Job Discussion Forums

[rocket man]

been offered a position at one in Hangzhou (won't name it) in general, how are the kids at these schools? In Korea I knew these kids were some of the lowest of the low and can be real sh*ts to deal with.

Any advice?

thanks

[ghost]

I teach part time at a vocational school. Most of the students are female, and they are fairly good. There are three boys in the class and they appear to be totally bored, with one of them sleeping the whole class, and the other two coming totally unprepared and contributing nothing to the class, they just play with their phones the entire lesson.

Interesting that there is such a vast gender difference in motivation in China. Most of the girls are fine - they are studying to be Chinese secretaries - but most (not all) of the boys I have had at this school are much less motivated.

At least there are no class management problems with unmotivated students in China - I think it is a kind of manifestation of 'passive - aggressiveness' showing its not so pretty façade. But, I can live with that.

Ghost in China

[Tazz]

You think the difference in gender motivation is wide here...try the Gulf!

[Non Sequitur]

I remember very engaged and motivated students at a vocational college*.
Then again they were training for hospitality jobs and KNEW that English was the key to the 5-star employers.
* 3-year associate degree with 2nd year practicum in hotels.

[fpshangzhou]

I currently work at a vocational high school and other posters are right. Boys tend to be less motivated than the girls. It's a mixed-bag of motivation and laziness/uninterested in learning. My students are also studying hospitality and restaurant for future jobs. My head local teacher who's been teaching there for almost 20 years, told me less that 40% of the graduates will attend a vocational college, with the other 60% going directly to work after high school.

On a lighter note, I still enjoy teaching there and the hours and salary are on par with other public schools.

Cheers

[twowheel]