Job Discussion Forums

[bluetortilla]

OP is male, and 'Nelly' seems to be ambidextrous.

Thanks for the ton of useful and supportive insights. For one thing, although it is my first time teaching in China, I've been an ESL teacher for over twenty years, the bulk of that being with elementary school children.

By last April I mean 2012, so I have a one year contract going from April to March. Much of what has happened has happened in the past couple of weeks and before that no one had any complaint at all, so, it had been a very pleasant place to work and hopefully will be again. The school has provided me with very nice accommodations and paid for things that they did not have to. I've been treated well, though the staff is a bit aloof (or 'we're shy' as Asians are wont to say).

As far as curriculum is concerned, I was given a text but told I didn't have to use it. The school encouraged me to prepare lessons as I saw fit. Since the students' speaking level is so low (though their knowledge is pretty good), I developed a regime of communicative exercises that force them to produce high beginner conversations (my class is Oral Communications). We've had some success, but it's tough- they don't understand directions even when they're demonstrated, and they are very poor at taking individual responsibly for completing the speaking tasks and elaborating. Some of the class just breaks down into chatting. I don't consider my lessons boring. The language is colloquial and simple (the main thing I was criticized on), but the tasks are tough. Sometimes they are 'game-like' but I got turned off to 'fun' games as a good way to learn English long ago. Plus, these are college students, not 5th graders.As a teacher, I tend to be of the kinder variety. I'm not strict but I'm not pushover either.

I don't consider this all to be a disaster- they are being exposed to a new, more dynamic method and 30% or more respond well. I was told that I would be autonomous in my handling of the class, and although i see need for improvements I'm not unhappy with the job I've done and would not change anything if I didn't have to. I do care about my students a lot and want to make every effort to give them the resources they need to become better speakers.

I have a supervisor I could go to and the Vice Dean, who would decide if they want me for another year or not (or whether I want to stay- it will depend). I heard it through the grapevine that she had some complaints about my class. So instead of freaking out like I did yesterday, I guess I should go to her and see if we can't have a meeting of the minds. I understand that this is their school, not mine,

In the end, if you've taught as long as I have, it is not a question of stubbornness and being unable to 'teach an old dog new tricks.' I have a lot of commitment and passion to certain methodologies and I don't think I could not teach without incorporating them even if I tried, I'm so sure of their effectiveness. My work wouldn't have much meaning to me then. At the same time, I need plenty of hours each week to study for the HSK, so I need to be in situation where I don't have to worry about whether or not my teaching is up to snuff. I hope things go smoothly here.

[johntpartee]

I'm still wondering if the OP is maybe reading things into the situation that aren't there, i.e., new to the job, new to the country (I'm assuming), and (assuming again) new to the profession. When Chinese is translated directly into English it can sound very "to the point"; some would say rude. She's also referred to herself as a "nervous nellie", not much of a stretch for that to become paranoia. Nothing wrong with being on your toes and prepared for anything (especially here), but perhaps an objective look at the whole scene; have a talk with the real honcho and find out.

EDIT: Okay, I didn't see your post before I submitted mine. You say the last couple of weeks the problems started. Are the students complaining about their grades on the finals? Very common. Even if they get a decent grade, they don't like it if their friend gets a better one. As far as the talking in class, it seems to be a countrywide problem. Some of them seem incapable of SHUTTING UP; they'll sit there and talk to themselves sometimes.

[rogerwilco]

Time for some tough love:

1) You are trying to give quality classes that will improve their English, but the students are complaining that your classes are too difficult.
They may be college students, but the school promised them fun and games with the foreigner, and that is what the students want.


2) The school wants you to leave over the Summer and will try to find a replacement to start next Fall. The school wants you to be the one to leave, and for you to break the contract, not them.

Sorry.

[bluetortilla]

[Non Sequitur]

That the OP is this school's first FT tells us a lot.
They have convinced themselves that hiring a native speaker will revolutionise their outfit overnight. This is a preferable mindset that coming to the conclusion that the Chinese education system is woeful.
Whatever the reason or even your misinterpretation of what is going on - GET ANOTHER JOB!
With that in the bag you can then direct what happens rather than react all the time.
Make sure you fulfill all the conditions to get your airfare refund though.
If there are state tertiary unis and colleges nearby go door knocking. Your new job should be in a higher status school which can 'lean' on your current school to get release form etc.
This is what happened to me in 2004/2005. Boy it was fun watching the old FAO (vocational college) snap to attention when the new school (nationally ranked uni) called.
In March 2013 you will be a late-starting Spring semester teacher. Happens all the time.
Lobster: Note the chronology.

[Lobster]

Yep, I see now he's been there just over 2 months. I also see that he is very experienced and probably knows more about teaching than all the students and staff combined.

OK, try making a semester plan and laying out your topics and objectives for the term. Explain your methodology and why it works. Present that to your dean. Follow text topics as much as possible even if you won't use the text.

You'll be getting a fresh start in the new term, so you just have to ride this one out. Students are exam streseed and looking for anything to complain about. Next term will be better and you can train and discipline the students from day 1 to make the classes more controlled and productive.

Remember, start off stern and only relax once they've learned to behave.

Best of luck.

RED