The Free Talk Staffroom

Some folk see a stigma to teaching English as a foreign language, maybe because it can be an entry level job with little to no requirement to speak Japanese — think world traveller just needing some cash, or JET teacher just looking to prolong the adventure. But so what? I’d argue there are (at least) seven kinds of folk who turn to teaching English as a foreign language, and each has every opport...

Which of these methods do you think will generate the most new students: The internet? Walking the streets? Starting a playgroup? Talking to neighbours? Advertising in the newspaper? Putting up posters? Or having a swanky logo? I outline the top five methods that worked for me and that will work for you in this week’s Staffroom podcast (given in REVERSE order of what works, so you have to listen a...

Patrick Sherriff gives five reasons why it’s a good idea to plan your lessons. Points made are: * Helps you keep the focus of your lesson on the important stuff * Gives you something to fall back on in an emergency * Means you know what the kids have learnt over time so you don’t repeat yourself * It’s not cheating to use other folks’ plans because you are free to do what you do * Adds to professi...