Hi, Dear teachers.

 I need your help urgently.

 An ex-student of mine is opening a small school to give some courses especially to teens and young adults who can�t have access to known courses. She called me a month ago and asked if I could help her to make a material, such as books, flashcards, tests and create an evaluation criteria. In fact, she wants me by myself to design the entire course.

To be very honest, it really scared me, first because I�m a new teacher (only 2 years) and I think I don�t have the know-how to do it. I think you must have lot of knowledge to how what works and what won�t and how to put everything in an organized and meaningful way.

And second because I think she has no idea how it is complicated and how long it would take or how much money it would cost. If you know what I mean.

 So I suggest her, she could buy some books available in the market. Collections that are already divide by level of knowledge to start the courses like Macmillan ones. And from there we could create extra material such as test, projects, evaluations criteria, incorporate videos and son on. And, of course, make the course structure.

 My questions are:

1 - Why do you think about her offer? Should I accept because it�s a great opportunity or should I follow my instincts?

2 � Do you think my suggestion on the books was good or bad? Why? Do you think it can work?

3 � What books can you recommend? How much are they? How can I get them?

4- Have you ever design an entire course? If yes, how does it work? Do you think it is possible to do? If so, how many people would be necessary? How long would it take?

 I know I�m not asking for a simple test, but please HELP ME.  I�m completely lost.

 Thanks.

1 - Why do you think about her offer? Should I accept because it�s a great opportunity or should I follow my instincts?

Why is she even opening a small school if she is not planning the courses herself? This is very strange. I am worried that she is setting herself up for a big fall. Usually people who open schools have teaching experience!!!! Maybe she should be doing some private tutoring first to get the feel of how much preparation is needed.

I think that you should not accept her offer. It is hard working from someone else�s plan and it is hard planning for students and levels you have never met. You can always be around for advice...

2 � Do you think my suggestion on the books was good or bad? Why? Do you think it can work?

Using set texts are great as they follow a set structure. An inexperienced teacher will benefit from this greatly. As someone becomes more confident they can use the materials as a framework adding extra work and activities. It also saves a gazillion hours in planning time.

3 � What books can you recommend? How much are they? How can I get them?

It all depends on levels, sizes of groups etc. The best bet is for her to look at some publishing websites and look at the courses available. Most have all levels from starter to advanced. I wouldn �t go and buy a whole lot of books without definitely having a very good idea of levels and needs.

4- Have you ever design an entire course? If yes, how does it work? Do you think it is possible to do? If so, how many people would be necessary? How long would it take?

I have designed courses and it takes HOURS. I have designed courses from scratch without coursebooks and the planning took longer than the actual sessions. I have also designed courses based on text books for FCE and CAE courses as well as general English courses. When I plan, I plan to my strengths and add in things that I know will work... which is why planning for someone else can be a risky business. They might not understand or deliver what you had in mind.

I honestly think that she should try the private tuition route and gain some experience that way and build up her materials instead of jumping into something without the relevant experience.

Good luck!