I've been following this short thread with interest as it is a subject close
to my heart. As an ESOL tutor with 18 years' experience I now numerous
qualifications, including the RSA Dip. in TESLFACE, Post-Grad. Dip. in
P.C.E.T. and the C&G Level 4 Subject Specialism. I have had both fixed term
and permanent contracts.
Firstly, it is my experience that many ESOL tutors are more qualified than
their managers. Perhaps this causes some resentment?
Secondly, I think the argument about ESOL tutors leaving the profession is a
complex one. Yes, it is partly to do with people not wanting to make that
level of commitment whist on fractional, or fixed-term contracts, and who
can blame them? However, I think it is much more to do with being required
to jump through more and more hoops whist actually teaching so that the job
becomes actually unmanageable. Part-time tutors, in order to make a
reasonable living, have to take on multiple classes. To meet requirements
alone uses up most tutors' time and energy, leaving very little spare to
take up extra training. Teachers want to teach and develop their expertise,
not spend all their time completing paperwork. It is my opinion that the
latter is one of the main things that demotivates teachers and not their
lack of enthusiasm for teaching or training.
I think any resentment towards management comes not from resentment at being
required to gain extra qualiications but at the often extremely poor quality
of in-house CPD training. In one of the organisations I worked for, the
latter was often ill-conceived, unplanned, poorly prepared and poorly
delivered. It was often euphemistically described as being an opportunity to
'share good practice' when in fact this often only meant going over the same
old stuff, often delivered by put-upon colleagues, rather than using it as
an opportunity to spend some money on quality training that taught something
new.
For my own part, my energy and enthusiasm hasn't quite run out! It helps to
work in an organisation with supportive managers who genuinely want their
tutors to learn and develop simply for their own sake, as well as doing it
because it is a requirement to get through an Inspection.
In the past year, having just complete my Level 4, I have also had the
opportuntiy to do excellent, free training with the SfL Improvement
Programme, NATECLA and UCU as well as quality in-house training. I've also
found time to train as an examiner. I'm lucky to longer have small children
in my care, taking up time and sapping vast reserves of energy, but those
who still do (and there are many) need help, support and encouragement to
hang on in there and stay with what I believe is still an extrememly
rewarding profession.
Finally, haven't we lost sight of the ball here? Shouldn't we actually be
coming at this from the point of view of the learners we are there to teach?
Surely they should be at the centre of all our thoughts when it comes to
planning, delivering and doing CPD?
Thanks,
Judith Boardman
----- Original Message -----
From: "Matt Davis" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Sunday, February 03, 2008 11:22 AM
Subject: Re: Standardising qualifications
> Did you? We did here, but what was more noticeable was the absolute lack
> of energy/enthusiasm for any other CPD, even once their compulsory
> qualifications were complete.
>
>>>> "Hann, Naeema" <[log in to unmask]> 02/01/08 4:11 PM >>>
> Good point for debate about teacher qualifications rather than exams for
> ESOL learners. I was sad to lose experienced and creative, effective
> teachers.
>
>
>
> Naeema
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: ESOL-Research discussion forum and message board
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Sunderland, Helen
> Charlotte
> Sent: 01 February 2008 15:36
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Standardising qualifications
>
>
>
> I hear this a lot and am really interested in what exactly you do in
> order to get learners through exams that you wouldn't do otherwise. Is
> it just exam preparation, or is it also language that you wouldn't
> teach? And, if so, what language exactly?
>
>
>
> Just trying to get a picture.
>
>
>
> Helen
>
>
>
> Helen Sunderland
> Head of ESOL
> Assistant Director, LLU+
> London South Bank University
> 103 Borough Road
> London SE1 0AA
>
> tel. +44 (0)207 815 6285
> fax. +44 (0)207 815 6296
>
> LLU+ (formerly London Language and Literacy Unit)
> Why not visit our website at ww.lsbu.ac.uk/lluplus
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ________________________________
>
>
> From: ESOL-Research discussion forum and message board
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Matt Davis
> Sent: 01 February 2008 14:05
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Standardising qualifications
>
> Friday afternoon point for debate: On the whole, the drive to
> standardise qualifications in the sector - obligating often
> highly-qualified practitioners to assign precious time to a course which
> they feel has little worth - has had a substantial negative impact.
> Anecdotal evidence includes: experienced teachers leaving the profession
> as they feel they commitment is not worth making on a fractional
> contract; resentment towards 'management' imposing the requirement and a
> resulting downturn in good vibes; lack of time and inclination to do
> other, more relevant (?), CPD options; and probably more...
>
>
>
> Any thoughts?
>
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