Job Discussion Forums

[Konrad]

I will be having an SNET interview soon and I was wondering if anybody knows what kind of questions I might be asked during the interview. I would really appreciate the advice!!!

[Kaloi]

I copied these verbatim from this very website for my own use. Unfortunately, I can't credit the people who wrote it.

hope that helps.


� knowledge of the NET scheme including if you are a PNET that you may work in 2 schools
� experience with and knowledge of team teaching
� knowledge of Hong Kong curriculum initiatives
� experience with and knowledge of developing reading and writing skills for varied ability groups including for primary schools early literacy learning
� experience with and knowledge of managing large and mixed ability classes
� knowledge of strategies to motivate reluctant learners or those who may be shy, afraid to fail
� knowledge of phonics teaching and you might integrate phonics into your English teaching
� experience with and knowledge of developing whole school activities to promote English
� experience with and knowledge of the use of resources and strategies such as IT, shared reading and big books (including practical examples of the use of these resources)
� experience with and knowledge of working with students with learning difficulties
� experience with preparing and delivering PD and the kind of the PD you would like to deliver
� experience with and knowledge of dealing with resistance to new strategies for teaching and learning in a system where the norm is to use exams and tests to achieve syllabus outcomes



They asked me about why I want to teach English and about my prior teaching experience.
(I have been in the jET programme in Japan for almost 3 years now).
They also asked me about how I would go about teaching reading to a 1st or 2nd grade class.
I described what I woud do: teach new vocabulary, pronunciation,
then group reading and individual reading with myself being the model and students repeating after me.
Personally, I don't know if teaching 6-7 year olds how to read is very practical though,
especially when they are learning English as a second/foreign language and the fact that Chinese is their first language
...not the easiest language in the world! It seems to me that vocabulary, pronuncation/phonics and learning simple phrases/sentences is better for such young students.
I guess reading is important to the EMB/NET Scheme.
I was told they would let me know within a couple of weeks if I will be hired. I sure hope I get the job because HK seems like a good place to live/work and the salary from NET is generous.
From what I can gather, they are pretty desperate for NETs in HK so if an applicant has the experience and qualifications, he/she should definetly get a job. Wish me good luck as I wish all of you who are applying the same!


edit: just imagine the sic in appropriate places

[anninhk]

I'm sure that the questions above were only for PNETs. Secondary NETs are more usually treated as another English teacher and are responsible for teaching classes and setting exams etc. I hope someone with experience of SNET interview may give you more relevlant information.

[Waverly]

I have sent in my NET application and have a canidate number now. My question is how long do I wait to hear if I get an interview?

After reading your post on some of the interview questions I need to ask this question. Doesn't HK have a curriculum to follow? Are we supposed to actually go into the class and figure it all out?

I am currently a third grade teacher in California. I have teacher manuals that I use, etc. I am not expected to go into a class blindly and start to teach any way I want. I know how to group kids, how to use differently teaching strategies to reach kids, etc. I don't think I would feel comfortable preparing all the materials on my own to teach these students. I can handle any size class, any age group, special needs kids, etc. I have several years experience in the public school system here in California.

What do you think my chances are at getting a job in HK? and if I am offered a job, do I have a choice where I am placed? Also, where was your interview conducted? Any info you can send my way will be most appreciated.
Thanks,
Waverly

[Serious_Fun]

[Waverly]

I guess I posted my question in the wrong area. I am looking for a primary NET position not secondary. However, all that you wrote I am used too. Everything in the USA is test based these days too. Thanks to the NCLB act (no child left behind). I am constantly over testing my students and everything is based on those scores. The US education system has taken a giant step backwards in many ways.

[Konrad]

Thanks for the advice. I have my interview today so I hope it goes okay!

[AT]