Job Discussion Forums

[optimistic]

I was wondering what could be the differences between Emirati students and Omani students. Who are better in terms of motivation, achievement, interest, discipline and so on? Is there anyone on this forum, familiar with both countries, who could comment on that? thanks!

[The Fifth Column]

VS would be a good source for this, altho I have a sneaky suspicion that she prefers Kuwaiti administration overall!

[optimistic]

Thank you. I would like to hear from vs.

[rollerblader]

Let's be clear on this; all college students in both countries would cheat without question, however the Emiratis have enough safeguards built into the university systems to keep cheating down to an acceptable minimum. The Omanis on the other hand have a much more corrupted educational system which is in itself a poor example of integrity. The Omanis cheat far more than their wealthier cousins in the Emirates. The Omanis expect their teachers to "help" them with their term papers, projects and even the final grade outcome, and are visibly upset when they find out otherwise. I had a female student once in Sohar ask me what her final grade was going to be even before the first quiz was given out to the class!

[peripatetic_soul]

I think VS will concur that basically, both countries require highly paid servants who babysit (for the females). I concede there are a few who are sterling, motivated students who aspire to actually pursue graduate school (without wasta) and become professionals. Those are the memorable students, but sadly, and not surprisingly, so far and few between, at least in the context where I taught.

A common cheating scenario in UAE: "Miss, My grade not good. No like. Please change. Please make 60%." My reply: I am happy to meet with you to give you another opportunity to rewrite your paper." (although it was a total google translation and adamantly denied.)
Her reply: "Oh, miss, puleeze, need passing mark."
My reply: "I'm happy to meet with you to improve your writing but I cannot simply assign you a higher mark. I want you to succeed too and am happy to help you."
Her reply: "Oh miss, I sad. (and then proceeded to complain to the Emirati Director where I was summoned to explain the "inequity" of the situation.) End result: The student failed the course but returned the next semester along with all the other failures (even though 60% was the acceptable passing mark.) Central office "manipulates" grades to make it "all fit" with the high achievements of the institution. It is what it is a mantra you need to repeat as you trudge along in the Gulf.

I eagerly await another one of Fifth Column's witty replies.
Regards,
PS

[The Fifth Column]

[veiledsentiments]