Job Discussion Forums

mejms · Joined: 04 Jan 2010 Posts: 390

Take it easy, guys. I think that Enchilada's and Peanut's (funny combo by the way) are raising sincere objections and I don't think we can just brush them aside. They're obviously speaking about a standard in the language school market, which I agree is low. Greg has already been more than transparent (much more than I'd ever be!) as to what sort of operation he runs. He's obviously genuine and committed.

But I must agree with E & P that language schools are by and large represented by unqualified teachers in my part of Mexico. They're not seriously players in the EFL field and that's fine for them as they won't be doing it too long anyways. Likewise I've seen very little professionalism from their employers. That must be why I work alone!

Why don't all of us pros come together and make a mega-school? Wink

Samantha · Joined: 25 Oct 2003 Posts: 2038 Location: Mexican Riviera

I think there are rocks being thrown by people who live in glass houses. How about a new thread, (on topic) where we can drill down on what constitutes a "professional" teacher? Surely we aren't self-appointed? Did the course someone took prior to coming to Mexico, magically make him/her more a professional in ESL teaching, than a course someone else took? Seriously.

Enchilada Potosina · Joined: 03 Aug 2010 Posts: 344 Location: Mexico

TeresaLopez · Joined: 18 Apr 2010 Posts: 601 Location: Mexico City

TeresaLopez · Joined: 18 Apr 2010 Posts: 601 Location: Mexico City

gregd75 · Posted: Mon Dec 27, 2010 4:35 am Post subject:

Samantha · Joined: 25 Oct 2003 Posts: 2038 Location: Mexican Riviera

Enchilada wrote:

the peanut gallery · Joined: 26 May 2006 Posts: 264

Teresa,

��.I think I am going to have to do some more research on actual prices�.�

Me too! That would make for interesting reading. I saw a couple of adverts last week offereing M-F 1hr per day at 700 and 850 per month. Private institutes, backpackers and newby teachers of course. Samantha wants a new thread, id say this one would be fantastic, really helpful for newcomers to Mexico.

Samantha,

��I think there are rocks being thrown by people who live in glass houses��

If this is directed at me, please elaborate on why my feeling that many private institutes hurt the ESL field due to hiring practices/quality of services/underhanded marketing techniques constitutes a hypocritical stance.

��Did the course someone took prior to coming to Mexico, magically make him/her more a professional in ESL teaching, than a course someone else took? Seriously.�

I think my 4 years studying education at one of the best universities in my country and 4 years as a language instruction volunteer at government immigration centers perhaps prepared me just a smidgen more for my entry in the Mexican ESL market than the 4 week TESOL course taken by people that show up full of ganas for adventure with the ink on their not so serious certificate still wet.

We can interpret how businesses value 4 week certificates all we want, but they seem to get people in the door at most cowboy schools anyway.

gregd75 · Posted: Mon Dec 27, 2010 7:26 pm Post subject:

TeresaLopez · Joined: 18 Apr 2010 Posts: 601 Location: Mexico City

the peanut gallery · Joined: 26 May 2006 Posts: 264

".....I applaud you for such dedication- Whichever way you look at this comment, it's obvious that you needed to have money to support your 4 years and your volunteer time. ...

I hope you agree with me that not everyone is as lucky as you are, to have a privelaged opportunity like yours. ....."

I worked my tail off and was awarded a full academic scholarship to attend university. I come from a lower middle class background.

" I believe it is completely the language schools responsibility to select the right people. "

Jesus wept, we agree Greg!!! Unfortunately, the vast majority of schools in this part of the market compromise their educational responsibilities due to budgetary restrictions. Result? The students suffer.

"....Now, come on the peanut gallery.. with so much experience why don't you share some of your best practices? Tell us what worked for you duing your EFL career? How did you get your students to meaningfully use the language that they used in their classrooms? What teaching strategies would you recommend to newbies? ...."

Japanese can be taught to a monkey, so long as the teacher finds the correct way to relate the material to the student/primate. But there are enough threads on instruction technique no? Besides, would you take the advice of someone who cant even use the quote function on this board correctly?

gregd75 · Posted: Mon Dec 27, 2010 7:43 pm Post subject:

But my point is that it'd be great of you could help contribute constructive ideas for the newbies taking time out to read the posts.

I also think you can never have enough threads that share best practices and ideas that work. You have experience, you have a great chance to share your experience.

Don't just say that you can teach Japanese to monkeys.... open up- share your ideas

Samantha · Joined: 25 Oct 2003 Posts: 2038 Location: Mexican Riviera

Peanut G wrote:

the peanut gallery · Joined: 26 May 2006 Posts: 264

"...Don't just say that you can teach Japanese to monkeys.... open up- share your ideas..."

I said monkeys can be taught, didnt say i was capable Wink

While i appreciate your kind words, i believe this board is well stocked with technical teaching threads. Newbies have a fountain of great info in this regard. What i see is a lack of a similar fountain of info on businesses in the ESL sector. A business directory of sorts with details on offers, costs, etc. could really help a newby as well.

Coming to Mexico with little experience and learning to become a fine teacher is a great goal to have. Surviving financial obstacles and avoiding being taken for a ride is fundamental to achieving the former. Forgive me if i choose to help by focusing on the latter.