English Toolbox Tips

Last time, we asked what you consider to have been your worst mistake as an English teacher. We received lots of regrettable posting choices (mostly relating to being assigned to teach small children) but our favorite entry came from Marilyn D. in Fresno, California. Marilyn taught children in South Korea many years ago, and often had siblings in different classes. One day, she noticed that the younger sister of another student was using her older brother's workbook, which already had the answers marked in it. When she confronted the little girl, she began to cry: the family was poor, and could only afford one book. Marilyn's school donated another, blank workbook, but she was mortified. Understandably so, Marilyn: hopefully, the five English Toolbox credits you've won will take some of the sting out of that memory!

For our next contest, we'd like to know if you feel your TEFL training (whatever that was) was adequate and, if not, what improvements you would suggest. Were you taught enough about grammar and methodology? What about cultural differences and information about job hunting, living abroad, etc.? It's a broad topic, so we look forward to your diverse comments. The most compelling complaint will win the sender five free English Toolbox credits, even if s/he does not currently subscribe. Send your contributions to info@englishtoolbox.com by 15 May.

Labels: EFL, teaching English, TEFL