Job Discussion Forums

[fadedgirl]

I will keep my fingers crossed. Good luck Ariadne!

[Malsol]

[Topo Gigo]

A little off topic, but still talking of newbie anxiety, I was just wondering how much input a school has into what you teach? I know popular opinion is that having total freedom is good, but, as someone who is totally new to teaching, I wouldn't have a clue where to start. I originally wanted to go to Japan with Nova, and have heard that they tell you exactly what to teach and when and how, requiring very little creative input and teaching knowlege from the teacher. Non-the-less, I decided not to go in completely unprepared and am taking an online course with i2i. Having looked around though, I'm now considering going for a 'proper' teaching job, perhaps in Korea, and whilst this i2i thingy has taught me what a split infinitive is, i don't think I'm in a good position to be making lesson plans (admittedly I'm only a third of the way through it), and if someone said to me 'tomorrow you're to teach a group of x year olds' I would be totally lost.
Is this likely to happen, or do schools generally tell you what you should be doing in a lesson? or should i be doing a lot more work in learning how to teach?

[*_*]

[anospi]

There is a great book called "Classroom Dynamics" by Jill Hatfield which has plenty of ideas for 'icebreakers' or first lesson activities. Generally, speaking activities so the students can get to know each other a little better.

I've also had success with "learner strategy" type activities with upper intermediate classes.

I do find it important to give some background on yourself though. Of course this means you're up the front talking, but I think the students appreciate it. I remember that two minute introduction turning into a lengthy question and answer session in one class!

All the best