Job Discussion Forums

[naturegirl321]

Just wondering what other teachers' takes are on these. We've got one coming up this Saturday (and it's free). I'm excited about going, meeting other teachers, sitting in on workshops, discount material, a nifty certificate and raffle, but maybe I've become conditioned. The other native teachers are dragging their feet and can't believe that they have to come to school on a Saturday.

At one place where I worked for two years, we had training every other Saturday. No extra pay, no certs, just the fact that we learnt stuff was enough for us.

With all that being said, two years ago I went to about one congress or conference or workshop a month, since then I've been working two or three jobs and now have to take care of our little puppy so priorities have changed. But still, I don't mind going to a conference now and then, especially when my school picks up the tab.

[jpvanderwerf2001]

Love 'em! That is if they're out-of-town, during the work week, and all-expenses paid by my employer!
No, seriously, I usually find them to be useful and interesting.

[Marcoregano]

I have a friend who's a long-time university lecturer, very senior and at a top uni. He tells me that conferences are generally regarded by academics as:

1. a short holiday/change of scene

2. great for clandestine sexual liasons with colleagues - especially those you probably won't ever see again (from other universities/countries etc)

3. good for meeting people

... and not necessarily in that order.

[Kootvela]

I try not to miss a single one. Here they also hand out one or more coursebook copies for free, so I have built a library Though it is more about product promotion that actual hands-on work (there are some interesting ideas, though!) but they do sign a certificate of attendance. Most seminars are free with a symbolic fee for the certificate.

[naturegirl321]

Here we get certs. I went to tons a couple of years ago, now I just pick and choose the best ones.

[Glenski]

[naturegirl321]

Yes, they were native teachers. MMaybe it's because they have never been required to do it before.

[Kootvela]

Where I do, I never meet my former colleagues who are native speakers. Never did I meet them when we were colleagues. They just don't care.

[Stephen Jones]

[Kootvela]

[Glenski]

So, they don't like the idea of weekend conferences. Are these people even interested in learning more about the job/career, or are they just interested in making a buck? If it's the former, just when did they expect to improve their careers and meet other teachers?

[naturegirl321]

[Marcoregano]

[Glenski]

[quote=Marcoregano]Some confusion here. Conferences are primarily social events. Any academic function comes way down the pecking order.[/quote]Maybe that's the way you see them, but I think otherwise.

Conferences I've been to have academic presentations plus social events. You go for the chance to learn more about teaching as well as to network. One's own priorities may vary, but the fact is, conferences are not just social events.

Even if they were, that begs the question about naturegirl's associates. If they don't like socializing on the weekends, what do they like to do? Can you see my tongue-in-cheek point here?

Who knows? Maybe the conferences in naturegirl's territory are not very enlightening academically and/or have a bunch of butt-kissing social misfits there. Inquiring minds want to know!

[Stephen Jones]