Job Discussion Forums

[kev7161]

The thing about singing is you've got to be willing to sing as well. Even if you are not so great a crooner, in the eyes of many of your Chinese students, you'd be a rock star. I'm not saying you have to "perform" for your students, rather lead by example.

[Miles Smiles]

Generally, I create several 2-3 person situations, type them on paper and pass them out in class. They form their own groups and they take the dialogue wherever they want to take it. They work at their own levels and do their best. I usually give the situations out before the next class so that if they feel so disposed, they'll practice outside of class.

The situations become more complicated, often with a twist such as giving them a situation in which the group must make a choice over ethics or convenience.

I encourage them to use humor.

I also print up a form which each student must fill out . On it are several areas: volume, clarity, vocabulary, creativity, pronunciation, and preparedness. Each student gives me the form with his name on it before his group performs his situational dialogue. I check off each area that needs work. I also make brief comments on the sheet as the group talks. I start out giving out liberal daily grades, and so many times I have seen students who have NEVER made an A in English suddenly doing their damnedest to maintain that A.

I also explain to the class that I understand that students (usually the freshmen) come to class with different levels of ability. What matters to me is that they make some measurable progress. I explain that just because one kid comes in speaking like a native speaker and another can barely pronounce my name, it doesn't mean that one is destined to make an A and the other an F.

I've done this for several years. It works for me.

I also walk around the class and engage the students in personal conversation during the break. Some kids won't speak except when it's a personal conversation.

[PathToChina]

Most if not ALL Chinese teachers teach in a style much different than what we are accustomed to in the west so this means the students follow in line. The Chinese teaching style is more or less, I speak - You listen. There is VERY little interaction in their classes and most of the time, the Chinese teachers don't even remember their names. So, this becomes a challenge to us foreign teachers.

I once was told that teaching in China is 1/3 teaching, 1/3 entertainer, 1/3 personal relationship so with that said I have incorporated these tactics into my lessons with much success! Try it out!

Teaching here in China for the past 4 years has offered some great opportunities for me along with some provincial, city supported "Friendship Awards".

Hope this helps!