ECC INTERVIEW: teaching demo

[milesdenman]

Hi, i have an ECC interview coming up soon and would like to hear people's experiences of the teaching demonstration.

I have searched the forum and they generaly appear to be in the form of teaching vocab to absolute beginners, lasting for about five mins.

I'd be really greatful for as much info on this subject as possible as it is the part of the interview i'm dreading the most. Also any other tips and stuff for the interview would be really appreciated, this is my first interview for my first TEFL job so the more i know the better.

Mucho gracias.

[gogo]

Have had a few teaching demos in my time here in Japan.

Some have been in a large classrooms and others in a small interview room with no whiteboard. I would contact ECC and ask them about the teaching demo. All teachers needs to know in advance what to expect before teaching a class. Some questions you should ask are:

1. What type of room is the teaching demo in?
2. Student age group to target?
3. Audience (HR manager, office staff etc.)
4. Props available if any?

I wouldn't be too pushy with these questions. Just casually drop them an email and ask if they can give you some indication of the type of lesson required for the demo. Tell them you want to know this just so you can prepare a little beforehand.

Alternatively, ECC may just tell you on the day to prepare a teaching demo and give you about 10 minutes to prepare. This would be the more likely scenario.

In your interview, concentrate on speaking refined, clearly and slowly. Don't use slang or try to crack jokes. Just go with the flow of the mood. Basically all they want to do is see what type of character you are.

Although it will be hot in Japan, be sure to wear a suit. No need for a jacket though. Just a shirt and tie will be fine.

Anticipate difficult questions such as:

1. How would you handle a situation where a student cries in class?
2. What are your weeknesses?
3. What are you strengths?
4. Why do you want to work for our company?
5. Why did you choose Japan?

Drop a few hints along the interview process that you have had past experience teaching or instructing people. Eg: at your old job training new staff, babysitting when in highschool etc.