Secret Indian Telemarketing Weapon
I love surfing Youtube and searching for really funny videos. The other day someone was talking about telemarketing and outsourcing. They were complaining about the loss of American jobs and how it was particularly heart wrenching for them. I found this video a few months ago and Manoj is all I could think about.
This video is so hilarious….it took me a few minutes to realize that it’s fake, that’s just a testament to how well the video was made. Take a look at it yourself.
Paying To Volunteer
Am I alone in finding the idea of paying to volunteer to be just plain wrong? There are many organizations out there that call themselves non-profits and they match a volunteer with a volunteer opportunity. Sounds good, right? Well, they charge for that service and that just seems wrong.
It seems like many of these companies are solely interested in making money off of gullible volunteers. If there is any doubt of this, take a look at how many volunteer organizations exist to put teachers into classrooms in China. The volunteer organization makes money from the school they are sending the volunteer to as well as money from the volunteer themselves. The volunteer accepts a much lower stipend which lowers wages for other teachers.
Just something to think about….
TEFL Issues That Never Go Away
I am amazed by the number of issues facing teachers and students in TEFL that never seem to go away, no matter what kind of action is taken to the contrary. It seems like the same things keep rearing their ugly heads year and year. The only thing that changes is that those who benefit from these problems keep getting richer.
Too many course providers are making too much money selling people an adventure or a career, but never quite giving the training to fulfill either of those desires. It seems as if a course is just a way to make money. Sure there is adventure in TEFL and there can be a career in TEFL, but a 4 week course can’t prepare you for either, much less both.
If you want to avoid many of the issues facing teachers, then maybe you should think of your training as graving, and make sure you make the make the mashed potatoes yoursself.
Want Info on Teaching in Asia?
For awhile now, I have been tossing around an idea of reviewing TEFL, TESOL, and ESL websites. I think that is out of my league, but I think it is time we start recognizing websites that are doing their bit for teachers around the world. They are trying to improve the lot of teachers, they are trying to improve the teaching profession, and they are trying to help their fellow teachers.
The first TEFL teaching website I would like to single out is TeachAsiaOnline.com, a great teaching resource site for teachers by teachers in Asia. It is an ever growing treasure trove of information on teaching in Asia and has a discussion forum to boot. Go over and visit and tell me what you think.
TEFLWatch Resources for Teachers
In our forums, one of our moderators has embarked on an ambitious plan to create a huge resource area for teachers. It is quite significant at this stage and it is growing every day. Where else can you get a free lesson plan for an EFL math or science class? (If you know where else, add a comment or a link! The more resources the better!)
If you would like to add your lesson plans, ideas and activities, please do. This is a free resource and can turn into something that we as teachers can use on a daily basis. Check out our resource room for teachers.