Job Discussion Forums

[ChrisRose]

Running a certificate teacher training program in Hong Kong

Since I did my CELTA many, many years ago, I have wanted to be a teacher trainer.

Hong Kong is somewhat saturated with excellent programs at various tertiary institutions but the providers of the main three programs; RSA, Trinity and SIT, have all seen the number of face-face programs slashed.

The advent of relaxation in recognizing distance learning and extremely cut price programs from countries outside Hong Kong make it extremely difficult to compete. In Thailand or China, the Trainers get paid in the local currency. Herere in HK they need a living market wage in respect to their experience and qualifications. Thus the decline of face-to-face initial ELT teaching certificates.

I am currently sourcing a number of off the peg programs and looking at their feasibility. They are all much of the sameness. The materials are bland and nothing that competent trainers can�t out together in a reasonable period of time.

If you have read this far, I hope you will be kind enough to follow this a little longer.

The courses wouldn�t be targeting the backpackers, since they would have difficulty in gaining the necessary student visas, and since Thailand and China have an abundance of introductory ELT certificate programs, I foresee the market as entry level teachers in need of TP and intensive pratical training.

Since the vast majority of course costs are the trainers remuneration, (six hours of supervised and observed TP certainly adds to the cost) and venue, I wonder what advantages there are in representing someone else�s programs?

Also, since any course requires to be registered with the EMB, might it not be better to just develop the entire program with a uniqueness which adds additional focuses on Chinese L2 language learners rather than a generic mix of ages, abilities and indo-European and non-indo-European learners? The BCA and other local and mainland examination reforms, etc


I would like anyone with enough time on their hands to throw in their 2 cents.


Thanks in advance
Chris