Troy's Blog - 28th February 2010

So they want you to do a demonstration class?

How to be prepared for an interview

Completing your TESOL certificate is an excellent first step to getting yourself a teaching position just about anywhere in the world. The demand for qualified, dedicated teachers keeps growing and there are schools that are looking for someone like you! But how do the schools know that you will be a good teacher? Well, one way is for them to ask you to teach a 'demonstration lesson' so that they can see you in action. That sounds fair, but it can be daunting teaching a group of strange students while you are being watched by a potential employer!

While a demonstration lesson is by no means the rule when it comes to securing a teaching position, it is certainly common enough for you to be ready for the possibility, and there are even cases where offering a demonstration class to a reluctant employer may make the difference in being chosen for the job you have set your sights on. The question then is how to best prepare yourself.

Most schools who ask for a demonstration lesson are organised enough that they can give you a time and place, and usually the material to be covered during the lesson. In this case it is really as straight forward as planning any other lesson, with the key exception that you don't know the students. This is where your TESOL training should kick in and save you. During the Chichester TESOL certificate course in Bangkok, you will learn about and revisit many aspects that affect classroom interaction and what makes for a successful or unsuccessful lesson. Ask your prospective interviewer questions about seating, students' abilities, ages,and motivation, for example. Not only will these be invaluable to you when you are planning your lesson but they should also let the interviewer know that you are a dedicated and serious professional who takes your role as an EFL teacher seriously.

When it comes to planning, remember to focus on those issues that we discussed during the course. Focus on building a rapport with the class, getting them relaxed and interacting in English and simply enjoying the lesson. The simple fact that you are willing and able to teach an English class on demand should be proof in itself that you are a willing and able teacher.

One last note would be to always have a lesson up your sleeve. Every teacher swiftly finds activities and topics that they like and that work in the classroom. Take note of them for these are your perfect demonstration lessons!

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