Job Discussion Forums

Ger · Joined: 25 Feb 2004 Posts: 334

I'm a mature foreigner on a PGDE English Language Education at a "prestigious" university and the seminars are BORING! One lecturer in particular is a great person but his 2-hour seminars are dull and BORING, I mean they are painful.

My classmates are 20 years younger than me.

They stick together and when I sit beside them, because we have to do group work during seminars, they, on one occasion, made some excuse about having to move to the otherside of the room, saying that they were in one group and that they had to work together! This is not a fact, they are supposed to work with classmates, I am one of their classmates!

growler · Joined: 06 May 2003 Posts: 17

Are they afraid of you because you're a foreigner or is it because you're a mature student?

Maybe you could take a more passive stance if you're in a small group. They think you'd probably know more and don't want to be challenged and feel a fool. I guess you just have to put yourself in their minds. Or (probably not very helpful advice) be immature just like them. If you can't beat them, join them.

kleineblom · Joined: 05 Feb 2006 Posts: 6 Location: Sky is my blanket :)

Ger,

It's quite common for HK students / people to prevent any opportunities which require them to speak English.. I mean, if you're in an English Language PGDE class, it'd get even worse.. they are English teachers as well, and they simply do not have confidence on their own language ability.. it's kinda sad.

My advice would be: try to find some smaller groups / individuals, who are more willing to speak to you, to start with. Once you're around with them things should be better.

I guess it's mainly coz of this reason. I can't see why they don't want to be a mature student.

Don't be frustrated!! Smile

Cheer, Blom Very Happy