Job Discussion Forums

[Taffmonster]

I am finding this thing a real annoyance. Mainly because some of the grammar questions use names for things that my reference books don't use. For example first, second and zero conditional structures do not exist according to my book. However, past, present and future conditionals do!

Some of the non Grammar questions are ridiculous as well. Check this one....

B: One of your group lesson students (a housewife) always complains about her husband during the lesson.

What do you think was/were the cause(s) of this situation?
How would you react at the time?

Now, to me the cause question seems somewhat ridiculous. Are they expecting me to talk of why we think this woman may be feeling her husband is emotionally/sexually inadequate? it seems to me like a really ridiculous question to ask!

The whole pack is doing my head in. Maybe it's just me, maybe I'm not cut out for this hehe or maybe it is somewhat odd!

[kdynamic]

I think the husband question is legit. You need to be aware that many people, especially housewives with no other outlet, use English time to vent or confess or open up in ways they cant do elsewhere. The anture of English conversation is to ask someone lots of questions about themself and their experiences, and sometimes it all comes out. Some people feel that when they speak English, they aren't constained by the normal Japanese limits on what they can say, and also they see you as an outsider, meaning they can be more honest with you because what they say won't come around to bite them like it would if they said it to anyone in their normal circle. It's all part of the package.

[Apsara]

More than one teacher I know was told by a student, in class, that her husband hits her. You definitely have to be prepared for that kind of thing.

I heard all kinds of stuff you wouldn't expect people to tell their English teachers- "I'm thinking about having a sex change" was one...

[Taffmonster]

I see you point, still talk of a cause is slightly odd and this whole pack is still annoying awkward hehe!

[Apsara]

I think they are asking you why the women might have told you about her situation rather than why she feels that way. Kdynamic gave you some of the reasons.

You will get some really tricky/ silly questions from students at times, so maybe the pack is a good preparation for that.

[Dipso]

Zero, first, second and third conditionals are commonly used terms - it's not Geos speak. One man's present continuous is another man's present progressive!

[poof]

I recall the GEOS interview procedure. The whole ordeal was packed with double-edged questions. Perhaps it was actually designed to make fun of the candidates. Whoever can fathom? Anyway, I was rejected by GEOS for an unknown reason, and at first thought that I could never be a suitable teacher for Japan But I managed to get a position with the next company and in hindsight was in fact relieved that I never got accepted with a company that has such a ridiculous and dare I say unethical hiring procedure.

[Taffmonster]

I think it has mainly been a case of me lacking confidence, I keep telling myself they're silly questions etc. Not exactly a great way to deal with them. I'll just close my eyes and do it and stop taking the questions so literally!

thanks guys!

[TRod]

Oy, I just finished the first corespondence packet for GEOS and that was painful. Now I am working on the second one which is even crazier--I have no idea what the hell it's talking about and I know we didn't go over this crap during the interview session. However, it looks like I'll have to figure it out myself......

[Taffmonster]

yeah that seems to be the case hehe.

Hey are you in the UK? if so you might be doing your training with me! I got mine on August 21st.

If you need help with bits im sure (when i get onto pack to later today) we can share helpful hints hehe.

[TRod]

No, I'm in the States actually, but yeah, PM me and we can discuss the packet. I would love some help/input!

[fizayded]

I think it's just to see that the applicant isn't lazy.

[madeira]

Once you have the package, you're already in. Don't stress.

Seems like they're using the same pack from 6 years ago... You re-do the grammar test, then think about some situations. Many of which will actually happen...

Complaining woman: Find out when a 'complaining' lesson is coming up, ask her to save her excellent material. Possibly talk her into levelling up... if she's really good at bitching, she's ready for a higher class. You'll be very happy to hear any sort of opinion expressed in class!

Drunk guy: Do nothing. It's fine. More of them should come drunk... honestly.

Don't remember the other situations.

I found the lesson planning to be the most hassle; my pack was missing some stuff, like the pages from the texts for the lessons. Whatever you do, make lots of colourful props.

[Taffmonster]

Thanks
I've managed to do all the awkward sittuations. I assumed the drunk guy was a case of just leaveing him be hehe. So it seems it is exactly the same as 6 years ago. I'm just struggling with a few of the grammar points. Never having really studied it (I'm a philosophy graduate) it seems a little harder than it likely is. I got till this evening to finish pack 1 (which is nearly done save one or two fo tehse grammar questions) and then start and finish pack 2 :/ gonna be a late night all day one! hehe

[Willy_In_Japan]

When I did my GEOS package, I wan't sure what they were looking for with that question.

I was told later, that the correct 'answer' was something like 'My lesson obviously lacks focus if she is having time to complain about her husband'

'I should improve my lesson and focus on what the goal of the lesson is.'

That was basically it.