Job Discussion Forums

[applejuice39]

A little about the Oxford specialization modules:

The modules are by correspondence only. You are mailed a textbook (like a grammar textbook or for the TOEFL module, or a Barron's TOEFL preparation book), an Oxford coursebook, and an answer booklet with 100 multiple choice questions. The Oxford coursebook guides you through the readings and asks you questions so you can test yourself. Along the way you answer the multiple choice questions, and when you are done you mail the answer sheet back to Oxford.

I personally don't like the idea of correspondence courses, and especially here you don't get any feedback along the way. But perhaps they work for other people.

[Wander]

[merlin]

[Scott in Incheon]

[Justin Trullinger]

Ahem,
No course is going to make you a great teacher, therefore all courses are the same? Basically, as far as I can see, no amount of training will make you anything and yet, more training is often accepted as being a better idea than less. As it probably should be. Training under realistic circumstances is also often seen as desirable. (real students, for example)

So, if I told you that I had found a saturday morning course, 3 hours long, that contains all the chief elements of some other course, although we do our teaching practice to kittens, would you assume that this is an equivalent course? I hope not.

Likewise, the idea that a short course, without real students, is the equivalent of the month long course, or that a month long course might be like a year, or that a year is like a degree...nonsense. You get whatever you choose, but don't pretend it's more than it is...


Justin

[goshigosia]

I am a linguist and educator for over ten years teaching various languages in NYC, Japan and Italy and I have never been certified. I need to get certified quickly because I am up for an awesome job that requires TEFL/CELTA certification. Since I am an experienced teacher with a Master's in Linguistics, I think a 60 hour course (not necessarily with REAL students) is great for someone like me. I can review some teaching techniques, English grammar etc., learn some new techniques and get inspired. I have friends who have taken Oxford Seminars courses (experienced teacher friends) and they were quite pleased with it. Once I complete the course (end of August) I will let you all know how it was.
BUT FOR NOW:
I cannot believe some of these negative and MOD EDIT comments on here.
1. First of all, not many places will hire you without ANY experience and just a certification. The places that do hire without any experience will offer training before you step into a classroom with Japanese business men for example, so that you do not make a fool out of yourself. Even the "training" period is still an INTERVIEW because you can be kicked out if you suck. I have seen this happen before. Also, many schools that you work at (certified or not) may also include mandatory teacher enrichment programs, so you will always be learning the beautiful craft of educating others and you will always be improving your teaching skills. So it's all good.
Totally agreed, a certification does not make you a good teacher. A good teacher depends on many factors (like personality and passion) and levels of experience.
2. I have ALWAYS had to submit the originals of my Master degree, transcripts even, and any other certification originals. So that MOD EDIT person that wants to make a fake certification, with all his/her little evil smileys is just plain ignorant. A good school and a place you'd want to work at, to build your resume and feel good about your career in ESL will ALWAYS ASK YOU FOR ORIGINALS. Many schools, especially in Asia where you can BUY diplomas will also ask for transcripts and may even call the university to look you up (It has happened in Thailand and in Japan). So DO NOT LISTEN to that MOD EDIT who is not here to help or to have a discussion for that matter.
3. So lastly, from my friends' experiences with Oxford Semibars and the research I have conducted, Oxford Seminars (the 60 hour, 3 weekend courses) seems good to me, so does I-to-I and of course many of those lovely and intense CELTA courses.
IF YOU WANT TO MAKE SURE THE COURSES ARE ACCREDITED, CALL AND ASK and READ THE FINE PRINT and do some critical research as you are doing here. Do not listen to empty negative comments, these do not help but weed them out and try to get advice from the more experienced and intelligent.
As a Ciao for now, here are some happy smileys because life is too short to be wicked MOD EDIT
I'm very excited about my upcoming certification course!!!

[GambateBingBangBOOM]