Job Discussion Forums

[Jbhughes]

http://www.ets.org/toeic/propell/workshops/listening_reading

So I've potentially got the opportunity to attend one of these workshops.

In my current work place it will not accrue me any extra pay or standing, other than giving me the opportunity to teach some TOEIC exam preparation courses (I haven't taught exam preparation courses before).

Attending the workshop would probably set me back about $400 in total (fee, transport, accommodation, lost pay etc).

So here comes the dreaded, terribly broad question:

-Is it worth it (time/cost vs benefit)?

Followed by some more:

-Would it actually be worth the space on my CV and would any potential employer give it more than a second glance?
-In which countries would a potential employer consider the workshop an 'asset' on my CV?


About me:

-I've been teaching EFL for 2 years, the main proportion of which is under the same (and current) employer.
-I got my CELTA a year ago.
-I intend on starting the DELTA in Autumn or next Spring.
-I am more swayed towards a lasting career in EFL than not, although am still not 100% convinced - if so, definitely in teaching adults.
-I currently have no particular countries or teaching contexts in my future goals (I know this is a real problem for answering my questions - apologies).


I realise that without further information regarding my future goals, my questions are difficult to give comprehensive answers to - again, apologies.


I think I have a vague grasp of where TOEIC places itself within the global testing market: TOEIC is for job-related English use (working in English language contexts), IELTS is for British and Australian (is 'Australian English' the correct term??) academic English and general use (studying in the UK/Commonwealth), TOEFL is for Amer. academic English (studying in Amer. E speaking countries) and the Cambridge suite (CPE/CAE/FCE/PET/KET) are general BrE.

Interestingly, while searching about these tests on Dave's, I found the following search frequencies:

TOEIC Search found 311 matches

TOEFL Search found 1025 matches

IELTS Search found 1105 matches

CAE Search found 140 matches

CPE Search found 62 matches

FCE Search found 180 matches


Many, many thanks!

[tttompatz]

In my humble opinion continued professional development is never a waste of time or money - you always pick up something that you can use somewhere but it may not, make good economic sense in terms of immediate improvement in your financial situation.

There are lots of side benefits of continued professional development not the least of which is networking with others in the field. It also adds to your skill set and makes you more marketable in terms of job performance even if you don't get a raise for it.

.

[spiral78]

Ditto what ttompatz said. It shows your interest in continuing professional development. You might learn something useful in addition:-)

If it's do-able without serious hassle, I'd suggest doing it.

[naturegirl321]

I'd never heard of TOEIC before coming to Asia and I'm a PET; FCE; and CAE examiner. I agree with the above posters, more professional developmemt, the better.