Job Discussion Forums

munasa · Joined: 17 Apr 2003 Posts: 79 Location: HK

Littlebird, a good CELTA or similar course is well worth the time and money invested. In addition, you might like to do some independent study of English grammar. When teaching ESL/EFL/ESOL one often needs to explain grammar -- not to little children, though. I did a TESOL correspondence course. It took three months of studying almost every evening and every weekend. It was time well spent. I am a qualified and experienced primary teacher with years of ESL teaching experience, but didn't have a formal qualification. I feel more confident working in HK with certificate in hand. If you have no teaching experience, find a course that includes a practice teaching component. Ultimately, it depends on how serious you are about wanting a career in English teaching. If you have formal training and a professional approach, it is a great career choice. I know of people who "teach" without having any prior training. They might be nice people and want to help, but without training and supervised teaching practice, I wouldn't want them teaching my own children. Look at it from the students' perspective.

Freddie_Unbelievable · Joined: 06 Jun 2003 Posts: 288

"How can English speaking people teach grammar ? We aren't taught it at school, there is no need."

This is WHY you should study. Skill is the outcome. Money should not be the factor.

I'm not insulting you but rather encouraging you to study because the teaching profession needs qualified professionals.

Celine · Joined: 26 Feb 2004 Posts: 8 Location: London

Hi Littlebird

I am puzzled: teaching isn't just about correcting someone's English because it's wrong. You have to explain to your students why it is wrong, or else they're likely to make the mistake again. That's why you must know grammar. No, they don't teach grammar in the UK. However they do teach it very seriously in most parts of the world, and if you want to teach, then you have to be able to explain grammatical points.
Maybe what you're looking for is more something like conversation classes? Smile

Anyway, Celta is about more than just grammar, and you shouldn't let that stop you. It gives you much more than some grammatical basics.

AndyinHK · Joined: 21 Oct 2003 Posts: 98

The CELTA is a good course, but it prepares one for teaching adults.

Mark-O · Posted: Wed Mar 03, 2004 12:43 pm Post subject:

English grammar IS now taught in UK schools, though not in isolation. Principles of grammar feature in all of my primary year 5&6 literacy classes. I too suffered the lack of grammar taught whilst at school ... it aint good!

Mark-O · Posted: Wed Mar 03, 2004 12:48 pm Post subject:

Andy,

Yes - it would be nice to see the CELTA divided into at least two levels. One of which could be aimed at primary, the other at secondary school ages and above. Perhaps they could offer two certificates? Although that would be them taking 2 substantial bites of the cherry at around 1000 quid per course!

Marcoregano · Joined: 19 May 2003 Posts: 872 Location: Hong Kong

I am (almost) sure that one of the certificate options does target young learners....either Cambridge (who run CELTA) or Trinity (who run the TESOL cert). As I say, I'm sure one or both do a young learner option. Why wouldn't they? Most learners are young!

Mark-O · Posted: Thu Mar 04, 2004 10:25 am Post subject:

Hi Mark,

I've been looking into CELTA course here and there appears to be no distinction between the age groups mentioned. However, I'm not sure if the Trinity qualification does - can anyone please advise?

once again · Joined: 27 Jan 2003 Posts: 815

There is a course run by Camridge which is the equivalent of CELTA it is called CELTYL. the certificate in english language teaching to young learners. THere is also an add on course to the CELTA which can be taken which is focused on young learners.

Ludwig · Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2004 10:28 am Post subject:

Grow up. The world does not owe you a living, nor does HK.

Live with it.

ChrisRose · Joined: 19 Apr 2003 Posts: 427 Location: Hong Kong

Littlebird

If you not willing to invest in a CELTA or TESOL, then don't come to HK yet.

It appears you are not serious about even the most basic of teacher training courses for ESL.

You can always get a loan for a CELTA course, there are both part time and full time courses available throughout the UK.

If you expect to find work as a teacher, experience and Certs., Dips, etc are important. As for the 900 pounds course fees you mentioned, I would hazard a guess you can shop around for cheaper or find local authority subsidies / grants. Failing that a bank loan.

From the tone of your post, I would say your heart isn�t in teaching, perhaps you would like a working holiday, well lots of charities advertise positions. As for starting out in HK, you will find stringent government requirements for teaching, even for KG!

Regardless of the tone of the post from other people in this forum, they have answered you already!

mcNug · Joined: 12 Jun 2003 Posts: 83 Location: HK

Umm... lads, it seems that this subject hasn't been touched for six months.

hkgirlo · Joined: 05 Oct 2004 Posts: 57 Location: Hong Kong

I worked in this Kindergarten for 2 1/2 years, I can tell you everything you need to know. In order to work as a KG teacher in Hong Kong after 2005, you will need to have the Qualified Kindergarten Teacher's Certificate from the HK Institute of Education (Which the school will sponsor you to do) or other relevant training. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

hkgirlo · Joined: 05 Oct 2004 Posts: 57 Location: Hong Kong

You wont need a CELTA to teach KG. The problem is not being qualified enough for the schools, its being qualified enough for the government to grant you a working visa. You should have at least 6 months teaching expereince to get a visa here.. and you can lie about that stuff.

Whisky Samurai · Joined: 03 Oct 2004 Posts: 19 Location: Limbo

Did Littlebird go to Deborah Kindergarten? I just got offered a job there and I'd like to get the low down on it.

I got the job based on 2 years experience in Korea, and the promise of a Trinity, worryingly enough. We'll see.....[/img]