Job Discussion Forums

BrentBlack · Joined: 11 Apr 2010 Posts: 96 Location: Quan 3, Saigon

Hey Guys,

What is typically discussed in a CELTA phone interview? I imagine every one is different, but what can I expect in general? I just want to be somewhat prepared for whats coming. Thanks!

BB

BrentBlack · Joined: 11 Apr 2010 Posts: 96 Location: Quan 3, Saigon

Seriously? Nobody has ever had a CELTA phone interview, or are you all sworn to secrecy?

fluffyhamster · Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2010 3:10 pm Post subject:

Hi Brent. I thought from your previous posts (the ones in which you were asking grammar task-type questions) that you were either preparing to begin a CELTA or partway through completing one. So you'll probably be reasonably well-prepared for whatever language-awareness questions they might throw your way in whatever interview (I'm assuming they'd still ask at least a few, and adapt them so that they could be read out and answered over the phone; for example, instead of you simply being given and by yourself reading a series of sentences that you would correct by hand [among which there could conceivably be things like 9) Its my birthday in two week's time, and 15) The dog isn't to blame, but rather it's owners], you might have to listen to each one being read to you and then in your reply verbalize how you'd punctuate 'em, all of which would obviously make everything a bit harder!). As for the more general methodology-type questions they could ask, such as why you want to teach, how you would encourage communication, how you might teach a certain form e.g. present continuous, etc, you could do worse I suppose than read the 'celta AND task', or 'celta AND tasks', or 'celta AND interview', or 'PPP', or 'methodology' threads that I've posted on in the past (here and over on the Teacher Discussion forums), though a (re)read of whatever books you might have or could get like Harmer, Scrivener, Lewis & Hill etc would be even better (because you could at least then name-drop away!).

Anyway, sorry that I can't actually tell you what the interviews by phone are like (mine was face-to-face, and years ago anyhow!), but hopefully my reply here will encourage others who do know to also reply and help set your mind that bit further at ease!

BrentBlack · Joined: 11 Apr 2010 Posts: 96 Location: Quan 3, Saigon

Thanks Fluff. That helps. I will look up some of your previous posts. The interview is in like six hours, so I will not be able to get any of the books you suggested. It will all work out anyway!

BB

Sashadroogie · Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2010 8:48 pm Post subject:

Generally, they are just checking your level of English, and that you are not a loon. Apart from demonstrating extreme aversion to EFL methodology, you can't really go wrong.

Good luck.

globalgirl · Joined: 22 Jun 2010 Posts: 3 Location: The Emerald City

BrentBlack · Joined: 11 Apr 2010 Posts: 96 Location: Quan 3, Saigon

Sashadroogie · Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2010 4:27 am Post subject:

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

Management is for Loons (to use a very kind term). That at my uni requires MUCH more strongly negative terms.

BrentBlack · Joined: 11 Apr 2010 Posts: 96 Location: Quan 3, Saigon

Interview went great! Thanks for the nerve calming guys!

globalgirl · Joined: 22 Jun 2010 Posts: 3 Location: The Emerald City

BrentBlack · Joined: 11 Apr 2010 Posts: 96 Location: Quan 3, Saigon

Super straight forward-it was more of an exercise in info gathering. They asked three teaching related questions. Essentially, they asked how you would explain a specific concept to beginners, intermediates, and advance speakers. It was a breeze really.