Job Discussion Forums

[TawtViet]

I know I should hit some grammar books hard as I can't really spit out grammar rules. I have never given out rules in my teaching unless I make use of what is available in some text books. I usually explain mistakes to students in my own way. For example: "You can't walk with your dog because there is no shared decision making concerning the walk. You remain in complete control so you can only walk (not walk with) your dog." Another: "You certainly don't want to belittle yourself by saying: I am boring; It's pretty critical that you ad "ed" rather than "ing."
These explanations seem to work but if pressed to explain the grammar rules behind them I would probable be at a loss. I want to go through a 4 week TEFL certification program to better myself yet don't know how grammar intensive those are.
Now the question: What is really expected and/or required by Native English teachers in Thailand? Are most quite knowledgeble and good at spitting out grammar? Is it hard to get and keep a job without that skill?
Thanks

[laben18]

don't sweat the small stuff and grammar is the small stuff

[Kent F. Kruhoeffer]

Sawatdee!


I wouldn't argue with laben18's viewpoint,

but I would like to add a couple of comments

based on my current position here in BKK:


In terms of the importance of grammar ... I'd say

it depends a little on who you're teaching.


Kids & teens in public schools don't really care too much about grammar.

That's one of the reasons they end up in my class as adults.


If you happen to land a university position,

or find yourself teaching corporate classes as I do,

knowledge of grammar is certainly an asset.


i.e., when people are paying for their English lessons,

they tend to have higher expectations of their teachers -

and a teacher who can't explain grammar might find himself

on the 'short end of the stick' when weekly schedules are handed out.


It also depends a lot on what level your students are.

Kids and beginners don't speak English well enough to ask hard questions.

Intermediate & advanced level students, on the other hand, can and will

sometimes 'test' their teacher with tough questions.


Imho - a 4 week TEFL cert (with practice teaching) is a splendid idea -

and a good investment if you're planning to hang around in TEFL for a while.

You can also brush up on grammar rules for free these days by surfing certain websites.

On The Master Index Thailand, you could scroll down to Part II :: Virtual Teacher

and spend a rainy day browsing through some of that stuff.



When you see and you're in the right spot.