Do you teach English?

Valini · Aug 1st, 2007, 01:01

Calling all ESL teachers!

Are there any IMers who teach English in India?

If so, are you a volunteer? or do you train call centre staff or other companies?
I'm eager to know how many Indian mikers are involved in teaching and to what extent. Perhaps some have got their TESOL or CELTA cert or are just on a year out.
Also, what grammatical problems do you find the most challenging to correct? Any favourite lesson plans to share or to be avoided?

Victoria

machadinha · Aug 1st, 2007, 01:24

I'm sure there are quite a number, did you do a search? The site's own search engine won't accept a three-letter word like ESL, however you can use the Google search box on the front page for it, which does.

Look for Rob_The_Pom's posts, he's rarely around anymore but you could look up his history. Works in the field (elsewhere) I think and/or was studying it while he hung out here. Quite passionate about it I think, although I'm not sure how much of that he let spill over onto the site.

Valini · Aug 1st, 2007, 01:43

Machadindha

thanks for your advice! I must admit I hadn't realised that i could search the site using google so you've helped me open up a whole new tool!!!
I'm active on what is probably the best ESL website but their India section is practically dying a slow death.

Thanks for the heads up!
Again, any teachers out there who want to share their Indian ESL experiences, please post here!

Victoria

machadinha · Aug 1st, 2007, 05:15

Yr welcome. btw A geeky addendum: Going to Google's homepage you can click their "advanced search" option which offers the exact same function of searching just 1 site, besides a number of other options.

Handy. Cheers & I hope the other ESL'ers and TEFL'ers and whatnot bring it on

sudheer poppa · Aug 1st, 2007, 12:14

I am afraid the paid ESL market is on a steady nose dive in India. A few years back there used to be a market in accent training in call centers as well as training nurses and so on. However these days its much cheaper to hire local trainers who are quite plenty in availability in most cities and towns with a outsourcing industry growth plan.

However the volunteer market still exists for you to teach in rural communities and so on. Though I do not have the details of the same.

Valini · Aug 6th, 2007, 17:17

thanks Sudheer,

i'm not looking for work myself, just eager to meet and exchange info with any ESL teachers out there but due to the lack of movement on this thread i'd say they are few and far between!

Milamber · Aug 9th, 2007, 16:45

I'm in Thailand presently but am heading to India on the 20th of August. I'm completing my TEFL certificate in Kolkata and hopefully doing a teaching internship in the South after it.

I'll happily share some experiences when I actually have some!

For the next 7 days I'll be bunkered in studying some grammar books and practicing yoga.

Jon

Valini · Aug 9th, 2007, 23:20

Hi Jon,
Sounds like you're having fun in Thailand! Are you doing your TEFL cert with TEFL International by any chance? I know they do one in Calcutta and are also based in Thailand.

Have you got a placement set up in the south for afterwards or are you hoping to make contacts once here?
How long do you inted to stay in India? Will you tefl around for a while or do you have a 'plan' ??
Sorry for all of the Q's, i'm perhaps over eager to hear about EFLers and their Indian experiences.
If you have any efl questions before your cert don't hesitate to contact me!!
Have fun and good luck

Victoria

julz · Sep 24th, 2007, 10:01

Hi,
I am an ESL teacher but not currently teaching in India.
I currently teach young refugees and migrants in Australia. I have taught in India but that was a long time ago (about 12 yrs ago)... in Guntur in Andra Pradesh.
OMG that means I've been teaching for about 15 years.... it's scary how quickly time flies!

and I am definitely interested in teaching in India again sometime...

I have quite a few Indian students at the moment, here in Australia.. and they have particular issues with English....... eg. pronouncing p and b sounds
and as you are probably aware......the use of the continuous tense (instead of simple tense) is the most common and stubborn grammatical issue...
it's interesting however to note that it is just another way of using English (now termed Indlish). "I am just loving this way of speaking"

Valini · Oct 4th, 2007, 23:24

HI Julz,

i've not been online for a while so i've only just seen your post.
Sounds like you're having a good time teaching down under! You mention the p and b problems and the present progressive usage, but have you noticed problems with 's' and 'sh' and more importantly present perfect and past perfect???
Also, how do you think living in Australia effects your students progression? If you plan on teaching in India again in the near future, send me a pm!
Victoria

Sierra · Oct 6th, 2007, 13:04

You could also try International Schools in India.

cooksisters · Nov 2nd, 2007, 01:01

GOT THIS OF LP THORN TREE -- TRY YOUR LUCK

There is a school overlooking a lake in the Himalayan state of Uttaranchal which takes in volunteer teachers -- I think they have a minimum expectation of the time requirement. They offer free accomodation and food. My friend had volunteered for them and taught english, theatre and music to the children there for 3 months before heading for some hiking in the higher Himalayas. The contact there is Mr Panth -- 00919412090382.
check them oput and see if they are still taking people.

jen12 · Dec 6th, 2007, 04:11

Hey Victoria - I'm going to be teaching english february-may in Dharamsala through VolunteerTibet. From the contact I've had with them so far it seems like a really great program and they are always looking for english teachers. I don't have any teaching background though- which website were you talking about earlier (where the india network is dying)? I'm trying to prepare by talking with some ESL teachers at my old school, which is helpful in some regards but not as much as I would like. How have you been preparing yourself so far?

Valini · Dec 6th, 2007, 23:14

Dear Jen,

it sounds like you've foind a really good thing there!! it's a wonderful area to be, especially if you'll have a project to work on. My first teaching experience and indian experience was in Himachal pradesh too, but just over ten years ago now. I'm sure its moved on since then !!!

As for teaching, you should go to www.eslcafe.com
If the link doesn't work, google Dave's cafe.
All teaching question basics are here. And if there is something in particulaire that you'd like to know, you'll be sure to get many replies!!! there's a special board for newbies.

Most people doing this kind of wrok have completed a TEFL or TESOL or CELTA course which gives you some good guidance and useful tips on teaching. I'm sure ou'll be fine if you reseach well and if you have a 'classroom' presence. Arm yourself with lots of realia or the essential tools that maybe you won't find in HP. remember that you probably won't have any ways tp photocopy, perhaps not even a blackboard, so you have to be much more inventive.
If you build a good list of activities which use little materials, you'll find it easier. Of course, it all depends how much you are ready to dispense personally too. If your project won't supply coloured paper or whatever and you areready to pay for it...then the sky is the limit!

I'm not working on a traditional teaching post, but managing a team of non native esl teachers. Although I have lots of experience in the direct teaching field if you have any dorect questions please feel free to pm me!

COngratulations on your job in any case!

jivendost · Yesterday, 02:24

I'm not sure the market is "dying" for ESL. Surely, the call center market was there for a while. But there are plenty of schools that need English teachers. The problem, of course, is that many of these schools don't have the facility to advertise or get the word out on the Internet...

Aug 1st, 2007, 01:01	#1
Valini Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Bdx,FR--Kanpur Posts: 347	Do you teach English? Calling all ESL teachers! Are there any IMers who teach English in India? If so, are you a volunteer? or do you train call centre staff or other companies? I'm eager to know how many Indian mikers are involved in teaching and to what extent. Perhaps some have got their TESOL or CELTA cert or are just on a year out. Also, what grammatical problems do you find the most challenging to correct? Any favourite lesson plans to share or to be avoided? Victoria

Aug 1st, 2007, 01:24	#2
machadinha Not Your Guru Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: yörp Posts: 10,560	I'm sure there are quite a number, did you do a search? The site's own search engine won't accept a three-letter word like ESL, however you can use the Google search box on the front page for it, which does. Look for Rob_The_Pom's posts, he's rarely around anymore but you could look up his history. Works in the field (elsewhere) I think and/or was studying it while he hung out here. Quite passionate about it I think, although I'm not sure how much of that he let spill over onto the site. __________________ Reading tips, all picked up at IndiaMike : INDAX's A Comprehensive Guide To India / Dinoj Surendran's Desi Humor / ITHVC on Culture Shock & Travel Health / JetLag Travel Guides For the Undiscerning Traveller / India Travel Links

Aug 1st, 2007, 12:14	#5
sudheer poppa Senior brick in the wall Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Pole Posts: 1,475	I am afraid the paid ESL market is on a steady nose dive in India. A few years back there used to be a market in accent training in call centers as well as training nurses and so on. However these days its much cheaper to hire local trainers who are quite plenty in availability in most cities and towns with a outsourcing industry growth plan. However the volunteer market still exists for you to teach in rural communities and so on. Though I do not have the details of the same. __________________ We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools - MLK Pic Page 1 Pic Page 2 When my life changed over a week

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Aug 1st, 2007, 01:43	#3
Valini Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Bdx,FR--Kanpur Posts: 347	Machadindha thanks for your advice! I must admit I hadn't realised that i could search the site using google so you've helped me open up a whole new tool!!! I'm active on what is probably the best ESL website but their India section is practically dying a slow death. Thanks for the heads up! Again, any teachers out there who want to share their Indian ESL experiences, please post here! Victoria

Aug 1st, 2007, 05:15	#4
machadinha Not Your Guru Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: yörp Posts: 10,560	Yr welcome. btw A geeky addendum: Going to Google's homepage you can click their "advanced search" option which offers the exact same function of searching just 1 site, besides a number of other options. Handy. Cheers & I hope the other ESL'ers and TEFL'ers and whatnot bring it on

Aug 6th, 2007, 17:17	#6
Valini Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Bdx,FR--Kanpur Posts: 347	thanks Sudheer, i'm not looking for work myself, just eager to meet and exchange info with any ESL teachers out there but due to the lack of movement on this thread i'd say they are few and far between!

Aug 9th, 2007, 16:45	#7
Milamber Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Australia, Qld Posts: 53	I'm in Thailand presently but am heading to India on the 20th of August. I'm completing my TEFL certificate in Kolkata and hopefully doing a teaching internship in the South after it. I'll happily share some experiences when I actually have some! For the next 7 days I'll be bunkered in studying some grammar books and practicing yoga. Jon

Aug 9th, 2007, 23:20	#8
Valini Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Bdx,FR--Kanpur Posts: 347	Hi Jon, Sounds like you're having fun in Thailand! Are you doing your TEFL cert with TEFL International by any chance? I know they do one in Calcutta and are also based in Thailand. Have you got a placement set up in the south for afterwards or are you hoping to make contacts once here? How long do you inted to stay in India? Will you tefl around for a while or do you have a 'plan' ?? Sorry for all of the Q's, i'm perhaps over eager to hear about EFLers and their Indian experiences. If you have any efl questions before your cert don't hesitate to contact me!! Have fun and good luck Victoria

Sep 24th, 2007, 10:01	#9
julz Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: melbourne Posts: 99	Hi, I am an ESL teacher but not currently teaching in India. I currently teach young refugees and migrants in Australia. I have taught in India but that was a long time ago (about 12 yrs ago)... in Guntur in Andra Pradesh. OMG that means I've been teaching for about 15 years.... it's scary how quickly time flies! and I am definitely interested in teaching in India again sometime... I have quite a few Indian students at the moment, here in Australia.. and they have particular issues with English....... eg. pronouncing p and b sounds and as you are probably aware......the use of the continuous tense (instead of simple tense) is the most common and stubborn grammatical issue... it's interesting however to note that it is just another way of using English (now termed Indlish). "I am just loving this way of speaking"

Oct 4th, 2007, 23:24	#10
Valini Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Bdx,FR--Kanpur Posts: 347	HI Julz, i've not been online for a while so i've only just seen your post. Sounds like you're having a good time teaching down under! You mention the p and b problems and the present progressive usage, but have you noticed problems with 's' and 'sh' and more importantly present perfect and past perfect??? Also, how do you think living in Australia effects your students progression? If you plan on teaching in India again in the near future, send me a pm! Victoria

Oct 6th, 2007, 13:04	#11
Sierra Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: South India Posts: 22	You could also try International Schools in India.

Nov 2nd, 2007, 01:01	#12
cooksisters Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: LONDON Posts: 85	GOT THIS OF LP THORN TREE -- TRY YOUR LUCK There is a school overlooking a lake in the Himalayan state of Uttaranchal which takes in volunteer teachers -- I think they have a minimum expectation of the time requirement. They offer free accomodation and food. My friend had volunteered for them and taught english, theatre and music to the children there for 3 months before heading for some hiking in the higher Himalayas. The contact there is Mr Panth -- 00919412090382. check them oput and see if they are still taking people.

Dec 6th, 2007, 04:11	#13
jen12 Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Minnesota USA Posts: 17	Hey Victoria - I'm going to be teaching english february-may in Dharamsala through VolunteerTibet. From the contact I've had with them so far it seems like a really great program and they are always looking for english teachers. I don't have any teaching background though- which website were you talking about earlier (where the india network is dying)? I'm trying to prepare by talking with some ESL teachers at my old school, which is helpful in some regards but not as much as I would like. How have you been preparing yourself so far?

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Dec 6th, 2007, 23:14	#14
Valini Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Bdx,FR--Kanpur Posts: 347	Dear Jen, it sounds like you've foind a really good thing there!! it's a wonderful area to be, especially if you'll have a project to work on. My first teaching experience and indian experience was in Himachal pradesh too, but just over ten years ago now. I'm sure its moved on since then !!! As for teaching, you should go to www.eslcafe.com If the link doesn't work, google Dave's cafe. All teaching question basics are here. And if there is something in particulaire that you'd like to know, you'll be sure to get many replies!!! there's a special board for newbies. Most people doing this kind of wrok have completed a TEFL or TESOL or CELTA course which gives you some good guidance and useful tips on teaching. I'm sure ou'll be fine if you reseach well and if you have a 'classroom' presence. Arm yourself with lots of realia or the essential tools that maybe you won't find in HP. remember that you probably won't have any ways tp photocopy, perhaps not even a blackboard, so you have to be much more inventive. If you build a good list of activities which use little materials, you'll find it easier. Of course, it all depends how much you are ready to dispense personally too. If your project won't supply coloured paper or whatever and you areready to pay for it...then the sky is the limit! I'm not working on a traditional teaching post, but managing a team of non native esl teachers. Although I have lots of experience in the direct teaching field if you have any dorect questions please feel free to pm me! COngratulations on your job in any case!

Yesterday, 02:24	#15
jivendost Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: NJ Posts: 3	I'm not sure the market is "dying" for ESL. Surely, the call center market was there for a while. But there are plenty of schools that need English teachers. The problem, of course, is that many of these schools don't have the facility to advertise or get the word out on the Internet...