Korean Job Discussion Forums

[N2Bubble]

Basically, I have a skype interview with the current co-teacher in 2 days. Apparently she's pretty picky and has been basing her decisions mostly on the candidates teaching philosophy.

I have no teaching experience (just TEFL cert) but she still wanted to interview me so maybe it's more than just that?
I've only had one other phone interview, but didn't get the job.

Any tips for a sort of newbie?

[overdrive2023x]

What city is the school you're applying for in?

[N2Bubble]

It's an elementary school in Ansan.


Hm. Guess no one knows much about teaching philosophies...

[luckylady]

gonna go out on a limb here and say that if the co-teach is doing the interviewing, and holds the decision-making power, whomever she chooses is going to be majorly screwed.

it's good to have a professional relationship with your co-t but they shouldn't have the hire/fire authority over you. that's just not good. a NET is going to have better English and will no doubt have to correct her English in some form one way or another eventually. just a pot that's waiting to boil over.

good luck on your interview and don't be intimidated. if you are offered the position, you might want to (tactfully) find out about the above. none of the Korean teachers are hired by other teachers - they are hired by the district, the MOE, or at the very least, the principal.

you deserve the same respect.

[andrewchon]

Teaching Philosophy in Korea means: are you an edutainer?

Tell her you like your class to be fun with singing and playing games.

[overdrive2023x]

[hossenfeffer]

My advice:

Dress appropriately even though you're in the comforts of your own home talking to a computer. First impressions are EXTREMELY important.

Smile a lot and appear to be enthusiastic about the position (but don't act like a mental patient).

As far as "teaching philosophy" goes, I would tell the interviewer that you believe that it is important for students to spend as much time as possible in class practicing and producing the language. Tell the interviewer that your classes are very student centered and that you create lessons that get the students involved without you having to be the center of attention. Tell the interviewer that your lessons have worked well for you in the past because you incorporate activities in your lesson plans that appeal to different types of learners (i.e. visual, kinesthetic, auditory, aural). Tell them that you have excellent classroom management skills which allows you to conduct class without a lot of unnecessary interruptions (you can PM me if you want to know how I handled a particularly unruly group of middle school kids).

Another important thing that I think you want to get across in the interview is that you're easy to work with. They want to know that you're not going to be a thorn in their sides.

Hope this helps a little,

Hoss

[sligo]

Mention task based learning, PPP, CLT (look these terms up and get a basic understanding) and the importance of motivation, how your job is to create a safe environment that promotes development, and nurtures enthusiasm.