Job Discussion Forums

[senza_vavoom]

Hi, I received an interview for JET in Toronto, on February 20 2006. As far as I understand it there will be a teaching demo for 5 mins. I am really nervous with this component.

ANY ADVICE OR LESSON PLANS from JET alumni? I want it to be simple bc I have to keep in mind that these are young children who have little command of the English language. I want to make sure that it is fun, interesting, very visual ( with props ), but I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO TEACH.

Any info is appreciated!

[Glenski]

Perhaps this is new. When I interviewed with JET in '98, the only thing that they did was as follows. I was told they would ask me a question as if some kid might in the middle of a lesson. The question would be off-topic, so I was supposed to be surprised by it, and I had a minute to prepare my answer (unlike a real classroom situation). I could use a notepad to simulate a blackboard, if needed.

The question was something like, "What is discrimination like against American Indians?"

After the 1 minute to prepare, I had 1 minute to give my response.

[nikkeimama]

I interviewed in '95 (Yikes, that long ago?!), and I wasn't asked how I would teach anything, nor was I expected to simulate any kind of classroom situation. They did however ask me how I would explain a current controversial issue if a student were to ask.

In 2002, I had the opportunity to act as an interviewer in Vancouver. We were not specifically told to ask any question of that sort, but each interviewer had a lot of freedom with what to ask, and how. Basically they were looking for red flags, and would ask as many questions as needed to make a decision; the more red flags, the lower your place in the overall ranking of interviewees.

Basically, just relax and be yourself (they will spot an act), but don't worry about being nervous (110% self confidence was a red flag in our group). Try to be as honest as possible. If you don't know the answer to a question, admit it. (My clearest memory of my interview is not knowing the answer to any of the 3 Japan-facts questions I was asked!!). On the other hand, if you have very strong opinions about any political, cultural, or gender issues, you might want to tone them down.

Remember, you don't need teaching experience to join the JET program. They are choosing cultural ambassadors as much as teachers (in the idealistic eyes of the interviewers). The interview is to assure them that you genuinely want to go to Japan (not just anyplace overseas), you can handle stress and culture shock, and you will get along with the people you work with. This is not a typical job interview where you have to convince them that you are great (that decision was made by the short-listing committee).

Keep an open mind, smile lots, and be humble.
Good luck!

[isanity]

If I may hijack the thread, can anyone tell me how long it usually takes them to get back to you? And if they say no, do they write to you or just give you the silent treatment?

[nickthegreek]

Last year I did not make it to the interview stage. I received a rejection letter some time in January. If they haven't got back to you by now, you didn't make it to the interview stage.

Sincerely Nick

[kdynamic]

OK here is my best advice for the demo lesson: speak VERY s l o w l y and clearly. Enunciate all your words well. And smile like a toothpaste commercial.

[takamatsudaiki]

One thing i recommend (if you have no teacher training) is to make sure that when they give you the topic for the demo, RELAX and BE YOURSELF. If you look nervous, they may get a little concerned (I'm not sure, my interview is probably going to be the 15th or 16th). I think the only problem is that 5 minutes is REALLY short for a lesson. I was designing 2 hour lesson plans for a private tutor gig at a language school here in L.A. so 5 minutes is REALLY short to me.