Job Discussion Forums

workinginjapan · Joined: 19 Oct 2004 Posts: 4

I have an interview next month for a teaching position with AEON/AMITY.

Firstly could anyone give me any general advice about the AEON interview process i.e. what they are like, what preparation I should do etc.

Secondly, as part of the interview I have to prepare a 5 minute teaching demonstration and submit a 30 minute lesson plan. I have no experience of teaching English so im a little worried about this part of the interview.

The instruction state that 'The lesson should be for beginner, intermediate or advanced students of English. The student�s level should be stated on the lesson plan. In an interactive and creative manner, teach a lesson focusing on English conversation'.

Can anyone give me some advice on what would be good to teach and also what methods I should use to teach this. Are there any web based resources for devising teaching plans?

Many thanks in advance Very Happy

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Read this old post first.
http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=4544&highlight=aeon+interview

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

So what do you expect to do once you have a real class with real students? There is no quick fix. If you fool them in the interview, will you really be helping yourself or your students?

Sorry this is not the answer you were looking for.

workinginjapan · Joined: 19 Oct 2004 Posts: 4

My intention is not to 'fool' anyone at an interview, nor am I looking for a quick fix. Since my experience of teaching english is limited all that I asked was for some guidance and tips from teachers more experienced than myself.

We all have to start somewhere you know.

Anyway as I understand it, if offered a position I will receive on the job training which will better equip me to teach a real class with real students.

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

Sorry, for being gruff, it has been a long day and I have another essay to write.

A few tips:
Get the class involved and get their attention right off the bat.
I would do a vocab lesson, they are easier and more interesting IMO.
Choose something you are interested in and use props (flashcards, pictures on the board..) or actions.

5 minutes, you can't do much in that time and they can't expect much either, knowing you don't have nay experience.

Also, have an aim to your lesson and put that in your lesson plan.
For example:
Aim: to teach students vocabulary about __________

workinginjapan · Joined: 19 Oct 2004 Posts: 4

Many thanks for your help. That will come in very useful in my interview.

Good luck with the essay!

KathyK · Joined: 13 Aug 2004 Posts: 19 Location: New York City

Dear Workinginjapan,

I taught at Aeon back in 91-93 and had no formal teaching experience before going on the interview. They look mainly for personality and potential so just be friendly and lively during you well-planned five-minute teaching demo. You are quite right that you learn on the job. I taught in one of the Tokyo branch schools and so was able to avail myself of the many day-long teaching seminars offered to the local Tokyo teachers.

Good luck!

Kathy

Dan_R · Joined: 11 Oct 2004 Posts: 12 Location: North Carolina, USA

I'm in the same boat as you, TeachinginJapan. I am scheduled to interview with Aeon on December 5 in Tampa, Florida, so I also have to figure out how to prepare a sample lesson. Its going to be challenging.

Dan_R · Joined: 11 Oct 2004 Posts: 12 Location: North Carolina, USA

oops . . . thats workinginjapan