Job Discussion Forums

[johnslat]

Dear Kymro,
Well, we'll have to agree to disagree, it seems. I can't see why you'd suppose that, for example, someone with an MS in Mechanical Engineering, would be likely to be able to teach ESL better than someone with an MA in English.
For example:

"Just how bad is the writing? Below are some examples of some awful sentences written by engineers�your peers, who claim English as their first language.
1. Development was an evolution of existing technologies into being able to wind smaller windings resulting in smaller packages.
2. In addition to elimination of wiring, it's plug-in connectivity eases changes of electronic components.
3. Unlike the first attempt with aluminum rings, the plastic rings did grip the shaft well.
4. Because water-based fluids have smaller molecules than oil-based fluids, water leaks from places from which oil does not leak.
5. The primary lever with seat cycles open-and-closed for regulation the primary pressure.
6. I selected molding because I believe it will be easier since I have to only built small amount."

While I can't "prove" it, I strongly suspect most, and perhaps all, holders of MAs in English could do better than the examples above.

OK, admittedly I "stacked the deck" here, engineers' being notorious for their terrible composition. However, it seems commonsensical to me that individuals with degrees in English would be more likely to be able to teach that subject better than those who have degrees in other subject areas. Those with advanced degrees in English are likely to have had, at the very least, much more "exposure" to the language, which, I'd say, would probably mean that their understanding of the language is more extensive than many holders of degrees in other subject areas.
Is this always true? Of course not. But I'd say that it's generally true.

As for the second "quote", well, I've been teaching TEFL/TESL for around 25 years and have also met numerous non-native graduates.
I'll agree that those who have a "native-like competence" tend to be few and far between. And I totally agree with your last statement:

" . . . if anyone was wished to specifically improve this aspect of their English (i.e. grammar), they would almost certainly be better off having lessons with her than with an unqualified and inexperienced native."

I hate to admit it, but far too many of the degree-holding ESL/EFL teachers I've known over the years have been woefully deficient in grammar.

[spiral78]

I've worked with teachers whose MAs were in English - in my personal experience, they are lesser in most ways as opposed to teachers with MAs in applied linguistics, TEFL/TESL, or even general education.

Sure, they may be grammar gods/esses. But they don't necessarily communicate their knowledge well as instructors, lacking training in teaching, whether it's language or something else.

[Kymro]

[johnslat]

Dear spiral78,

"'ve worked with teachers whose MAs were in English - in my personal experience, they are lesser in most ways as opposed to teachers with MAs in applied linguistics, TEFL/TESL, or even general education."

That's been my experience, too (except that they weren't grammar god/esses.)

But I'll bet most teachers with MAs in English would be more likely to be able to teach English better than those with MSs in a science.

[spiral78]

Agreed.

[arioch36]

[tedkarma]

[isaac]

I think the original question was more about getting a job than what would make a better teacher. Maybe someone could give some advice about which countries require a degree for a work permit and which ones don't. We could argue all day about what makes a better teacher. Really the best teachers are just like people trying to communicate. The better teacher is the one who figures out how to help the student understand the material, plain and simple.Thank you.

Isaac.

[Glenski]

Here is the original question(s):

[Serious_Fun]