Nerves

[ibelieveinmrreeves]

Didn't get it. My answers lack depth, apparently - nothing to do with me personally (my warmth and personality went down well apparently). So I'm pretty gutted, as it's back to square one and not knowing what the fuck is going on with my current job.

[jayohaitchenn]

Who cares about that? How did you handle your nerves?

[stfctownenda]

Didn't get it. My answers lack depth, apparently - nothing to do with me personally (my warmth and personality went down well apparently). So I'm pretty gutted, as it's back to square one and not knowing what the fuck is going on with my current job.

Could be worth posting an example question on here and how you answered, then others could suggest how you could have answered and it may assist you for future interviews.

[ibelieveinmrreeves]

Who cares about that? How did you handle your nerves?

Using the TEF as my guide, I bigged myself up in my mind, told myself not to worry because it's not the end of the world, and that was more or less it. I didn't feel anywhere near as intimidated as last time though.

townenda - the questions were mostly situational ones, for example, 'how would you deal with a disruptive child in the class?' or 'what are your thoughts on positive re-inforcement?'. If anyone has any thoughts on those you're welcome to post them, but I get the feeling that this is where my lack of experience hinders me - having never been in a position where I'm in total control of a class. I was up against at least one qualified teacher, possibly two, so I'd guess they got it.

[Reg Smeeton]

townenda - the questions were mostly situational ones, for example, 'how would you deal with a disruptive child in the class?'

Did you say give the little bugger a slap ?

[nevillew]

Knock him out with a 2kg weight ?

[THE FLASH]

drop the swede into the mush!

[pumbaa]

for example, 'how would you deal with a disruptive child in the class?' or 'what are your thoughts on positive re-inforcement?'.

And your answers were?

[ibelieveinmrreeves]

Give the little bugger a slap.

Er, I said it depended on the type of disruption - if for example, he or she is preventing others from doing their work because they themselves claim that they cannot do it, then it might be a case of trying to sit the pupil next to someone a bit more clued up. If they're just being a dick and won't work at all, maybe isolate the child, move their desk or something.

The positive re-enforcement thing threw me, as all this time I've been focusing on dealing with naughty kids, not really thinking about rewarding the good ones. And I said as much, in the vain hope that honesty would reflect well on me. Guess not.

[Kinky Tom]

at least you know to consider that and will have smeting to say if it comes up next time.

what sort of age group is this and are you focusing on a specific range or open to where opportunities are?  sorry if this has been covered, i can't remember...

[ibelieveinmrreeves]

It's secondary. The job is called a cover supervisor - you basically spend your day covering the teachers lessons when they're off sick and stuff. Teacher sets the work, you deliver it and try and keep the class in order and on task.

I've been applying for stuff in Swindon and Bristol (and South Gloucester), primarily because thats where the opportunities are locally.

[pumbaa]

Give the little bugger a slap.

Er, I said it depended on the type of disruption - if for example, he or she is preventing others from doing their work because they themselves claim that they cannot do it, then it might be a case of trying to sit the pupil next to someone a bit more clued up. If they're just being a dick and won't work at all, maybe isolate the child, move their desk or something.

The positive re-enforcement thing threw me, as all this time I've been focusing on dealing with naughty kids, not really thinking about rewarding the good ones. And I said as much, in the vain hope that honesty would reflect well on me. Guess not.

To me, the first answer sounds more than reasonable. If anything, where it lacks (to me) is the use of just the hypothetical element. Are you able to back it up with a practical example from any work experience?

I can understand if the second question caught you out, but as KT said above, its something you can think about how can answer when the question next comes up.

[chalkies_shorts]

You might have just been a bit unluucky. I always ask a couple of "dodgy" questions just to see how people answer them.  It sorts out the bullshitters from those who are genuine. The bad news is that it appears they may well have been after experience and you were a sidebet should that experience not been evident.
On the positive side, you had an interview and learnt from it. I would be fairly upbeat if I were you. There are always ceratin stock questions and answers you would expect as an interviewer. As there are several people on here with experience then try and tap into it. A few PMs would do you no harm - the worst you;'ll get is a "fuck off " which is standard fare for the TEF.
You're on the right track, in my opinion.