Job Discussion Forums

canrun30 · Joined: 03 Oct 2012 Posts: 116

My university gets a total of three days off, the 1st-3rd. S--ks. Anyhow, students are coming up to me left and right asking me to re-schedule classes so that they can have five full days off. I'm not getting paid to do that, nor do I have extra time in my schedule.

What would you say to students who ask you to do such a thing? Just curious...

They'd never ask a teacher to do this "back home." Common practice here? Unpaid, extra classes?

johntpartee · Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 3258

Only three days? Every place I've ever been it's 8 to 10 days.

I wouldn't do it if I'm not getting paid for it.

Tell them the college won't allow it. End of discussion.

canrun30 · Joined: 03 Oct 2012 Posts: 116

Other teachers are doing it, so it makes me look bad. I hate being put into this position in the first place.

Javelin of Radiance · Joined: 01 Jul 2009 Posts: 1187 Location: The West

"Reschedule" doesn't mean more work, it just means move work around. If the students want to reschedule classes to get more days off (happens all the time here) and you won't be working any more classes than you normally would then why not do it? Some of these kids don't get home very often and they might need the extra time. I know some teachers just cancel these makeup classes outright and start fresh again after the holidays.

Because of my current timetable I've got 11 or 12 days off. Don't know why your university is only giving three days off. You sure you understand the holiday timetable correctly?

johntpartee · Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 3258

canrun30 · Joined: 03 Oct 2012 Posts: 116

Yes, schedule understood. Work the 30th; work the 4th.

I clearly told the students they could ask for leave; I am not coming in to work on, say, the 6th to make up classes. I think it's insane other teachers are willing to do this. They aren't paid...nor are they Lei Feng. What am I missing here?? (Asked honestly...no snark.)

doogsville · Joined: 17 Nov 2011 Posts: 924 Location: China

Non Sequitur · Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 4724 Location: China

canrun30 · Joined: 03 Oct 2012 Posts: 116

Non Sequitur · Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 4724 Location: China

Yes. It isn't a good look for students to be approaching you about rescheduling. That is regardless of other personal issues and events.
Actually I've never heard of this before although the rescheduling question comes up every year when newbs hit that first September holiday.

johntpartee · Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 3258

[/quote]I'm overwhelmed by the lack of direction/guidance given to me as it is[quote]

Prepare to be underwhelmed; last minute ANYTHING is very common here. The good news is you'll come to expect it and when it doesn't happen you'll be pleasantly surprised.

chinatimes · Joined: 27 May 2012 Posts: 478

As a general rule of thumb, agree to make it up later. If you think of getting things done early in hopes of a longer break later, then the school is likely to pile on more work for you to do.

teachingld2004 · Joined: 17 Feb 2012 Posts: 389

Let them have the days of. I never make up days, I just add 5 minutes before the class, stay 5 minutes later, do not give a break or give a 5 minute break. There are always ways to make up the time.

And welcome to China, the land where they tell you (or do not tell u) things at the spur of the moment. I have learned to "go with the flow", and I have learned to say "no". I have also learned to say "yes" with a smile.

Pick your battles. As a new teacher this one is easy.

And don't you also want the time off? If al the other teachers are willing to fix the times, you should do it too. talk to them about it.

Or do as I do, extend class and take away breaks. the students love it and it is easy to do.

canrun30 · Joined: 03 Oct 2012 Posts: 116

LarssonCrew · Joined: 06 Jun 2009 Posts: 1308

Tell them you're busy travelling in the holidays.

Also tell them that you'll talk directly to them, not the admin, tell the students if they tell the FAO she'll give them more classes and they won't get 5 days off.

Go through the students, the FAO will be none the wiser if the students are smart.

OR, say the class for them is 'self evaluation or self study' and they make up that class taking an exam you publish online or they can go to the classroom themselves....without you there.