Job Discussion Forums

[Qaaolchoura]

I've noticed that a lot of jobs require teaching a trial lesson in the UK. (Or UK OR target country.) For those that haven't I'd assumed that, with no experience required they don't require it, otherwise it negates the whole purpose of finding a job before I leave. However I'm seeing some posts indicating that demos are fairly common requirements.

So, if I see a job listing, how likely is it that they respond to my application with "Maybe, come over here and show us"?

[denise]

If it's an in-person interview, it's not too uncommon. That said, though, it might not necessarily mean they're going to chuck you into a classroom. I've done demo lessons with the interviewers/office staff acting as the students. It's a bit inauthentic, and it can be stressful because you know that they are thinking of other ways that you could have done things (students are less likely to think that, I'd imagine), but I got the impression in my last mock-demo that they were more interested in how I coped overall--"We are your students. Teach us about correct placement of adjectives," with about a minute to prep--than in specific teaching practices.

I had to give a demo lesson over the phone once--very bizarre. I ended up withdrawing my application to that school. The whole thing was just too weird.

d

[Qaaolchoura]

[fandeath]

I think as professional in the ESL industry, you will have to a lot of strange things regarding getting a job or teaching English.

I think a phone interview/ example lesson is more just a test of how clearly you speak English.....they have a right to try before they buy

[tttompatz]

I have personally found that if I included photos of me in my class, with students, or offered to send a video clip of me teaching in my classroom that they have NEVER asked for a "demo lesson".

This has also been true when I have been applying from abroad.

Perhaps I have been lucky or perhaps they are somewhat more confident when the see actual, visual evidence of the applicant (me) teaching in a real setting as compared to a "demo lesson".

This of course would not be possible for someone new to teaching so I imagine that taking the time to prepare a quick demo lesson or clip in advance might be to your advantage.

Just my experience.

.

[denise]

It's a good idea to have a demo prepared, but you can't necessarily rely on it. You also need to be ready to plan an impromptu demo. It's a great exercise in thinking on your feet, which is a crucial skill to have in the classroom anyway.