Job Discussion Forums

[Hoser]

Hi guys, this is the interview topic from the other side of the spectrum. I've been asked to help interview Japanese English teachers at my school for the next full year. No doubt there will be two or three staff asking most of the questions and they'll mainly want my input about the quality of the interviewees English but I'm sure they'll expect me to ask a few questions as well.

Thing is I've never been the one ASKING the questions before so I'm not sure what I should be asking. Any ideas? Bear in mind that most of the typical questions will no doubt be handled by the Japanese staff. I'll just be helping to assess the quality of their spoken English. Thanks!

[Glenski]

If the main point is to assess their English ability, consider the following:

1. Speak at natural speed until it is evident that it is too fast.

2. Ask them questions to test past tense, present tense (for habits, e.g.), and past perfect (have you ever). Also test the waters on how well they use "be going to" vs. "will" for proper future tense. Don't make it obvious, that this is what you are doing, though.

3. Don't use a lot of slang. Keep the Qs direct and not tricky.

4. Expect them to say that they majored in literature most of the time, but obviously get them to say something about their interests in teaching EFL.

5. Ask the experienced ones about their feelings on working with a team-teaching partner.

6. Get them to ask you questions (to see if they have problems making them properly).

The rest is up to you. I might be inclined to ask what percent of the class time they use speaking vs. the students speaking, or in some other way see how much active student participation they solicit.

A real nasty one (saved for special circumstances) might be to ask what their reaction would be if they had to teach a class completely in English. No L1.

[fluffyhamster]

Off the top of my head, these, and in no particular order, and with some overlap between certain questions. (NB: I also haven't really been in a position yet to be asking questions - and it probably shows! ).

What's the hardest thing about English? And the easiest?
What is the biggest difference between the Japanese and English languages?
Is English more difficult than Japanese? If so, how? (Or is Japanese more difficult than English?).
What is the most exciting discovery that you've ever made (or most exciting realization you've ever had) about English?
Would you like to learn any other languages?
Have you ever taught Japanese? If not, would you like to?
What was your favorite subject at school, apart from/other than English?
What was the most enjoyable course or topic that you studied at university?
Who or what has been the biggest influence on your English learning and/or teaching?
Are you a member of any language-teaching group or network? Do you discuss teaching with people outside of work/school?
Are communicative approaches to language teaching that effective, in your opinion?
What do you feel is lacking in English language education in Japan?
What is your opinion of the JET programme? (Or: AETs? (Or like Glenski said: team-teaching?)).
What specific reference books (dictionaries, grammars) do you like using? Why?
Can you name/do you know any western ELT writers?
What's the last thing you remember studying about English?
Who is your favorite English-language author?
What is more important, grammar or vocabulary?
If you weren't an English teacher, what would you like to be/do instead?
'American English is the best form of English to study' - do you agree?

[Hoser]

Thanks guys! I knew you'd come through for me

[mc]

[fluffyhamster]

Hiya MC! I was assuming that Hoser is at a private high school (he mentions a veritable panel interviewing prospective Japanese Teachers of English), but perhaps I misread things...

[mc]

Ha ha, you may be right. I guess I was assuming eikaiwa for some reason. Oh, well...