Job Discussion Forums

fluffyhamster · Posted: Fri Aug 01, 2014 2:18 pm Post subject:

Yes, to be fair, motivational factors do get at least a mention, Wangdaning (and as Martin says, are points in the syllabus). The set text on my cert was the 2nd edition of Harmer's TPoELT, and I recall it was pretty good on stuff like that and acquisition. Of course, the set text varies, and later editions of the Harmer may've shifted the focus somewhat, but generally whatever set text will cover these topics (if the trainers don't go into 'em explicitly enough). Then there was at least a passing mention of stuff like introducing and encouraging (independent) learning strategies, though I don't recall really giving that enough thought or getting down to actual specific references until after the cert, when I started buying books on esp. vocabulary and lexis in earnest.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

As phoney as its founder and the whole IH Empire

http://doosanedu.com/school/international-house-london/haycraft/item01.html

The only preparation for teaching language is a degree in Classics, Modern or Oriental Languages. This TEFLOLOGY and Methodology is mere flimflam.

I expect the usual dismissal of my ideas by the agents of reaction and by this cabal -

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UCLES

fluffyhamster · Posted: Sun Aug 03, 2014 4:02 pm Post subject:

Say what you like about John Haycraft and IH (he seemed a decent enough guy), but you just don't get stuff like "She's removing her stockings" then "She's removed her stockings" anymore. UCLES has thrown the baby out with the burlesque! Boo!

This just in from a friend who's thinking of teaching English: "Dear Scot47, I've studied Sumerian and been involved on a number of archaeological digs in the area once know as Mesopotamia, during which we unearthed several statues of Pazuzu. I'm actually the last surviving member of those digs, as all my colleagues suffered grisly and mysterious deaths while doing Grammar Translation courses at the seminary in Georgetown. Will I be a suitable candidate for the CELTA, or will an exorcism first be required?"

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Experience in excavation ? We can offer well-paid jobs on the new Baghdad Metro Construction Project5.

fluffyhamster · Posted: Sun Aug 03, 2014 5:59 pm Post subject:

"Dear Scot47: Pazuzu and I are interested primarily in English teaching, for the opportunities it offers to possess additional minds and souls. Consequently the CELTA then DELTA, with an eye to becoming a CELTA trainer, seems to us the only way to go. I will however be passing your helpful heads-up along to some archaeologists, as it's reminded Pazuzu that he has a few statues still waiting to be unearthed in the vicinity of the Baghdad Metro Construction Project5. Sincerely, Reverend Seamus O'Flammerty SJ"

LongShiKong · Joined: 28 May 2007 Posts: 1082 Location: China

Sashadroogie · Posted: Wed Aug 06, 2014 6:42 pm Post subject:

More black and blue, as well as Red all over.

Glad to see the hamster-wheel still creaking away in my absence. Yet brings to mind the well-known Russian proverb, when the Vozhd's away, the hamsters will play. And not even playing devil's advocate. Sincerely held views. Got to admire the tenacious hold on a position, no matter how at odds with the rest of received opinion. Warms the heart, so it does. Bravo!!

fluffytwo · Joined: 24 Sep 2016 Posts: 139

I was re-reading Doomer's excellent post at the top of page 21 when a bit in a reply below it caught my eye:

brisket · Posted: Sun May 07, 2017 9:34 am Post subject:

I did CELTA, and I've been teaching for a few years now post-course. First ESL abroad, and now teaching migrants/refugees in my home country of New Zealand. My thoughts:

The CELTA is doctrinaire, inflexible, and ignores masses of alternative methods that may be as or more efficient ways to learn English. I absolutely understand why it persists, though, because it does teach A Way to teach. Not The Only Way, not The Best Way, but A Way.

On top of which, it fulfils a valuable function as a test of basic competence. I know most people pass the course, but some certainly get weeded out by their inability to deal with students (or perhaps prepare logical lessons, or convince tutors you are a safe individual to be around, etc.). In an industry with such an itinerant workforce, I understand why schools like to use it a gatekeeping method. A CELTA-style lesson delivered adequately, even by a jaded, mediocre teacher, will have some educational value. It won't be exceptional, but it won't be a complete waste of time.

The way I teach now is probably one-third CELTA. Certain basic concepts that get drilled into you are indeed very useful. If you're provided with a standard set o