Job Discussion Forums

acornrevolution · Joined: 01 Jul 2007 Posts: 47

I have an interview in Tokyo with Interac on Friday and was wondering what the conditions are like in which we are to give our demo lesson?

Is there a board and markers/chalk? Is it magnetic or should I bring tape?
Are there people who have to act like students or are the student imaginary?

kahilm · Joined: 12 Apr 2007 Posts: 43

When I did mine, it was just myself and the interviewer. She held a camcorder while I pretended to introduce myself to the Japanese teachers and then teach a 3 minute lesson. There was a white board and I believe there were magnets but I didn't need them so I can't remember clearly. Might as well bring them if you need them, just in case. There were markers.

This was in the Tokyo office, too. Good luck Smile

acornrevolution · Joined: 01 Jul 2007 Posts: 47

This may sound silly, but how do you do an interactive speaking activity with invisible students?

seklarwia · Posted: Mon May 25, 2009 9:09 pm Post subject:

You begin to hear voices in your head Shocked

You just pretend that they are responding. It does feel extremely stupid when you are saying things like "repeat after me: blue"...silence..."very good!"

gwynnie86 · Joined: 27 Apr 2009 Posts: 159

C'mon, what creative person DOESN'T hear voices in their head?... Right? Wink

Nah, I figured it would be like that. I have some coloured card ready, BUT on the inside I have labels with the written names of the colours too - should I use the names or is that assuming too much on behalf of the invisible children?

spidr245 · Joined: 26 Nov 2008 Posts: 60

The supplies available all depend on where the interview is being held at. It's best just to bring your own to be safe.

And it's not hard to do interactive speaking, even with an imaginary audience. Just pretend they are saying what you want to hear and continue with the presentation. If there are other interviewees, then they will most likely join in as your students. In the end, just relax. Before you even know it, your presentation will be over.

cornishmuppet · Joined: 27 Mar 2004 Posts: 642 Location: Nagano, Japan

How on earth are you supposed to teach ANYTHING in 3 minutes?

spidr245 · Joined: 26 Nov 2008 Posts: 60

cvmurrieta · Joined: 10 Jul 2008 Posts: 209 Location: Sendai, Japan

I found the interview in Tokyo to be pretty straight forward. I am not sure if my demo lesson covered all tasks in their prescribed times, but I did show enthusiasm and smiled a lot. I taught the students colors, had them call out the colors, and gave cards to those who called out the right colors.

Imagine me singing "Heads, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes!" Laughing

acornrevolution · Joined: 01 Jul 2007 Posts: 47

My interview went well. I feel I will be offered a job. Though, right before i left, the interviewer told me id have to come at the end of August, which may not be possible. She told me this, even though i told her many times my current contract ends 8/31. So, if i get offered a position, i will need to work this out. Another headache!