Job Discussion Forums

carl_00 · Joined: 05 Jul 2008 Posts: 82

Greets,

I've found it quite common whilst reading about other people's experiences in this profession that you're expected to be some kind of play-thing, a foreign novelty. I agree that the teaching should be as enjoyable as possible for the students but I get the impression that the enjoyment is a higher priority than the learning. I mean, if I go to Japan will I be expected to sing a song before the school or dance a dance in Thailand? I'm just curious, is it possible to do this work whilst retaining my dignity also?

santi84 · Joined: 14 Mar 2008 Posts: 1317 Location: under da sea

There are quite a few of us here that have never been a dancing monkey Cool

Jobs that expect some form of teaching qualifications usually expect more than a dancing monkey (actual teaching certificates, education-related degrees, or education-related experience). There are always exceptions of course, but if you are a respectable candidate, you stand a good chance of a respectable job. Research, research, research! Just like any job at home

I went to university with a few "dancing monkeys" who just came back from Korea. If you are younger than your students and have less education than them (but you are a white face), then you really can't expect much! Smile

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

I can't sing or dance - or entertain students as a primary goal.

Not that my lessons are boring, but with me there has to be a learning purpose to it all. I work well with students who are intrinsically motivated, even if it's just a very basic motivation (have to pass the test).

I am a disaster with students who are in the class because of outside motivation - like their parents want them there.

For me, all this means
1. no children
2. no 'language tourists' (like the many who come to visit the US or Canada for a while and might also improve their English whilst having fun)

I've been able to find good jobs where entertaining isn't the main goal, thank goodness. However, as santi notes, I have higher level quals than newbie/starter ones, and I've been able to pick and choose my teaching contexts better because of these.

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

I've never been a dancing monkey/human tape recorder/edutainer either. The best way to retain your dignity is to make sure that you are qualified enough, and present yourself well enough on paper and in interviews, to be able to turn down (or not even bother applying for) dancing monkey-type jobs.

d

Sashadroogie · Posted: Mon Jun 21, 2010 6:06 pm Post subject:

Apart from teens and YL classes, most learners are paying their own hard-earned cash for lessons, or their career demands a good standard of English. They expect to be taught, not just entertained. In the long run, they will not be too impressed with just fun and games, as the novelty soon wears off. (Although, by some reports, this may not hold in the Far East...)

Sashadroogie · Posted: Mon Jun 21, 2010 6:26 pm Post subject:

Very true, hence my use of modifying words like 'most learners' etc.

Sashadroogie · Posted: Mon Jun 21, 2010 6:27 pm Post subject:

Opps!? Where's the other guy's post gone?

johnslat · Posted: Mon Jun 21, 2010 6:53 pm Post subject:

I haven't BEEN a dancing monkey, but I do HAVE one that I sometimes bring to class with me.

But only when I want to monkey around. I have, however, NEVER gone ape.

Regards,
John

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Talking to yourself again, Sasha? Shocked

Sashadroogie · Posted: Mon Jun 21, 2010 7:05 pm Post subject:

Yip. I don't know. Somebody writes something. I reply to it. It disappears. If I were a performing monkey, that would be a hell of a trick to pull off regularly. Wish I could 'disappear' the growing pile of IELTS scripts that need marking... Sad

carl_00 · Joined: 05 Jul 2008 Posts: 82

So, is it more of a 'Far-Eastern' thing? Unfortunately, that's where I want to go! Rolling Eyes

Well, alongside everywhere else...I guess I'll have to be careful with what I opt for until I get myself in a position for the better jobs but I know if I end up in a Japanese school and they ask me to sing then, I'm 'outta there!'

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

markcmc · Joined: 18 Jan 2010 Posts: 262 Location: Taiwan

You have a strange idea of being a dancing monkey. As Glenski mentioned, if you teach young children you will be expected to sing. This is a normal part of teaching young children.

Children need activities that are suitable for children, not middle aged businessmen.

carl_00 · Joined: 05 Jul 2008 Posts: 82

johnslat · Posted: Wed Jun 23, 2010 7:57 pm Post subject:

Dear carl_00,

This would have been a great choice:

REMEMBER PEARL HARBOR

"History in ev'ry century
Records an act that lives forevermore.
We'll recall, as into line we fall
The thing that happened on Hawaii's shore

Let's remember Pearl Harbor
As we go to meet the foe
Let's remember Pearl Harbor
As we did the Alamo.

We will always remember
how they died for Liberty
Let's remember Pearl Harbor
And go on to victory.

Let's remember Pearl Harbor
As we go to meet the foe
Let's remember Pearl Harbor
As we did the Alamo.

We will always remember
How they died for Liberty
Let's remember Pearl Harbor
And go on to victory."

Regards,
John