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toiyeuthitmeo
Joined: 21 May 2010
Posts: 213
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 Posted: Fri Nov 11, 2011 12:10 pm Post subject: |
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| Cleverlearn is a franchise system, with little HO oversight. So the center will be as good as its franchisee. There is a branch in my fair city, and most of the teachers I meet from there are happy with it, and judging by the healthy enrollments there, they must be getting something right. Again, just one location, all others likely differ. Certainly that interview experience is something I'd rather not deal with, and I agree, has "run" written all over it. |
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cb400
Joined: 27 Sep 2010
Posts: 274
Location: Vientiane, Laos
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| Posted: Fri Nov 11, 2011 1:57 pm Post subject: Re: My comments on my interview with them. |
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| travelinhobo wrote: |
| I had an "interview" with the lady at the headquarters office today. I put interview in quotes because after a few minutes, it was clear that the interview was just a formality. She spent a few minutes asking me questions, which obviously she asked everyone, but told me absolutely nothing about the school's system, the books used, resources, number of students in the class, etc. I had to pull the info from her and as my questions grew, I could tell that she wasn't expecting me to ask so many. But she kept the fake smile on her face. Even before I started asking about the classes, she was telling me that I would go onto Round 2 - Demo class. I asked her what book they use and if I could see it, but no, none of the series were available (extremely strange). She claimed, "You'll get a copy for the Demo." I never saw a book - only a few pages copied from it. When I asked, "What was on my resume that interested you in me," she replied with 3 things, the first being that I'm a native speaker. The rest I knew was b.s. I'm willing to bet that she's paid a bonus for each person she signs on. She never did answer my question as to what position they're hiring for, and I asked it more than once. How serious can a school be when they won't show a potential teacher the book?? She never brought up salary. She called later to schedule the Demo, but I'm going to cancel it. I was overqualified for the interview - always a bad sign for a serious teacher. After reading the comments here (good and bad), I have to say that just from how she badly presented the "position", it can't be even a good school. |
I had almost the exact experience recently. The lady interviewing me did not even have a copy of my CV, and was just asking strange questions in a monotone voice. I made it clear before agreeing to the interview, that I was looking for day time hours and I my CV clearly shows my experiences with children, teens, adults and corporate work.
When she asked if I have any questions, I ask about what levels and classes are available, and what is the current pay rate. She tell's me 'I don't need to know that now'...... I politely cut the interview short and excuse myself.
As someone who has hired many teachers, I think it is important to be clear and concise, and not avoid any questions during an interview. If I am going to interview a prospective teacher I want to give them an idea of the classes and schedule before they come to the interview just to make sure we are on the same page and not wasting time interviewing for classes and/or schedule that doesn't work for both parties.
I would skip CL and hit the pavement when you are here. You can pm me when your here and I might be able to point you to some hours.
Cheers |
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bobpen
Joined: 04 Mar 2011
Posts: 89
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| Posted: Fri Nov 11, 2011 2:24 pm Post subject: |
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| tefl peasant wrote: |
| Andy123 wrote: |
| The students run the show. I know experienced IELTS teachers, real ones who know what they are doing and the students ran them out. The students think they know what they need and what should be taught. Scary. |
This has been a problem with the Cleverlearn Saigon TOEFL iBT program.
A friend of mine, with years of experience that has taught in many top schools, started out at Cleverlearn HCMC when He first arrived in Vietnam.
A low level group of teenagers, complained a couple of times to the administration that the "TOEFL class is boring."
What did Cleverlearn do? Take the class away from him and give it to somebody else.
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Something that seems to be on the increase in Saigon ESL, and a real concern for any foreigner who expects to earn a half decent living during their time overseas, as well as keep their mind. |
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snollygoster
Joined: 04 Jun 2009
Posts: 478
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| Posted: Fri Nov 11, 2011 11:09 pm Post subject: Students run the show |
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I have a very short association with Clever Learn, during which I was required to observe a teacher in a Corporate class as one, (yes ONE) student complained about the fact that he (the student) did not do well on his test and felt it was the teachers fault.
Observation revealed the teacher was doing quite well, and Viet staff started to hustle me immediately to dismiss the teacher.
Student records revealed the student had missed more than 50% of his classes.
I therefore refused to recommend teacher discipline and counselled the student. He made a complaint about me to HO.
Viet staff who were so insistent it was the teachers fault turned out to be friends of the complaining student, so I reported this situation as it happened.
The teacher was not dismissed, but was taken off the class, and the student had his records altered.
This was one of the reasons I decided my association with CL would be quite short. |
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