Job Discussion Forums

browny · Joined: 21 Oct 2004 Posts: 13

I have been a teacher here in Taiwan for about 3 years. Before Taiwan I was teaching in SE Aisa (Thailand and Cambodia). I just signed a contract for another year. The problem I am facing is lack of motivation. I used to come up with all of these creative ideas/games for my students. Now it is a struggle just to go to work and finish the day. I feel that if I do not motivate myself soon my school may fire me (although right now I would not see that as a bad thing).
How does one get motivated again and get over that "burned out" feeling? I have an ARC through my spouse and I told her that I wanted this to be my last year of teaching. I want to do other things.
Any advice out their would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Ki · Joined: 23 Jul 2004 Posts: 475

Take a long holiday, say three or four weeks. Do a little travelling but not much else. Spend time to do other things like reading, drawing, writing. Not only will you feel well rested, by a month of doing nothing you might get a little bored. Maybe you will even come to miss the hectic lifestyle here.

Taylor · Joined: 24 Oct 2003 Posts: 384 Location: Texas/Taiwan

Dear Browny,

You have to see yourself as Wheel of Fortune's Pat Sajak. He has been watching that wheel spin around for almost 25 years--and he already knows the answer before the round even begins!!!

But there's good ol' Pat, "How many T's are there, Vanna?" and "OK, give that wheel a spin!" He is still smiling--everyone loves him and the show.

As far as teaching goes, try to maintain a balance of kids and adults. Also, a balance between small classes and large classes might be helpful.

If you really believe in the value and usefulness of what you are teaching, I think that will make a huge difference. If the material is boring for you, try to create your own handouts.

Let us know how things work out!!!

Best wishes,

Taylor
Kaohsiung, 8 years

kuberkat · Joined: 03 Jun 2005 Posts: 358 Location: Oman

Every single FT in Taiwan runs into this problem. Consider it Divine Discontent: your instinct to prevent getting stuck in a rut. This is a Good Thing. Have you noticed how easy it is to get stuck in ELT in Asia? It's not about keeping the same position or even profession, but about, er, misplacing your zing. Lay your plans for what you want for next year, and start making it happen. That just might put the spark back in your job because you know where you're headed (though of course, a change in direction is always allowed Wink

.)

wood · Joined: 13 Apr 2004 Posts: 202

Henry_Cowell · Joined: 27 May 2005 Posts: 3352 Location: Berkeley

Have you been teaching the same age group for years? The same material? Why not go into a different field of English teaching/training? Be creative and get out of your rut... Wink

wix · Joined: 21 Apr 2003 Posts: 250 Location: Earth

browny, I symathise with you and there is some good advice above. However, you may actually be suffering from depression. This is a little more serious than just a lack of motivation for teaching. You may need counselling or medication. It would be a good idea to visit a good doctor and get some advice.