Job Discussion Forums

[Mackthefinger]

Hello all,

I've been lurking in these forums for a while and have enjoyed the
frank and useful advice given by experienced teachers.

To give some background - after too many years as a wage slage in
the civil service, I've decided to give TEFL a go. I've tentatively signed
up for the CELTA course next summer. I've also got a degree.

I'm enthuasiastic about starting the course, but am a bit worried
about having no teaching experiance whatsoever before I go job hunting.

Is the little bit of experiance gained on the CELTA course enough
to indicate if you have what it takes to be a TEFL teacher?

[spiral78]

For entry-level positions, yes, CELTA certification is generally a good indicator that you can plan and deliver acceptable lessons.

Teaching background, in other subjects/teaching contexts, is not always a good predictor of success at teaching language, particularly to adults. Some of the worst teachers I've worked with over the past years have been the retired third-grade teacher types.

You might consider volunteering some time at a local immigrant centre, to get a bit of hands-on experience - it can only help to beef up your CV later on, and give you a bit of extra confidence.

[Mackthefinger]

Thanks Spiral78,

Its purely a confidence thing, something I'm sure which affects a lot
of people when they start of teaching, no matter what field its in.

I'm also guessing it would be better to begin with older students rather than children, just to get to grips with TEFL?

Unfortunately I come from a small town in the middle of nowhere
that wouldn't have many immigrants (emigrants, yes) but its something
I'll look into.

[spiral78]

Depending on where you want to go, there is often MORE work teaching adults than children.
The CELTA (and other courses) can also be challenging to one's confidence - it's tough to plan and teach for an educated audience who will be critiquing what you do. But it's just one tough month, and you're not alone. All trainees go through it equally.

[Joeys ESL Room]

I think that your worries will subside after your first day in class. While you may be teaching adults, you are teaching adults who are most likely lacking confidence in their English ability; this will put you and them on the same page, and give you both a little confidence in what you are trying to achieve. If you are questioning your teaching after a few weeks, you can always ask for their opinion. You will find that students, especially adult students, will be very honest in their answers in hopes that they will help you out with how you teach, thereby helping them out in learning English.

Good luck!

[Glenski]

[Joeys ESL Room]

No, I agree with you that kids, especially those who don't speak much or any English, will not be able to help give advice on your teaching. I was referring more to adults. There is a fine line here though - I would only ask for some of their ideas on how they like the class, rather than asking "Am I doing a good job?". The difference with adults and kids is that they know what they want to learn, which is why they are there; kids are there because they have to be. If, for example, you are teaching too much grammar and the students wanted to focus more on a different area like their pronunciation, this would be a concern that they would voice; and the teacher would use this 'advice' to improve their class.