Job Discussion Forums

mirabelle · Joined: 10 Nov 2004 Posts: 44

the boss keeps giving me classes, the workload's getting a little heavy. i work at a uni, doesn't pay much -- i know i know, welcome to the world of efl, but anyone got some tips to talking to the boss about the workload? the thing is im not too happy here so i was using the weekends to, um, keep sane by going away. i got over 140 writing students, four different types of classes to prepare for, and a weekend sandwiched between friday night and monday morning, and there's teachers here with significantly less...any advice?

tofuman · Joined: 02 Jul 2004 Posts: 937

Just say NO. It's easy. Refuse to do it.

You should have a contract that specifies how many classes you teach each week. Any changes in the specifications should be done in writing.

Unless you agreed to an increased workload, simply refuse to do it. Tell your boss what you are willing to do and the consequences if he does not agree. Be prepared to leave if it does not go your way.

Otherwise, meekly submit to his demands. You can always become an alcoholic, if you lack more effective coping skills, like saying NO.

Even though I enjoy writing, the work load is heavy, so I'm glad I don't have any writing classes. A writing class requires a lot of additional time each week, for the same money. Why do it, unless you enjoy it?

nolefan · Joined: 14 Jan 2004 Posts: 1458 Location: on the run

What does your contract say about this? If it states that overtime is not mandatory, then you can say NO. If it is like mine, overtime is not mentioned because I just don't intend on doing any overtime. The dean keeps hinting at it but I keep saying that I'll do it if the school pays me double the normal rate.

smalldog · Joined: 04 Feb 2004 Posts: 74

Writing classes can involve a lot of extra work. In my first writing course I made the mistake of requiring students to write every week--the marking just got to be too much. This time I am just marking four longer pieces of work over the semester, and find that the students put more effort into each piece of work too.

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

Oh you newbies! Wink

Really, it's okay to say "no" to your superiors, especially if it's in a polite and professional way. I'm assuming as well that you have a contract that SHOULD state the maximum amount of periods/hours you must work for "x" amount of salary.

Sometimes, the director of your department may not be aware of the contract that you and your FAO negotiated. That is the case with me. Just arrange a meeting (with a translator), bring your contract, explain your problems with the extra workload. Sadly, they probably won't care how many students you have per class as long as it is withen the parameters of the correct amount of classes you should be teaching.

Last semester, I was teaching 18 periods (10 different classes) with over 300 students, while another FT was teaching 10 periods with 2 different classes (each class 5X a week) - - how did that happen? Luckily, this term is lighter.

journeyeast · Posted: Fri Apr 01, 2005 11:45 am Post subject:

For each period of writing class you should calculate two to three periods for preparation and evaluation. This is standard and should be made understood. Another option is to have the students do what is called a "Peer" evaluation. Organize the class activity to center around students correcting each others papers and making comments.. At least for the grammar and spelling this will save you time.

Good Luck, literature classes at Univ level can be alot of fun..
Keith