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simon44
Joined: 15 Mar 2013
Posts: 118
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 Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2014 12:48 pm Post subject: My BSc Ed (Maths) includes dancing, Biology, Tagalog........ |
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I wanted to add a teaching qualification to my (non-teaching) MSc, MA and BSc.
I found an online BSc Ed from a university in The Philippines, majoring in Maths. which sounded just right to compliment my engineering/Physics background.
So I registered a few weeks ago and started my online courses.
The Maths compo9nent is fine, but wtf! There are several compulsory subjects which just don't sound right, such as:
- History of dancing
- Cell biology
= Tagalog studies
- Filipino National Service studies...
I'm not so sure that this is the degree for me ... 
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esl_prof
Joined: 30 Nov 2013
Posts: 2006
Location: peyi kote solèy frèt
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| Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2014 1:37 pm Post subject: |
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Those sound like the kinds of general studies courses that are required in all undergraduate programs of study, contextualized for the Philippines of course.
Usually when completing a second bachelor's degree, gen-ed and elective courses are waived (as you're essentially transferring those in from your previous degree--in this case your BSc), and you just need to complete the coursework for your new major. In some cases, you might have to pick up a few more gen-ed courses to meet the specific requirements of the new university. For example, one my colleagues opted for a second bachelor's degree a number of years back and had to complete three semesters of foreign language to meet the gen-ed requirements for the new university as he had not been required to complete any foreign language courses for his first bachelor's degree. So you may not be able to get out of courses such as Tagalog or Filipino National Service Studies.
Does your new university have the transcripts from your previous BSc degree? If so, check the course catalog and see what their policy is regarding the completion of a second bachelor's degree. Is it standard policy to waive gen-ed or elective coursework already completed in a previous degree? Or are they going to make you complete the whole four-year degree all over again from scratch? If it's the latter, then you're right. You may want to rethink whether or not this is a good program for you. If it's the former, then confirm that they have your transcripts from your previous BSc and find out if they are going to waive some of these gen-ed courses that don't really apply to you.
Good luck in getting everything sorted out! |
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
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| Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2014 7:12 pm Post subject: |
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| simon44 wrote: |
| I'm not so sure that this is the degree for me ... |
No, it's not the optimal situation for you because: 1) A person's academic path is expected to naturally progress from the basics/compulsory up to specialization (i.e., from bachelor's to master's to doctoral) and not the other way around, which is likely to raise the eyebrows of potential employers (and not in a good way); and
2) As was pointed out, degree programs from universities outside of one's home country typically target the native population and embody the country's specific culture and societal needs, which may not be in line with the educational expectations of foreign enrollees; and
3) A BA or MA degree from certain non-Anglophone/non-western universities is likely to turn off potential employers who expect western teachers to hold degrees from western unis. This is a clear example of why it's key to focus on the course content (i.e., required and elective coursework) and not solely on the degree major. Moreover, an MA in Education or MA in Teaching would serve you better because it also takes into consideration your MSc, MA and BSc; experience; and the fact that you're a mature student. That said, I suggest you look into an online master's program from the UK, US, Canada, etc., or pursue teaching licensure (to teach k-12). |
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suphanburi
Joined: 20 Mar 2014
Posts: 916
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| Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2014 10:47 pm Post subject: |
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| nomad soul wrote: |
No, it's not the optimal situation for you because: [list]1) A person's academic path is expected to naturally progress from the basics/compulsory up to specialization (i.e., from bachelor's to master's to doctoral) and not the other way around, which is likely to raise the eyebrows of potential employers (and not in a good way); |
This has NEVER been my experience and I hold 3 (unrelated) undergrad, 3 (unrelated) masters, ABD and PhD. No-one has ever questioned the sequencing and they were also not done in the "natural progression" other than starting with the 1st undergrad and the PhD being last.
Although the OP is seeking a "teaching credential" it would beg the why this one question (although I would suggest for reasons other than posted above).
If a B.Ed is wanted there are a number of post graduate options including a concurrent (add-on) B.Ed to go with his undergrad, post graduate certificate in education or any number of professional teacher courses or Dip.T/Dip.Ed options that would do so at far less cost in terms of cash and the necessary time commitment.
I also disagree that a masters in education would necessarily be a solution.
They often are more focused on higher theory and research preparation (those that are thesis based) and often do not have any practical teaching component.
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simon44
Joined: 15 Mar 2013
Posts: 118
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| Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2014 11:44 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks for your replies.
In response to some of the comments, I need to state that I am no spring chicken, being 55 years old. Teaching is a third career for me, (after many years in the software/ICT sector and an ongoing career in hospitality).
I have (successfully) taught ESL and Primary Homeroom subjects in Asia for several years, but without any teaching qualifications, (it must be my charisma....).
Now I have the opportunity to get some 'paperwork' that will improve my chances to obtain teaching employment in my advanced years.
I already have a firm offer from Nottingham University to study their PGCEi course, and I'll commence this next month in Bangkok.
My engineering/Physics/ICT background means that I have a high knowledge of advanced Maths and IT. I can teach both up to IGCSE level.
My reason for registering with this BSc Ed Maths degree was to obtain a paper qualification for the Maths component - the course is relatively cheap and I only need to study 2 years of this 4-year course to obtain the BSc (my previous teaching experience and academic qualifications allow me to skip the first 2 years of subjects).
I have no interest in working in management roles - I have been both Assistant Principal and Headmaster at schools in Asia - I have no interest at all in dealing with the 'lunacy' of the local directors.......
The deadline for the Biology paper is today, so I guess I will do some quick reading up on cell biology and demonstrate that I am a 'Jack of all trades'. I'm not sure that I can tackle the Tagalog topic - I am fairly sure that I can skip this one...
Now to brush up on my dancing skills |
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
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| Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2014 11:50 pm Post subject: |
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| suphanburi wrote: |
| nomad soul wrote: |
| No, it's not the optimal situation for you because: [list]1) A person's academic path is expected to naturally progress from the basics/compulsory up to specialization (i.e., from bachelor's to master's to doctoral) and not the other way around, which is likely to raise the eyebrows of potential employers (and not in a good way); |
This has NEVER been my experience and I hold 3 (unrelated) undergrad, 3 (unrelated) masters, ABD and PhD. No-one has ever questioned the sequencing and they were also not done in the "natural progression" other than starting with the 1st undergrad and the PhD being last. |
Point taken. However, your academic path ends with a PhD, which stands out. By contrast, the OP's would end with a bachelor's degree, which would also stand out to potential employers but probably not in the way the OP would expect.
| and wrote: |
Although the OP is seeking a "teaching credential" it would beg the why this one question (although I would suggest for reasons other than posted above).
If a B.Ed is wanted there are a number of post graduate options including a concurrent (add-on) B.Ed to go with his undergrad, post graduate certificate in education or any number of professional teacher courses or Dip.T/Dip.Ed options that would do so at far less cost in terms of cash and the necessary time commitment.
I also disagree that a masters in education would necessarily be a solution.
They often are more focused on higher theory and research preparation (those that are thesis based) and often do not have any practical teaching component. |
One of my suggestions was that he pursue licensure (or whatever the equivalent is in his home country). Depending on where he expects to teach, he may need to also gain teaching experience in his chosen subject before applying for positions abroad in order to appeal to international employers.
In terms of a master's degree, I reiterate that he should definitely focus on the course content (coursework)---not the degree major---to ensure the program meets his needs. That degree could certainly be an MA in Ed with a particular concentration or focus area. |
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esl_prof
Joined: 30 Nov 2013
Posts: 2006
Location: peyi kote solèy frèt
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| Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2014 1:45 am Post subject: |
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| simon44 wrote: |
I already have a firm offer from Nottingham University to study their PGCEi course, and I'll commence this next month in Bangkok.
My engineering/Physics/ICT background means that I have a high knowledge of advanced Maths and IT. I can teach both up to IGCSE level.
My reason for registering with this BSc Ed Maths degree was to obtain a paper qualification for the Maths component - the course is relatively cheap and I only need to study 2 years of this 4-year course to obtain the BSc (my previous teaching experience and academic qualifications allow me to skip the first 2 years of subjects). |
It sounds like you've got an extensive math background already and, by your own assessment, it's sufficient for teaching already. Why not just focus on completing the PGCEi course (which, if I understand correctly, is the British version of a teacher certification course) and skip the time and expense of the math degree altogether? |
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simon44
Joined: 15 Mar 2013
Posts: 118
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| Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2014 1:51 am Post subject: |
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Why not just focus on completing the PGCEi course (which, if I understand correctly, is the British version of a teacher certification course)...
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The PGCEi is not quite the same - it does not lead to QTS. But at my age, I have no chance of working in the UK to obtain QTS. I have lived in Asia since 2002 and my reason for seeking some teaching qualifications is to improve my chances of teaching in my advanced years! But teaching is not my primary employment and I therefore don't want to spend too much of my own funds on academic courses that I cannot really justify for whatever end result they can lead to.
IMHO, The PGCEi is the more important qualification for me. I will study for the BSc Ed Maths if the course content is entirely relevant. Unfortunately, since I'm neither a Fi.lipino, a soldier, a dancer nor a Biologist, I might skip further study..... |
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esl_prof
Joined: 30 Nov 2013
Posts: 2006
Location: peyi kote solèy frèt
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| Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2014 1:57 am Post subject: |
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| simon44 wrote: |
The PGCEi is not quite the same - it does not lead to QTS. |
Okay. Thanks for the clarification! And good luck as you move forward with your career. |
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