Job Discussion Forums

gmjones · Joined: 25 Oct 2004 Posts: 72 Location: UK

Hi,

I am being interviewed on Friday for a summer teaching job. I understand that people want to see you demonstrate your teaching skills/styles but honestly, I think the idea of giving fake classes, or mini classes to the people who interview you is cringeful and not necessarily even very useful... Grrrrrr.... Embarassed

However, it has to be done and I wondered whether anyone had any brighter ideas than me as to what I could do to shine in a 15 minute artificial situation! The class is aimed at preintermediate adults, and I reckoned 15 minutes of past simple or 'will; future would be enough... few pictures to make predictions for example and a diary to coordinate meetings, but it's rather boring to drudge the same things out again. Any winning ideas??? Thanks!!!

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

isanity · Joined: 05 Nov 2004 Posts: 179

Top tip number 1: don't do the future. It's a minefield.

Top tip number 2: do a fluency activity. It's the form of learning most students most need, and it's fun for the students/interviewers. Smile

TheLongWayHome · Joined: 07 Jun 2006 Posts: 1016 Location: San Luis Piojosi

Sound like you have a few good ideas--keep a stock of those for future use--as Glenski mentioned, it definitely won't be the last time you get observed.

Just be yourself, anything fake or hammed-up will look more cringeworthy. Teach with the strengths of your personality.

gmjones · Joined: 25 Oct 2004 Posts: 72 Location: UK

Thanks for your comments... belive it or not, this isn't the first time I've given a demo class... but I just can't stand it!

Rethought my ideas and thought I would present 'should'/'shouldn't do something in terms of the ideal/nightmare housemate... simple structure but quite relevant for the age group I'd be teaching (18+ uni students)... Leads to all kinds of possibilities: role plays/ideal teacher/vocab re personality... although obviously wouldn't try cramming all that in. Any comments?

tedkarma · Posted: Wed Jul 19, 2006 2:38 pm Post subject:

Conversely - I have been observed only once since 1992. Not so regular - just depends on where you work.

I too hate "fake" classes and feel they are a very artificial way of gauging a teacher's skill. Sure, I can do it if I need to . . . But - I have to admit - it does give you some idea if a teacher knows how to structure a class - and if s/he is lively, energetic, creative, friendly, etc.

The first class with any group is not great. It is what you can do once you know the students, their skills, and their needs that really counts.