Job Discussion Forums

Cardinal Synn · Joined: 01 Nov 2004 Posts: 586

Some very odd comments!
Gravey, as is650 points out, being called crazy bule is hardly something you should be shouting out with pride!
I've seen teachers without TESOL (or whatever) certs take their first paid class and I've seen those with TESOL take their first class. Guess who's was a pile of smelly sh1te? OK getting certed might not make you teacher number one but it's a hell of a lot better than not having one.
I'm surprised at chester using unlicensed drivers in Jakarta as an example of a lack of need for certification. The standard of driving in Jakarta is Bollox! I've seen more nasty accidents here than anywhere else, not because of over congestion, but because of the pants driving. If the traffic wasn't so clogged up most of the time, the accident death rate would be even worse. In the UK it's bad enough with 99% of drivers fully licensed. If they didn't have licences, it would be utter carnage. Certifiacates are issued for a reason. Would you spend your hard earned on an uncertified dentist, not to mention risk your teeth?
The argument against the need for certification is, I fear, made by those who don't have them.

gravey · Joined: 11 Feb 2005 Posts: 8

bule gila was a term of endearment. i was the first white guy to ever join the student group on campus as the request of my friends. i was the only american in my program. i guess most australians ignore and look down upon the indonesians. i was deemed to be crazy because i was willing to learn more than most.

btw, i did more then spend 3 weeks in indo. i wrote several papers on a various of topics in my asia classes. i would guess that i have written about 5 academic papers that in some way involve indonesian culture including a paper preparing an expatriate for assignment in indonesia.

the certificates are a joke. they are a waste of money. what does taking some classes online do for me? nothing.

if you started off a class without instruction, it sounds like you picked a terrible school.

its all pointless now. i accepted a job in China for 6 months.

gugelhupf · Joined: 24 Jan 2004 Posts: 575 Location: Jabotabek

I wish you well for your travels in China, Gravey, and hope that you will write back and tell us what the locals end up calling you over there.

Chester · Joined: 15 May 2004 Posts: 383 Location: Australia

The argument against the need for certification is, I fear, made by those who don't have them.

you are way off target Cardinal.

silly assumption indeed.

a tesol cert is dead easy to get, so i found.
but i did it so i had more options. i had been teaching for a year and a half before i took it.

didnt learn anything in 155 hours of "training".

also , teachng english is not "rocket science"
just about anyone can do it, so get off your high horses you pompous twats

Chester · Joined: 15 May 2004 Posts: 383 Location: Australia

oh poo poo the twaffic inthe UK.
how tewwibly tewwibly "who cares dude".

whats with the UK stufff compwared to??

who cares? aye

Cardinal Synn · Joined: 01 Nov 2004 Posts: 586

Chester, you have hurt me man, turned on me, cut to me thequick. I thought we were great friends. I am devastated. Calling me silly - that's just plain insulting. I am away to cry myself to sleep now.

Chester · Joined: 15 May 2004 Posts: 383 Location: Australia

I guess i got a little carried away. next time i visit the feaky acid planet i will refrain from posting on this site. maybe i will just go and chat with the man in the pub. sorry dude. what if i just stick to the funny stuff and leave the teaching comments to those who are serous about it. then everyone will be happy.

gravey · Joined: 11 Feb 2005 Posts: 8

the chinese company i was going to work for has fallen off of the earth after we agreed to a contract and flights were arranged.

so i cancelled that. if i am going to go anywhere without a contract, it would be indonesia. i can get around there on my own without any problems. i am back to where i started.

if anyone knows of a school that would hire me in JAKARTA, please PM me. thanks so much...

bulekampung · Joined: 17 Feb 2005 Posts: 14

email me, i will send you the email of my friend who is looking for English Teacher.

bulekampung · Joined: 17 Feb 2005 Posts: 14

email me, i will send you the email of my friend who is looking for English Teacher.

[email protected]

Winmarr · Joined: 11 Feb 2005 Posts: 115 Location: Melbourne

Personally speaking, I would have been up a certain creek without a paddle if I'd tried to go in and teach a class without having done the CELTA. It didn't mean I suddenly became a good teacher after doing it, but it gave me a good start.

Chester · Joined: 15 May 2004 Posts: 383 Location: Australia

good point.
my first ESL job in Korea was like that.
but a certificate would have made no difference.
The Hagwan was disgusting.

But i guess any training to prepare is a good thing.
I reckon the most difficult thing about the ESL thing is dealing with dodgy organizations.

gravey · Joined: 11 Feb 2005 Posts: 8

i never meant to debate that a certificate is of some use...

i just think having it as a requirement is absurd. its clear that some people that have done the programs think that it is not a useful experience while others latch on to them as a key for their success.

without ever teaching, i think the most important aspect to be a successful is attitude. hopefully, someday, i will be test it out while in indo.