Job Discussion Forums

[Pitarou]

[starteacher]

I don't care much about who writes well or not on a forum. It could be simply laziness, carelessness or just being picky.

What is important is whether a person can speak clearly, for that will land him/her a job. There are those with "strong" accents (one can debate whether there is a standard British or American or Australian etc accent), but if you are going to employ someone, you're certainly going to check whether YOU can listen and understand him/her first, let alone the poor students. For example, it is possible to get a Singaporean teaching English who probably has great grammar and writing skills, but I don't think such an accent will be commonly acceptable in all schools in Japan. This is not out of respect for Singaporeans or other countries like India or Phillippines as these countries often have English competency levels even exceeding that of the Big 5 (UK, US, Canada, Oz, NZ) but in terms of employability, the Big 5 do come up with the trumps first. That is how the ELT business works. This is slowly changing, but Japan does not change overnight.

So go for it, OP, try and get an life experience and share it with others. If you can speak clearly, and that your "poor" writing here is not a reflection of your ability to speak clearly, then go for it. There is no perfect teacher, speaker or writer, in the ELT world, for if there were they would be getting Noble and Booker prizes, and sitting in cafes writing wizard stories.

That reminds me, I'm off the the nearest Starbucks.....

[Glenski]

[yangyoseop]

[Apsara]

There is no such thing as speaking without an accent. We all have an accent of some kind to people from different countries/regions- if you're not from New Zealand, then to me you would have a very obvious accent. That doesn't mean you don't speak clearly.

[Apsara]

Edit: The post this was replying to is gone now, so I've deleted this one as it looked like a total non sequitur!

[Mr_Monkey]

Moreover, there is no indication from this thread that the OP is incapable of writing to the exacting standards of the noobs who would try to stamp on a beginner because they're elementary.

Lots of kids playing "grown-ups".

[projectrook]

[Apsara]

He said later that he has a BA in psychology, so I'm not sure why he mentioned originally that he didn't finish year 10- either he went to university as an adult student, or he was joking about not finishing.

Just for the sake of accuracy, it doesn't take 4 years to get a BA or a number of other bachelor's degrees (e.g. science, commerce) in Australia, NZ or the UK- my own BA was finished in 3 years, which is standard in NZ. The phrase "4-year degree" is thrown around a lot in TEFL, but it's more accurate to say a bachelor's degree since the 4-year minimum bachelor's mainly applies to the US and Canada.

Have a look at Shawn's later posts- since he got bashed so much he is obviously taking more care, and I certainly didn't see any major grammar issues. As I said before, I have seen much worse in my time in eikaiwa here, and I think a lot of people were unnecessarily harsh. It's probably a subject that could be dropped now- I think he gets the point.

[Shawn Taylor]

My degree is a three year course. I did in fact get into University through a special course arranged for disadvantaged youth which, created for myself a stepping stone into University.

So I really have no schooling at all other then, up and till year 10.

I really do appreciate the advice. Although, I am not entirely set in concrete as to what I seek from this path as it has been at mind for some time to embark upon an english teaching career. I have chosen Japan out of my love for the country, its historic standpoint and the nature of its people.

I have contemplated other countries but, Japan seemingly presents in my opinion the most trust worthy of starting points. Though, I am sure this would not go without debate.

Thanks agian for the info.

Shawn

edit: who needs to read the newspaper or take another course. I think a few months on here will get me sorted quick smart...

[Glenski]

MOD EDITShawn,
Kudos on you getting the degree. Now, work on the stuff I wrote earlier, and best of luck to you. Feel free to PM me anytime with questions about Japan.

[Mr. Kalgukshi]

Some inappropriate postings on this thread have been deleted. Members are requested to bring any additional ones to the Mod Team's attention and the postings and those responsible for them will be gone shortly thereafter.

[starteacher]

[Mr_Monkey]

[Wonder83]

@ Pitarou Thank-you very much for your comment. I was not embarrassed in the slightest, I very much appreciated it. However, I do request that Bread, in future, leaves my name out of topics or discussions. I felt their comment was disrespectful and uncalled for. I did not want to be dragged into this. I certainly do not need to be coming on a website (which I enjoy, respect and value, all the help I have recieved) to find my name is being used as an example of someone with bad English skills or whatever it was I have done to offend Bread (or anyone else).This is a site to offer support and advice to other teachers(new&old)it is not a site for criticism.

@ Shawn Taylor please feel free to PM me and I can help you with anything you need.If I cant, Im sure I will know someone who will be more than willing to help with your questions/queries.

Thanks again Pitarou (I hope, I havent got loads of mistakes in this, I certainly do not want to be reprimanded) LOL OMG (sorry internet speak)
xxxxxxx (kisses) xxxxx