Job Discussion Forums

kidTEFL · Joined: 21 Aug 2012 Posts: 13

Hi,

I have 2 years experience and the CELTA.

I applied for a summer job and they want me to take TKT which is an inferior certificate with no fail or no classroom observation.

I can't understand why they are insistent on it? They pay for it, not me.

It makes no sense to me as it will be useless? I see it as a waste of time.

Thoughts?

Cheers
KidTEFL

tttompatz · Posted: Fri May 24, 2013 12:41 am Post subject:

kidTEFL · Joined: 21 Aug 2012 Posts: 13

I agree PD is always good, but what can you do with the TKT when you already have CELTA?

Also, would you add it to your CV even though it is inferior to CELTA?

I'm just interested why they ask those with CELTAs and even DELTAs to take this test?

The test has no practical assessment nor a failing grade.

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

tttompatz · Posted: Fri May 24, 2013 10:05 am Post subject:

fluffyhamster · Posted: Sat May 25, 2013 3:50 pm Post subject:

Couldn't the employer just select some of the more "essential" terms from the TKT glossary and quickly quiz each applicant during interview? That would surely be a lot quicker and easier for everyone than insisting that each applicant take or have taken the actual TKT examination. (If the employer starts to huff and puff that it won't be easier for them, then it'll be quite obvious that since they can't be bothered to trawl the glossary, they have no idea really of the value of not of the TKT generally).

Personally, I think the TKT could be of some diagnostic use at some point(s) during the CELTA, but agree that there seems little point in insisting on it after. If the CELTA is as good and as thorough as claimed, it should make the TKT redundant. (The TKT seems more for foreign teachers who are already qualified and experienced English teachers, but who want or need to demonstrate some grasp of CLT concepts and terms, yet do not quite have the time to do the CELTA).

NilSatis82 · Joined: 03 May 2009 Posts: 110

My opinion is that this school probably barely understand what the TKT is and who it is intended for. Why having a TKT for a summer school applicant would be appropriate or necessary is beyond me. The only sensible advice is to not bother wasting your time with such moronic employers.