A Native Speakers EFL Teachers' Association - Page 7 - Ajarn Forum

torbek · 21st November 2006, 15:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cyrille

Charlie - that is one bostin post! Suggest you get on with it and prove him wrong, torbek.

I actually started the thread mildly tongue-in-cheek just to see where it would go.

This isn't some naive crusade on my part. I will survive with or without an association.

Perhaps my sole driver that has any passionate foundation is that I am looking like being here a few more years and I would like to particpate in the education system (mainly EFL) without having to hang my head in shame because it perceived as being the domain of uneducated, drunken, sexpats. A decent association is start toward removing such stigma.

But the CC's of the world have do serve in at least motivating me to try to get it past step 1.

Yes, I am also far from convinced anything is likely to eventuate from these musings, so I can't promise anything beyond step 1...except that I'll match the enthusiasm and endeavour of anyone else willing to do the same.

kenkannif · 21st November 2006, 15:35

Torbers....I'll happily help in any way I can and if you want some proper teachers involved....let me know and I'll put you in touch with some.

Cyrille · 21st November 2006, 15:36

What's your definition of the term?
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^ The term 'fully qualified', I mean? CELTA? DELTA? MA? Bear in mind that a CELTA isn't really a 'full' qualification - it's a limited period prep. course.

torbek · 21st November 2006, 15:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cyrille

^ I AM a fully qualified teacher. I DONT have a PGCE. There's no way in hell I'm not fully qualified to teach ESOL, though - ergo - I'm fully qualified.

OK.

I'll clarify.

To have credibility, the association will need recognition from both Thais and farangs.

A key group is those fully-qualified-to-teach-in-western-education-systems who are involved in EFL.

I am yet to receive an indication of interest from anyone in that boat, but I'd like some input from that sector from the outset. (As I said, pro or con is fine - we need to be able to address critics and consider their arguments)

Just asking for a bit of time.

Cyrille · 21st November 2006, 15:41

In my view one of the main problems comparing TESOL with other fields is the brevity of the initial qualification, and the almost total lack of incentive to do a dip.

In my view a fully qualified teacher of ESOL has the DELTA or equivalent. I don't think a month long course can compere to 1-2 years on a PGCE.

torbek · 21st November 2006, 15:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenkannif

Torbers....I'll happily help in any way I can and if you want some proper teachers involved....let me know and I'll put you in touch with some.

Sure!

Remember, they have to be involved in EFL.

Unless someone can give a good argument otherwise, I would think it best to restrict the association to EFL at this time.

Perhaps a contact at the British Council? Don't know enough about them to know if they are a 'fit'. All I do know is they have the reputation...

(Although perhaps this is the kind of detail for a prelimary meeting rather than a forum.)

Cyrille · 21st November 2006, 15:43

Anyway, good luck with it Torbek. I admire you for being apparently prepared for the time drain and anguish ahead.

torbek · 21st November 2006, 15:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cyrille

In my view one of the main problems comparing TESOL with other fields is the brevity of the initial qualification, and the almost total lack of incentive to do a dip.

In my view a fully qualified teacher of ESOL has the DELTA or equivalent. I don't think a month long course can compere to 1-2 years on a PGCE.

Agreed...hence they would only hold 'assicate member' status unless holding a Thai TL.

Cyrille · 21st November 2006, 15:45

Let's drop this 'proper teachers' shit, please

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Drives me 'kin nuts, and is H-U-G-E part of the problem. It's really disappointing that you should use that term in your position, ken.

reg the wedge · 21st November 2006, 15:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by torbek

I actually started the thread mildly tongue-in-cheek just to see where it would go.

This isn't some naive crusade on my part. I will survive with or without an association.

Perhaps my sole driver that has any passionate foundation is that I am looking like being here a few more years and I would like to particpate in the education system (mainly EFL) without having to hang my head in shame because it perceived as being the domain of uneducated, drunken, sexpats. A decent association is start toward removing such stigma.

But the CC's of the world have do serve in at least motivating me to try to get it past step 1.

Yes, I am also far from convinced anything is likely to eventuate from these musings, so I can't promise anything beyond step 1...except that I'll match the enthusiasm and endeavour of anyone else willing to do the same.

You always pick on me you bas****.

There will be many benefits from such a society/association being formed.

Apart from any educational reform, improvement, or in fact think-tank entity that grows from the setting up of the assoc, think of the social club!!!

Golf days, football teams, little leagues, barbys, movie nights, fancy dinners, it'll be like the 'raj' all over again.

Instead of crowding around 'Cheap Charlies, the expat community could find a home in the arms of Torbek's TEFL Club.

torbek · 21st November 2006, 15:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cyrille

Let's drop this 'proper teachers' shit, please

-----
Drives me 'kin nuts, and is H-U-G-E part of the problem. It's really disappointing that you should use that term in your position, ken.

Sorry? Don't follow.

I'm actually avoiding defining the term myself for the purposes of an association.

If you hold a Thai TL under the new regime, you are a proper teacher.

If you don't, you are not.

Easy.

Cyrille · 21st November 2006, 15:48

I had to leave Thailand to get a decent wage because of that sort of shit.

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Surely by 'proper teacher' ken means teachers with PGCEs???

torbek · 21st November 2006, 15:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by reg the wedge

Instead of crowding around 'Cheap Charlies, the expat community could find a home in the arms of Torbek's TEFL Club.

Well, when the whole thing proves a complete waste of friggin' time and effort at least we have can have a drink! At least the new stationery could serve as beer coasters...

Actually, I suppose an association needs a social director. Pencil you in, Reg?

kenkannif · 21st November 2006, 15:57

Got a semi-mate at the BC....will see if he'd like to get involved (not sure he will thouhg).

So just EFL...not subject specific???

Cyrille · 21st November 2006, 16:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by torbek

If you hold a Thai TL under the new regime, you are a proper teacher.

If you don't, you are not.

Easy.

RIGHT!