I often wonder, and have a problem with, how we should define the term "expert" and what, exactly, entitles anybody to claim they're an expert. I could easily claim I'm an expert in drinking a lot of beer and then finding my way home, but does this actually make me an expert. I doubt it because then many of us would be experts in this, which would make us all normal, rather than being an expert, make sense?
I came to China a few years ago, invited by a friend who taught in Jinan, Shandong. His employer needed another teacher and I was asked to be that teacher. I said, ok, why not....not much else to do except go fishing in Aussie anyway. I arrived, and was a totally unqualified teacher with neither experience or TESOL etc. What I found was that I liked the job, it was something I could do and it made the lives of the students fun. I refined the craft as time went by and although I'm by no means an expert, I am good at my job! Part of being good at something is enjoying it and I love doing what I do. As time went by, my experience grew as did my knowledge of what was required as well as the students needs and individuality. Now, after 3 years experience, I'd not consider myself to be an expert now even with this experience I've gained.
Having a degree in any discipline doesn't automatically bestow expert status either, nor does a Masters. My degree is far removed from the teaching field but as gfell said, time and effort expended do come into the equation and it does give one knowledge. I guess that even though I have no formal teaching qualification, I'm far better equipped, right now, to teach than a person with a MA because I'm here and doing it and have been doing so for 3 years. No, this doesn't make me better than you, it doesn't make me an expert either, but it does give me more knowledge in teaching ESL abroad, specific to this country. I'd not, for one minute think, that my experience here would qualify me to teach in another country because each country has it's own culture and the students are different.....or at least, I'd think so!
I'm just a teacher, an ESL teacher. I'm damn good at what I do, I get paid well which reflects the time and effort I've expended, to date, to achieve this level but there's always going to be room for improvement. Having a MA or whatever Masters qualification doesn't make one an expert, experience and the knowledge that we can never know everything is a good beginning though!
Hope this makes sense, I've typed it between classes. Nuff said, peace y'all!
