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kev7161 · Joined: 06 Feb 2004 Posts: 5880 Location: Suzhou, China

So today I ask the Chinese english teacher in my office if there are any schedule changes coming up in June (my final month before the summer break) such as testing or whatever that I needed to be aware of? He told me that he has not heard anything yet but will let me know "just as soon as he does."

He then went on to say that the school would be implementing its new English teaching program starting about mid-June. I think it is insane to start a new program so near the end of the school year, but what do I know? Then he proceeded to tell me that he thinks the English classes will be moved to the evening hours. I kind of chuckled at this and said "I'm not teaching in the evening!"

So, here's the hmmmm part: We have our next four-day break scheduled for June 12, 13, 14, and 15. When we come back, I have exactly four scheduled classes with each group of kids from June 16th - June 30th. I've already given my final tests and am now compiling grades. I only have planned for the rest of this term to show DVDs and play word games and such. So, why-oh-why am I hearing about a new English program and possible schedule changes? Maybe I won't be affected at all by this hulabaloo but it doesn't seem like very wise planning on the part of the director.

Guest · Posted: Wed Jun 02, 2004 6:01 pm Post subject:

Yes I agree with what you are saying - some of the things that the Schools here seem to do defy logic. We have three day's holiday coming up early next week - which I only just learned about in time to change my planned exams at the last minute. Also, I had exams planned for "Childrens Day" as I did not realise that the younger children had the afternoon off classes - so I had to re-shcedule those also.

I find that dealing with the Banks here, plus accepting the last minute changes etc. are something that take a bit of getting used to. After 9 months here, I feel I am doing okay with these things and hopefully next Semester it will be even easier.

Louis · Joined: 02 Jan 2004 Posts: 275 Location: Beautiful Taiyuan

Hmmmm.

7969 · Joined: 26 Mar 2003 Posts: 5782 Location: Coastal Guangdong

i repeat.... hmmmmm. same all around.

kev7161 · Joined: 06 Feb 2004 Posts: 5880 Location: Suzhou, China

So today a bunch of students and teachers from Singapore arrived at our school. They must have dropped in unannounced because, lord knows, I didn't hear about it until . . . today. Then I was asked if they could sit in on my English classes. "Sure!" said I, "I'm showing a movie today. They're welcome to watch it with us." Razz

Now, if I had been given a little forewarning, then maybe I would have scrapped the movie today and prepared some sort of English lesson (you know, "watch the monkey"- type thing).

Or maybe not.