Job Discussion Forums

[jimmygb]

Hi everyone.

I'm looking for thoughts and experiences.

I am planning to move to China to teach. This will be my first venture.

I am a writer with limited teaching experience (except for online tutoring).

I require, as part of the school's offer, advance airfare. It seems, only offers including teaching younger children have included this.

I do not do well with younger kids. I had hoped to teach senior high or college.

My question - has anyone taught younger kids 6-12years in China, even though you felt older would be more your style ?

If so, experience ?

(ps- if anyone knows of a higher school offering advance air <even one way> please let me know)

I've only been considering Hangzhou, Suzhou, Xian and Shanghai

Thanks

(post or email [email protected])

Many thanks

[Roger]

As a writer you should have the ability to relate to PEOPLE, and children are generally more natural people than grown-ups are.
I taught at a college first and was so disappopinted by the intellectual drowsiness of my students that I nearly thought teaching wasn't my vocation. NExt I worked in a TC training self-paying adults; slightly better but still lacklustre.
Finally, I had an opportunity to learn my ropes with kindergarten-age kids, and since I didn't want them to become mindless robots as those I had seen before I put all my efforts into communicating with little ones in English, adapting it to their ability to comprehend. Result: total satisfaction on both sides, never any frustration. I benefitted doubly - I learnt a lot about myself that seemingly-adult students couldn't possibly teach me: their minds tend to be dulled and numbed due to their continued near-total exposure to spoon-feeding and repetitive classroom teamwork (no individual efforts!).

The longer a Chinese has been to school the less natural intelligence he or she can muster!

[go_ABs]

Hi Jimmy,

Interesting situation.

I am a teacher with limited writing experience. I'll say one thing for my current job: it certainly gives me enough free time to write. I've been trying my hand at freelancing while here, and found it to be quite a successful way to use large amounts of spare time.

I teach young ones, though I only ever wanted to teach that level. From what I've seen with other adults who don't relate well to children, the adult acts nervously while the kids behave normally. Eventually the adult relaxes (hopefully quickly), and the kids still behave normally. Kids will be kids. However, if you can't relate or try and relate too much, then you may find discipline problems in your class.

When teaching young learners you should always have a teaching assistant in the class with you. (Some others might not agree, but that's MHO.) Just another thing to make sure you're offered.

I don't know that I've helped you at all, but I really just wanted to wish you all the best. Keep us updated with how you get on.

[sheeba]

Hi Jimmy

I came to China and had no intent in going near children . I enjoy conversation with adults in class and find this more stimulating - Even if the Chinese sometimes make this job seem impossible . I have by chance fallen into some teaching kids . Mine are a bit younger though - 4-5 years old . I have the luxury of teaching in one of the parents house and they all control the little devils while I teach . I think without this assistance I'd be in trouble .

I had a trial for a job teaching kids from around 6-13 . This was a disaster for me . I have limited experience teaching kids . One previous summer school in the UK is it . I taught 4 classes in about 4 hours . Just running from class to class . One day of this has put me off teaching kids in China . I found it very very draining . I think you'll need a lot of energy and preparation. I have heard the CELTYL course is pretty good . I may do this myself if I feel teaching kids will be part of my future . I'm happy with my lazy Uni students at the moment . Everything's laid back and there is no stress .

I am not sure on how the management of these private schools works but I think they really will want you to work hard . I thought just turning up and being foreign would get me a job but it didn't work for me .

Today I have decided to never agree to one of these trials at schools again . They really took the piss . They invited me for an interview . I turned up and not one of the staff members spoke English . They said their town was celebrating today . 'You can go on the stage and sing a song to the people ' I explained I was no singer or actor - I am a teacher - They said Ok just tell the people of our town some simple sentences about yourself - including 'I will be teaching in this town ' They tried to sit me at a table where they were handing out leaflets for their school . Basically I was used as an attraction for advertising their school . They sent me back in a taxi and I don't expect to hear from them again.

I don't really know what my point is but I would be wary of working in private schools for kids. I feel that the Chinese have tried to exploit me as much as they can so far in these situations.

You want spare time - Also you want Energy !!! I have loads of time and Energy working at a Uni . I have just been offered a new contract with a return flight . My students are lazy and demotivated but that spurs me on to invent interest in my lessons.

I know many people love teaching kids and it's right for them . I do in little doses. I suppose it depends on you .

Good luck