Job Discussion Forums

[Yu]

I am in the process of working on my MA thesis for sociology. I am planning to look into some issues related to foreign teachers in Chinese Universities in Shanghai. I hope I can get something published.

But I am not really here to ask for help (YET), I was just wondering if anybody else out there was pursuing sound academic research for the purpose of publication and the kind of topics you are looking into?

[mondrian]

You need to talk to your Chinese colleagues
There is a wealth of information on all aspects of FT methods and results but all in obscure Chinese journals. "By the people, for the people". They have an obligation to publish every year or so.
If you are lucky, the authors may have shown their "credentials" by including an abstract in English.
Or get one of your Chinese colleagues to do a "google", but in Chinese.

[Yu]

And then I can assign my students some translation exercises for homework!

[Craig!]

Yes, i am also interested in the topic of FT's issues, esp. the problems of 'newbie' foreign English teachers in China. I will write and hope to publish, not for a thesis, but for my own interest -- and, more imprtantly, for the benefit of future FTs in China, Chinese schools, and recruiting agents.
I'm beginning to write questionnaires for FTs. When i'm good and ready, perhaps i will post it here in the Spring. I'd like to know more about your research methods and data. If you'd care to share more info about it, or if you want to hear of my findings, please write to me directly. [email protected] Cheers.

[william wallace]

nil

[Spiderman Too]

[william wallace]

nothing to say

[Yu]

oh, there are all kinds of research....

Market research (aka shopping!) is one of my favorites.

But I am referring to academic research. I am not surprised that few people responded to this post that they are indeed pursuing academic research.

I think it reflects on the lack of professionalism of FTs in China. How can we be expected to be paid like professionals if we do not do our job in a professional way? As a FT at a university, I think I can safely say that if I held a similar position at a similar type of school back home I would be expected to do some professional research.

Really, are there not more people out there who are trying to do research and get something published? There are many opportunities.

[vikdk]

I think it reflects that real researchers are very far and few between in the FT world - don't read Daves - and anyways don't like to share their material untill it's published

Don't worry folks - the ordinary Joe FT, to gain a wee bit of respect, doesn't have to be a research fellow - at least just yet. Just knowing what color those funny bank notes are, will be more usefull to your daily lives

[saint57]

Yu, I don't think you should make any comments on the professionalism of the FT's in China. This should be done on a case by case basis. From what I have read it seems to me like you want to be considered a "professor" or something like that. What research could you possibly produce that will make your prestige as a FT improve? Please explain to me how your graduate degree in sociology will make you a better teacher. My personal opinion is that success as an ESL teach takes heart and character not advanced degrees in fields you won't be lecturing on. If you want to get some cheap Master's degree go for it, but don't expect to ever be considered anything more than an ESL teacher. This is unless you go home and follow the traditional route.

[william wallace]

nothing to say

[vikdk]

The ordinary teaching professional doesn't get that title because of their persuit of research - but rather because of their knowledge and ability to use it to back up and defend their didactic/pedagogic method.

Then again in china - so many employers who wouldn't bat an eyelid if research landed on their noses, and who's prime motive to be in education bussiness has something far more to do with economic lust than any pedagogic love. I kinda beleive this fact holds down wages, regardless of how professional or not we as a group of FT's are

[Yu]

[saint57]

Good reply Yu. If you plan on doing a Ph.D back in the west then by all means do a thesis. Teaching ESL at a Chinese university may be of some help if you want to teach in a university back home. However, my beef is with people who are pushing to have their positions more glorified than they should be. The role of the ESL teacher is to improve students' English, nothing more. MA's and Ph.D's don't improve one's ability to teach English. They only improve your knowledge of theories that don't apply in the overseas classroom. Life-long learning is a key component of professionalism but it doesn't/shouldn't improve your status in the eyes of your Chinese employers. I wrote my original reply because you questioned the professionalism of FT's in China because they weren't doing much research. If they are busy improving their students' English then they are doing their job well. I'm sure that there are foreign professors working in China but their path to these positions most likely didn't involve teaching ESL. Becoming a true professor by working your way through the ESL ranks is like a janitor becoming the CEO of an investment bank.

[Henry_Cowell]