She is not how she presents herself and the other side is not pretty.
As you correctly point out, she is the course, and believe me the course is lousy. I've kept in touch with the trainers, it's not just my opinion.
Naturegirl, if the South African guy with the beard was your trainer, ask him. Or the little Welsh feller.
I've read elsewhere in these columns the best advice available, and not from me, don't waste your hard-earned, do a CELTA or Trinity course. If you intend to stay in EFL teaching for any length of time, it will pay off in the long-term. In other words, aim for the future perfect, not the simple present.

[xiaoge]

Hello Lifestream
No need to apologise for being skeptical; that's what these columns are about.
Your two major criticisms raised hyperbole and extrapolation as the issues.
I hope that I'm not given to either of these sins.
I've looked back over my contribution and must say that absolutely nothing is exaggerated. Unless of course you know different ....
Secondly, of course the issues I've raised occur in every course they deliver, because it is the course syllabus that I'm inviting you to look at.
So, with respect, I would have to say that your criticisms are flawed.

[ecocks]

I can recommend TEFL Worldwide there in Prague. The things I learned there are useful to me everyday as a teacher. Terry and Pete are highly skilled TEFL teachers, with first-hand experience from several parts of the world. I have met about 25 or 30 ESL teachers in the last year and a half but am yet to meet a teacher equal to either of them. Their business manager kept everything straight, arranged housing as needed and provided all the assistance needed to help with job hunting. Good facilities, real students for the practical component, reasonable prices and a well-rounded program. The quality though is in the people.

[ITTP]

Here is a full list of Prague TEFL schools:
http://www.expats.cz/prague/directory/tefl-schools/0/
Can also be found here:
http://www.tefl.com/courses/coursecz.html

Our advice is simple; speak to as many schools as possible before you make your final decision and go for the school which you feel most comfortable with.
All the best!

[ITTP]

Some more places to find TEFL schools in Prague:

http://www.teflcertificationabroad.com/CzechRepublic.cfm
http://www.eslbase.com/courses/czech/