Job Discussion Forums

[cokdeliyabanci]

Well, much as I often disagree with Ghost's opinions, in this respect it's a fairly accurate description. I have encountered the same attitudes in the 7 years of teaching Turkish University students. This is at degree level (degree course subjects- non EFL) and in EFL classes.

Of course not all are like this, but for example in one class of 55, only 6 perhaps showed any interest. I do feel as foreign teachers we generally are more 'inventive' as lecturers, show more energy in our teaching styles and are again, 'generally' better prepared for class.

Prospective teachers have to realise that the Turkish style of learning is not the same as the USA, UK, or other 'Western' systems. Memorisation is the name of the game- without any real effort at understanding or critical thought of subject material.

Discipline can be a problem, though you have to understand Turkish students psychology- this may sound odd, but in any new class you have to stamp your authority -difficult I know in some private schools- but if you don't they will walk all over you. I have found that most students prefer a foreign teacher, of course mainly students who understand English of course!!!!
Of course foreign teaching styles may also challenge and frighten students taught in the Turkish style- so you have to make allowances and alter your approach- think how scary it must be being asked to speak in a class; all your school experience it has never been requested of you before.

I guess prospective and current teachers will have to either accept it or decide it's not for you. Until the system changes in Turkey, we will always have these problems with the differences in learning styles and students expectations of what a teacher should do.

On a personal level, I have found most students friendly and away from class eager to know what a foreigner thinks of life and Turkish people. I socialise with them and encourage them to use English and they teach me Turkish.

So it's not all bad- but you have to be aware of limitations, and not always blame yourself for people walking out; not coming back after breaks; ignore the "I'm bored", "teacher is it break time yet" comments. In fact I suggest you stamp on these like a ton of bricks the first time it happens. It does work- this they respect.

Happy teaching

[Theresa]

Ghost as youll have seen from my posting İm going through similar probs with my own classes and last week had a class complain that İ was going too fast for them( they have three hours less than the other classes a week and İm expected to cover the same material with them). They dıdnt do this to my face and when İ went into class they were all smiles..... İts not just me thats been hauled over the coals so İm not taking it personally.
However thıs evening İ trıed psychological warfare on them and sat behind the desk tellıng them what to do and not monıtorıng at all. İ even tried sarcasm as a defense. It was a nıce lıttle rest.Amazing results!!!!!! So İ now realise that just as wıth children İ shouldnt have been nıce to them rıght from the beginning. Or maybe there wıll be another complaınt tomorrow... 'Whatever' ıs my current survıval strategy
Im not showıng off but I had very few absentees last Thursday. I wısh!

[FGT]

Well done Theresa, the old adage "Don't smile till Christmas." now has a supplement: "or if you do, grimace thereafter!"

I still think Ghost is conspicuous by his absence. Where is he? It's not like him to be quiet for so long. I hope he's OK.

[scot47]

No hauntings for ages. What has happened to the spooky presence here ?

Maybe he has given up EFLin Turkey ?