Job Discussion Forums

[scythiangold]

I haven't posted here in a while because of in part a tendency to lurk and also a desire to avoid posting any questions or concerns that have already been discussed. I am still considering taking a certification course in either the Czech Republic or Slovakia only now I am looking at the CELTA offered at AKCENT International House because I can no longer see any distinct advantage of taking the generic TEFL certification course offered at the Boland School in Brno, good reputation not withstanding.

According to the website, the CELTA course is being held in Bratislava next year during August as opposed to July when they are offered in both Prague and Brno. I assume that this would be beneficial because I would not spending a month "on holiday" as the schools are typically out of session at that time.

Aside from this, a more generic and important concern of mine is that I have problems with social skills that likely coincide with a diagnosis of Asperger's syndrome. Eye contact in a one-on-one meeting often feels forced and my voice is described by others as somewhat monotone. My verbal skills are more than adequate but I sometimes have to remember to slow down when I speak and I am not natural with small talk. I am afraid that even though I have the desire to teach that others will have difficulty learning or feeling motivated around me and also that I may have trouble passing interviews especially with the language barrier at work. I will be observing TESOL classes being held locally next year so that may give me a better idea of where I stand. Has anyone with my difficulties succeeded at teaching EFL?

[naturegirl321]

I'll try answering. First, I don't have the condition you have or anything similar, but I think that if you have issues talking to people and looking people in the eyes, you will probably have issues teaching a classroom full of students. That's not to say you can't do it. Plenty of shy people open up and are totally different in front of the classroom, but it will be difficult.

Not too mention issues at interviews if you can look the interviewer in the eyes. They might think that you're trying to hide something.

I can say that I did the TEFL course in Brno back in Jan 2003, geez, I'm getting old and I choose it, because it wasn't in the capital and because Katie was very helpful, always returned emails quickly and I felt that a generic course would offer more personalised attention that CELTA.

YOu could give it a shot though, you might find that you open up when you're in front of the class.

[coledavis]

[artemisia]

I know you�re hoping to get replies from people in the same situation as you and I can�t comment from direct experience but I used to know a teacher (not EFL) who had Asberger�s syndrome. It wasn�t something that was obvious about him and apparently that was because of all the work his parents had done with him. He seemed to cope well with being in the classroom.

I don�t think it�s at all unusual for people to feel unsure of themselves or awkward in social situations or anything that�s likely to be stressful like interviews. A lot of people are not good at small talk. It�s something the British Royal family seem to excel at but they practise a lot! What you�ve planned to do sounds good to me. It�d be really good to observe TESOL classes and get an idea of what happens in a typical lesson. As far as interviews go, you might find it useful to plan a scenario with someone and do role-plays. You could write out all the questions you think you�ll be asked and work out what your answers are and start role-playing it until you feel it�s going well. As I'm sure you'll know, it�s not usual to stare fixedly at people in any situation. Some eye contact is important and you could try this as well as practising throwing in or responding to some small talk.

As far as teaching goes, I wonder if you�d find it helpful to start off with one to one teaching situations and/ or very small groups? Most teachers worry about students (not) feeling motivated and learning well enough so you�re not alone there. I don't really have any hard and fast rules about about what does or doesn't 'work' as it varies so much from class to class. You�ll find that you slowly gain confidence after a while. Although CELTA, or a similar certificate, is considered the basic, pre-entry qualification it can be quite a stressful and intensive month. Depending on your situation (time, money etc.) is it possible to do some sort of preliminary Cert first? Polytechnics often offer a simple, 1 week course in language teaching. It�s not going to be helpful with getting jobs but a �taster� course might give you a whole lot more confidence.

[Ariadne]

I got my TESOL certificate at a university... 9 hours a quarter for three quarters. Having more time for things to sink in was great. The practicum was in the last quarter.. again, more time. We also had many opportunities to 'teach' our fellow classmates before the practicum, so those without classroom experience could get their feet wet and receive feedback before facing real students.

The university route might be an option for you.

.

[Insubordination]

There is a teacher at my university who is similar to your desription. He is fairly intense and won't socialise or participate in small talk but he is a brilliant and dedicated teacher. He is annoying to have as a colleague because he won't come to meetings and wants to do everything his way; however, his classes consistently get higher exam results term after term.

We accept him for how he is and don't insist on forcing him to fit the mould because that's how we get the best out of him. The students don't complain about him but they'd probably acknowledge he's a little strange. I'd love to know what he does in his classroom to achieve such success.

I guess my point is that teachers come in a variety of packages. The fact that you can identify and describe your potential issues speaks volumes. Most people can't say the same.

[denise]

[artemisia]

True. I should have clarified I didn't mean a proper teaching job.

I was thinking more in terms of volunteer work to get some practice if you have time for that. There are usually community agencies that deal with groups of people such as refugees and they often offer some sort of initial training for this so hopefully you wouldn't be going in cold - you'd have materials and ideas. I know people who have done this kind of thing.

This is quite different from a TEFL job but it would give you a chance to practise some classroom techniques, if you've done a preliminary training course, as well as test the water with eye contact etc. One to one has its own challenges as do small groups, but this is sometimes less daunting for some than being faced with a large group.
It might not be right for you.