Who is really qualified to teach?
Postbox letter from Jonathan French
A friend of mine works at a school and is head of English, he doesn't have a degree and neither have a lot of the teachers there. The school is quite happy even though a tad illegal but at the end of the day, the students are getting a good education from teachers who know their subject.
Beyond speaking day
Activities to get your students talking
My school director asked me to organise an English Speaking Day in our school. When I implemented the idea, my director was overwhelmed by its impact on students' interest and English language development.
Don't get lost in your role
Postbox letter from Brian
Those who are in Asia teaching English need to understand this simple reality: English teaching is a superficial industry. English language aptitude is simply social and economic capital in Asia. Is this not stating the obvious?
Don't get disheartened folks
Postbox letter from Jonathan
There are many good agencies out there and many schools that will hire direct. Visit them in person and drop off a nice little resume pack with all your photocopies, certificates etc. It will work wonders.
Choice as a source of wealth
Real "wealth" is not primarily about having material possessions or money
Being a native speaker of the language people around the world use gives me wealth as it is an incredible source of international career opportunities.
Laugh and be happy
Postbox letter from DJ
Try to apply the advice offered to you by experienced staff. Try to empathize with the different groups of students rather than to each individual student.
Take heart, the schools are out there
Postbox letter from Michael
Unfortunately, the schools with the most vacancies are the schools that have some problems with student (and sometimes teacher) motivation and discipline)
At the end of my tether
Postbox letter from Steven
The problem I encounter with almost every class, is a lack of respect, plus attention, demonstrated by the students
Teaching a six-hour Sunday class
A world of classroom activity and the odd jaded colleague
I've now taught two sessions of a Sunday 6-hour class at a language school near Ekkami here in Bangkok, and I think I have a pretty good feel for what it's all about.
A teacher's pet peeve
The unenviable task of having to plan lessons
Lesson planning is a routine task that has now got into my system, yet if I had my choice, I would get rid of it. But how? So several times I tried teaching without a lesson plan? Do you want to know how it turned out? I think they were better than my planned lessons.
