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SpecialK
Joined: 25 Nov 2004
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 Posted: Tue Nov 30, 2004 7:16 pm Post subject: What Education road should I take?? |
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Hi everyone! This is my first post on the site but I've been reading all the great questions and comments for a long time. I am living in Daejeon South Korea for 4 months now and I"m loving it. My question is that I would like to further my education but I'm not sure what road would be better.
I currently have a BA with a major in Psych and a minor in English and a TESOL cert
I would like to finish this year and after furthering my education come back and teach in Korea or elsewhere so what do you all recommend? I definitely want to take more English courses so I can have a Major in a teachable subject (English). If someone could also put levels of education in order like what is the difference between a BEd, Masters Degree etc that would be awesome!!! Does Australia have a BEd program ? I'd like to do my schooling possibly overseas. (I'm from PEI, Canada).
Thanks everyone |
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turtlepi1
Joined: 15 Jun 2004
Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
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| Posted: Tue Nov 30, 2004 7:43 pm Post subject: |
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Here's a thread on it from not too long ago...
http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=25512&highlight=masters
No one can tell you what to do but at least if you collect a lot of information you can make an informed decision. (remember to consider the source)
Some important questions are:
What age group do you want to teach?
How long do you want to teach overseas?
Do you want to teach in your home country?
Is the program accepted by the licensing bodies in your home country?
Would you be open to an online degree?
Why do you think a traditional degree is better than an online degree?
What other countries do you want to teach in? (important for online degree)
There are many more...  |
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CanadaCommando
Joined: 13 Feb 2004
Location: People's Republic of C.C.
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| Posted: Tue Nov 30, 2004 8:25 pm Post subject: |
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| Is the program accepted by the licensing bodies in your home country? |
A very good point and one I think is oft forgotten. I know alot of people nowadays that are heading off to get their Masters off in Australia-which apparently has a ten month masters format that requires no thesis...
Difficulty is, for MANY Canadian provinces,(using Canada as an example because I know it better) that M.Ed. degree is almost next to useless...BC doesn't accept it, and when Alberta finishes its qualifications upgrade, neither will it. Also, some Austrialian Masters programs seem to have a bit of a paper mill rep. (no offence to any hard working Australian post grad...this is just what I have heard from numerous sources) and aren't readily accepted. I have 2 friends: One with a Masters of Ed from Australia, and one that just has a Post Grad diploma course in BC. Guess which one can work in every province?
I would say, in addition to all the valid questions up above:
WHAT do you want to teach?
-many places require TWO concentrations, not just one.
HOW LONG do you want to teach for?
-Is it worth your while to blow 10G+ for a degree you only want to use for a year or two?
WHY do you want to teach?
-If alot of the reason you like it is because you are overseas, thats great; but its not gonna help you when you get down to the grind stone back home, which is about 5 times the workload here.
I think that ESL is great for finding out whether or not you have the passion or patience to teach...I think it is bad though because it seems to make everyone think they can be a teacher. Teaching back home is about 5x as much work here, and nowhere near the freedom.
If you like ESL-no need to upgrade any further. Finish your year and use the experience to help you land a job in some other Asian country if you want to explore. If you want to teach back home, put some serious research into where you want to study, and where you want to settle and teach. THE EASIEST WAY TO MAKE SURE YOUR DEGREE QUALIFIES IS TO TAKE IT WHERE YOU WANT TO TEACH. Otherwise, you will often have to upgrade a course or two before you can qualify to teach in that area. One of the exceptions seems to be a B.Ed. from BC (which qualifies you in all of Canada and most of the world) and the PGED (sp?) from England, which seems to qualify you most places (although the upgrade is still needed for BC).
Cheers and good luck.
Last edited by CanadaCommando on Tue Nov 30, 2004 9:20 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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SpecialK
Joined: 25 Nov 2004
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| Posted: Tue Nov 30, 2004 8:49 pm Post subject: Thanks for the help |
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Hi, thanks for the opinions and info!
The thread provided has lots of info so I'll go read up on the topic there. I totally agree that ESL seems to make most think they want to teach and CAN teach haha. One of the reasons I decided to try teaching with ESL in Korea is because I was thinking of taking the BEd from the University of PEI. Like a lot of others I"m still not sure what I want to do with my life in regards to career, so I'm checking out the possiblities.
I would like to teach Psychology and English but in most schools Psychology is not a teachable subject. I would like to teach anything above elementary school.
| Quote: |
| Difficulty is, for MANY Canadian provinces,(using Canada as an example because I know it better) that M.Ed. degree is almost next to useless... |
Does this mean that a BEd is just as good as a M.Ed if you are looking to teach in Canada (that is where I would like to settle down after a few years overseas).? Do you get your M.Ed after obtaining your BEd? Besides my Arts degree I don't really know too much about what degrees come next.
Ciao,
K |
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CanadaCommando
Joined: 13 Feb 2004
Location: People's Republic of C.C.
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| Posted: Tue Nov 30, 2004 9:04 pm Post subject: |
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If you are finished your B.A., most Uni's in Canada offer some sort of Post Degree program. Usually its anywhere from 10 months to 2 years, depending on the detail of the program, length of practicum, etc...At the end, some offer a B.Ed, and others offer a diploma of certification.
To be guaranteed to teach, the best approach is to get this BEFORE you get your M.Ed. You don't need an undergrad in Education to get your Masters (any B.A. may work) but having your masters doesnt guarantee you can teach. Also, and a valid concern for any new teachers, Districts are more reluctant to hire new teachers with a M.Ed because of the salary increase: You M.Ed means you cost your district an extra 6-10 grand a year->why would they want to pay a brand new teacher that much more?
In summary- to teach overseas, your M.Ed will get you jobs that your B.Ed. won't. HOWEVER back home, your B.Ed is more essential for teaching than your M.Ed. |
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Koreabound2004
Joined: 19 Nov 2003
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| Posted: Tue Nov 30, 2004 9:09 pm Post subject: |
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| CanadaCommando wrote: |
| Quote: |
| Is the program accepted by the licensing bodies in your home country? |
A very good point and one I think is oft forgotten. I know alot of people nowadays that are heading off to get their Masters off in Australia-which apparently has a ten month masters format that requires no thesis...
Difficulty is, for MANY Canadian provinces,(using Canada as an example because I know it better) that M.Ed. degree is almost next to useless...BC doesn't accept it, and when Alberta finishes its qualifications upgrade, neither will it. Also, some Austrialian Masters programs seem to have a bit of a paper mill rep. (no offence to any hard working Australian post grad...this is just what I have heard from numerous sources) and aren't readily accepted. I have 2 friends: One with a Masters of Ed from Australia, and one that just has a Post Grad diploma course in BC. Guess which one can work in every province?
I would say, in addition to all the valid questions up above:
WHAT do you want to teach?
-many places require TWO concentrations, not just one.
HOW LONG do you want to teach for?
-Is it worth your while to blow 10G+ for a degree you only want to use for a year or two?
WHY do you want to teach?
-If alot of the reason you like it is because you are overseas, thats great; but its not gonna help you when you get down to the grind stone here.
I think that ESL is great for finding out whether or not you have the passion or patience to teach...I think it is bad though because it seems to make everyone think they can be a teacher. Teaching back home is about 5x as much work here, and nowhere near the freedom.
If you like ESL-no need to upgrade any further. Finish your year and use the experience to help you land a job in some other Asian country if you want to explore. If you want to teach back home, put some serious research into where you want to study, and where you want to settle and teach. THE EASIEST WAY TO MAKE SURE YOUR DEGREE QUALIFIES IS TO TAKE IT WHERE YOU WANT TO TEACH. Otherwise, you will often have to upgrade a course or two before you can qualify to teach in that area. One of the exceptions seems to be a B.Ed. from BC (which qualifies you in all of Canada and most of the world) and the PGED (sp?) from England, which seems to qualify you most places (although the upgrade is still needed for BC).
Cheers and good luck. |
Just wanted to back this info up and say that this info is completely accurate. Thanks for saying it!
I know many rich kids back home who took off to Australia, and came back bragging about their M.Sc in Ed. or whatever it is.... Most would much rather have a B.Ed from a Canadian school anyday. Same goes for the others who head off to the U.S to D'Youville or some other school....paying 5 times the price for a worthless education. That's my opinion. Better laid out by commando though, good work. Well said. |
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turtlepi1
Joined: 15 Jun 2004
Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
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| Posted: Tue Nov 30, 2004 9:50 pm Post subject: |
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I agree if you want to teach "kids" (elementary-highschool) that a BEd is the way to go. I know that you can't teach in Nova Scotia without a BEd program. (MEd programs are too specialized and don't prepare you for the classroom -Straight from the certification body...) As for other provinces, I'm not sure what a Master's will get you...but again..if you want to teach "kids" a BEd is the way to go.
As for on-line programs..that is where my opinion differs. I have spent 4 years working with an on-line education department of a traditional college (as well as 7 in a traditional role). I know the good features and bad features intimately and it is part of the focus of my Master's degree.
As for those who say online degrees aren't accepted, I would challenge that. Aside from actual research in the matter (which I have done, and am doing) I will share my own anecdotal knowledge on the subject from my own personal experience.
I had attended a university in Canada but did not complete...(moved away before grad.) many years later wanted to come to Korea needed a degree. Found the quickest way was through a US university...accredited but DEFINITELY not top tier. My big concern was it was quite a bit of money and I wouldn't be able to use it beyond coming to Korea.
Well, I just got accepted to the grad program at the University of British Columbia based on my marks at Strayer University. (sure life experience played a role I am sure, but that is always the case regardless of where your degree is from.)
As for China not accepting online degrees. I would suggest that is more a reflection of the number of diploma mills and not a reflection on credible programs. Rather than sort it out they just don't allow any.
And the biggest proof of this (validity of the online methodology) is that delivery method should not be a determinant of educational outcomes. (That is why an online degree from a reputable university will take you where you want to go.) |
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kylehawkins2000
Joined: 08 Apr 2003
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| Posted: Tue Nov 30, 2004 11:04 pm Post subject: |
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In Canada the usual route is to do an undergrad degree (ie your BSc in Psych). Then you go and complete a BEd later. Most schools require you to have some experience teaching or at least working with kids. You experience here in Korea will help you get admitted to a BEd program. I'm aware of the program in PEI that allows you to study to be a teacher right out of High School. This is not the norm for most Canadian provinces. Some provinces (such as Ontario) require a 1 year teaching degree (BEd), others (like Nova Scotia) require a 2-year BEd. Once you have your BEd you are able to apply for your teaching license. Be warned however, a degree from a University in one province may not be enough to teach in another. eg. If you have a one-year BEd from an Ontario University you are not qualified to teach in Nova Scotia and will likely be denied a teaching license when you apply for one. (There is some speculation however that this will be waived in the future because of the teacher shortage).
Degrees from other countries may not entitle you to get a teaching license in your home province back in Candada. You should check with you local Ministry of Education before enrolling in a program to see if they recognize the degree as a suitable qualification for receiving a teaching license/certificate.
To enter a graduate program to do a Masters Degree at a Canadian University you will generally need a BEd and a year or two of experience. (the more experience you have the greater your chances of getting in). A Masters degree will put you higher on the pay scale in your job and allow you to get into administrative and leadership positions in the schoolboard. It is also a prerequisite for most Phd programs.
Some of the "Masters" degrees in Australia are roughly equivelent to a BEd in Canada. As a general rule of thumb if they are letting you into a "Masters" program in Education when you don't have a BEd, it's probably not going to be recognized as a Masters degree in Canada. |
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kylehawkins2000
Joined: 08 Apr 2003
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| Posted: Tue Nov 30, 2004 11:08 pm Post subject: |
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I've completed a BEd and have some teaching experience and am now in the process of looking into potential Masters programs. I have decided to avoid going the 'distance-learning route' or the 'study abroad' route because of the uncertainty with how those degrees will be viewed by the licensing organizations back home.
If you have the opportunity to study Education in Canada I would recommed doing so. We have very high standards for teacher certification and our qualifications are recognized in most countries around the world. |
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CanadaCommando
Joined: 13 Feb 2004
Location: People's Republic of C.C.
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| Posted: Tue Nov 30, 2004 11:32 pm Post subject: |
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| Quote: |
| In Canada the usual route is to do an undergrad degree (ie your BSc in Psych). Then you go and complete a BEd later |
Should be noted that while this is completely true with Secondary, with Primary/Elementary school, there is a tendency towards the 5-year Ed degree format. This consists of alot of theory, quite a few practicums, and some rather ridiculous-seeming training. Recorder class anyone? Finger painting? Yes, true mini-classes!
Masters CAN be obtained without a B.Ed, though a Bachelors is required, as well as coursework in education. Its one of those strange things were related course work is considered, especially in teachable areas. IT DOES NOT NECCESARLY ALLOW YOU TO TEACH HOWEVER. Alot of Masters programs are taken by a) senior teachers wishing to promote/explore theories b) Administrators (for the same reason as the senior teachers). An Australian Masters translates to less than a B.Ed in many/most areas of Canada because it does not allow you to teach, as I mentioned in the prior post. (It seems that more of the East coast provinces will accept it, while more of the West coast provinces won't)....And, right so...any Masters program that takes shorter period than the B.Ed with no foundation is obviously a flimsy setup.
On the note of the legitimate Masters program, I would highly recommend any young and early teachers NOT apply for their Masters until heavily established. While it may seem like a good idea to bone up on your theory, and as well as serve for interesting intellectual stimilus, taking your Masters too early is really just a shot against you. I have this from a former principal that now works on the board that regulates in-school administrators (ie. other principals) of BC. It makes v. little sense for a school to spend an extra $8,000 or so of their budget, when their are several other teachers who will do it for the average B.Ed starting sum.
A ideal time to start a M.Ed is a when you are already employed in a district-then many will help finance your Masters (limited budget for this though, so most likely for senior members).
To the poster before me-sorry, I am not trying to dispute what you said. I just have alot of office hours to fill, and I like talking Educ.  |
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kylehawkins2000
Joined: 08 Apr 2003
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| Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2004 2:32 am Post subject: |
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| I actually think that the 5-year ed. program is not all that common anymore. Which provinces allow you to do it? I'm pretty sure that PEI does, and maybe Newfoundland (but I'm not sure). Are there others? |
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Keepongoing
Joined: 13 Feb 2003
Location: Korea
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| Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2004 1:42 pm Post subject: hmmm |
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| I have an MA TESOL and if I had it to do over again, I would have done the MA in Linguistics or an MA ED. |
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