Job Discussion Forums

beetlil · Joined: 20 Dec 2008 Posts: 53 Location: Hanoi

I have to give a demo class soon in order to secure a position so I'm after a bit of advice on presentation (and anything else you think may be useful).

1. If it was my first 'real' class, I would introduce myself and have each student do the same and tell me something about themselves. If it's only a one-off class, should I still do this, or will the observer think it is a bit useless?

2. In South Korea, it is always 'Anne Teacher', 'John Teacher' or 'Teacher Anne' etc. How do you introduce yourself to a class in VN?

3. I'm a female. Is it ok to wear trousers rather than skirt?

Thanks. Any advice will be really appreciated

eihpos · Joined: 14 Dec 2008 Posts: 331

1. Yeah I would do introductory stuff as if it were your first real class. What level and do they know each other? if they are good enough you could do the toilet paper game - take toilet paper in and ask them to take as much as they like. And when they take loads say they have to fill it up with intro questions! or pieces if info about themselves. Or play killer or find someone who...
2. I taught in Korea too so I know the way it is with your name and teacher! its kind of cute. Here I just gave them my name but they still just call me teacher or miss! My name is kind of hard to say anyway. My adults call me by name.
3. I usually wear (smart) trousers only occasionally a skirt. The TA`s mostly wear trousers too. It`s no problem

mickeyrex · Joined: 03 Sep 2004 Posts: 65

Hopefully you're not going in not knowing their level. Ask! Then lower the bar and pick a topic relevant to their lives (teen icebreaker: Anybody been to the zoo recently?). The zoo is the makeout park. Perhaps a simple grammar structure. Dress it up and don't bore them. They, the hawks, just want to see if you can get some chatter going. Good luck.

beetlil · Joined: 20 Dec 2008 Posts: 53 Location: Hanoi

Thanks for the feedback. I'm not too concerned about the teaching side as I've been doing this for a while. It's more the etiquette that I'm not sure of as I haven't taught in VN. I just don't want to stuff it up because I wore the wrong clothes or spent time on an intro for a class that I'm never going to see again and the observer may be wondering 'what was the point'?

mickeyrex · Joined: 03 Sep 2004 Posts: 65

Cheers! I too have taught in Korea.You're worrying a wee bit too much. If anything, Vn students are a lot more welcoming than the Korean bunch. Just dress proper and do your thing. Don't be afraid (no crossed arms) to touch them and get into the crowd. They'll eat it up.Oh the point - you want a job doing something you enjoy doing, don't you? No worries a smile goes a long way as long as it's legitimate.