Job Discussion Forums

[kserasera]

I am starting a new job teaching First Certificate English (FCE)

Can anyone give me some advice?

[Mr_Monkey]

Make sure you know the exam!

You can download some very useful stuff here. I think it's probably a good idea to go over the format of the exam with your students at the beginning of the course, and do an initial assessment that will allow you to do (at least a very basic, or quite full depending on how much time you want to spend on it) discrepancy analysis (i.e. student X is weak at writing, student Y's performance in the use of English section is poor).

Don't ignore the use of English paper because it's too structurally-focussed and not oriented towards the classic 4 skills - it's crucial, and (I understand on good authority that) performance in UoE tests are generally highly indicative, even predictive of performance in the skills sections.

With the writing, peer feedback is important, but it shouldn't replace direct feedback from a teacher who is familiar with what the exams ask for. Cambridge publish assessment criteria for the 5 papers - learn them, and apply them when reviewing learners' work, and give feedback that relates to them. It's not a GE course, and, IMO, should not be treated as such.