Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Mr. Kalgukshi]

There seems to be a belief in some quarters (especially, in Korea) that English majors are somehow or other (perhaps, mysteriously so) better qualified to teach ESL than other majors. I was just wondering what the board members think about this?

This should be fun.

[Mr. Pink]

It all depends. I think I am better qualified to teach writing than say a biology major.

For teaching kids I would say there isn't a real difference, as most of the time the lesson is so simple, a highschool grad could teach it. Also the teacher's job a lot of the times is entertainment/baby sitting.

For teaching businessmen, or adults, it might come in handy to know how to answer some of the complex questions that these guys might ask, but you know I studied Literature, not linguistics/grammar. So having to explain the finer points of grammar can be a little hard for any "major".

I always wonder what good those certificates in TOEFL are...I mean what can they teach you that job experience can't? Especially in those 100hour ones...I doubt they teach me anything that would help me in my current job.

So like a TOEFL certificate, I think an English degree is just good for marketing yourself.

[Mr. Kalgukshi]

[Korea Newfie]

[Mosley]

Newfie:''You're damn right." Now, THAT'S an honest answer!

[riverboy]

HAHA! The English Major does help in a job interview. I am not sure if the benefit in a hagwan situation is really that much. I think my English major would only come in at a university level. All degrees require basic writing skills. Most English majors spend thier time studying literature not grammar and spelling. I think it really depends on the class itself. I do feel more comfortable teaching grammar and phonics, but I seem to rely on what my grade five tacher taught me as my methodology as opposed to the guy who taught me Joyce.

[phaedrus]

I am an English Literature major and I think this makes me very qualified for teaching English.

In an English program the amount of reading that is done is greater than in a lot of other subjects. Usually the connection to real life is greater as well. Rather than reading a textbook we read novels, which often are about everyday situations. This means I know a lot of everyday vocabulary, or vocabulary relevant to everyday situations, rather than academic language. ( What's a cant hook? I learned this from Hemingway but otherwise would have known if I studied forestry, but if I studied forestry I would know a lot about science of forests, not exactly everyday stuff). This also means that my knowledge of grammar is boosted more (because of amount of reading) through subconscious acquisition. As well I think my understanding of denotion and connotation is greater.

For kids--- I don't know, but I teach adults mostly now.

I think one of the best qualifications is linguistics, and of course ESL teaching scores highest.

I was fortunate to take some linguistics courses.

[Barking Mad Lord Snapcase]

Pragmatically speaking, the best qualification of all would be either a degree in education or early childhood studies, complete with practical exams - especially with hagwons that skimp on their teacher training. In reality, a degree in English makes it almost too easy to get the job. Hagwons are simply blown away by the magic E-word on your certificate. Some new teachers actually BEG for training, only to get a 5-minute talk in broken English, a textbook and a push into a class of 30 noisy 1st graders.

[crazylemongirl]

My major was in education and my honours year was in politics.

The two are a good combination.
I think that knowledge of language and child development combined is important in our field. I also think knowing when someone is about to screw you over is also important, thus the politics degree comes in handy.

CLG

[katydid]

What I want to know is WHY someone with a Masters in say, Biology or Business would be far better off, in terms of salary here, than someone who only has a BA in English Education? Is it a known fact that those with MAs can teach better? Do they all have to have experience teaching, or does it just look better to the hagwan/university here, and the director thinks to himself "Oh she must be very smart!"?

[Mr. Kalgukshi]

phaedrus wrote:

"I am an English Literature major and I think this makes me very qualified for teaching English.

In an English program the amount of reading that is done is greater than in a lot of other subjects. Usually the connection to real life is greater as well. Rather than reading a textbook we read novels, which often are about everyday situations. This means I know a lot of everyday vocabulary, or vocabulary relevant to everyday situations, rather than academic language. ( What's a cant hook? I learned this from Hemingway but otherwise would have known if I studied forestry, but if I studied forestry I would know a lot about science of forests, not exactly everyday stuff). This also means that my knowledge of grammar is boosted more (because of amount of reading) through subconscious acquisition. As well I think my understanding of denotion and connotation is greater."

_____________________________________________

So, given what you have written, is it fair to say reading a lot of novels would be equal to a major in English and qualify one to be an ESL teacher?

Other majors also require a lot of reading. Really, they do. English majors are not the only ones who have to do a lot of reading. Some other majors also concentrate on "everyday situations" and the associated fictional and non-fictional literature.

You did, however, confirm some of my beliefs regarding what one does as an English major.

Thanks.

[kiwiboy_nz_99]

During the semester throughout my Eng lit BA I was reading three novels and and average of twenty poems a week, not to mention chapters from numerous books of literary criticism. My guess is that only a law student would be reading the equivilant in sheer volume of words. I do find that in discussions about language with my non Eng major friends that I'm more familiar with concepts of the language. As for whether it makes me a better teacher, I don't know. I think my Dip ed with English as a speciality does that though

[schwa]

Theres a difference between simply reading lots & being trained to read critically & to discuss what youve read clearly & persuasively.

Lit studies can lead to an understanding of what makes the language tick. A fair amount of language analysis goes into close readings & the minutiae of grammar, diction, tone. Frequent essays are returned brutally red-pencilled for even the smallest lapses. I would guess a lit program demands & promotes a higher competency with the language than other disciplines.

All relatively useful in the efl classroom, I'd argue.

[Zyzyfer]

Just a basic English Lit. degree? That doesn't make sweet f all of a difference. But I wouldn't go so far as to say that a biology major is necessarily on equal footing with an English major when it comes to talking about grammar. It depends on what the English major specialized in, and how each student's grammar is in the first place. I've seen English majors with horrible grammar and writing skills work their way up through the ranks, despite the fact that everyone knew they sucked at English for whatever reason.

I think that an English major and a Biology major with equal grammar skills can both do well, but a good English specialization is the cinch. I wouldn't go to a dentist and ask him to fix my car, since he's good with tools, so I also don't think I'd ask an Engineering major to teach me Korean, either.

[riverboy]

My spelling sucks. I can write, but I need a spell checker and I ahve to proof read it all a couple of times but many (qualified) people say I should publish my writings. It does not help me be a good teacher. I think it is patience that does that.

An English degree is a great asset, but it does not necessarily make one a good teacher. I would think that as far as basic four year degrees go, a buisiness degree would be the most ideal in teaching adults.
A degree in art and music would be a great tool for Kids. If I could draw, then my teaching skills would increase tenfold for the children. Most degrees in my opinion, will give the person various teaching skills. I think it really depends on the individual. There are a lot of brilliant peopl put there with several degrees who can't teach for shit because they have the social skills of a rabid dog.