Job Discussion Forums

[well-travelled]

The NET scheme is a continuation of various schemes that have been going on in HK since the 1980s to get expatriate ESL teachers into HK schools to enhance English language standards � based on the notion, rightly or wrongly, that English language standards in HK are in decline. These schemes used to involve teachers in secondary schools only, but the NET scheme, as is clear from Joanne�s case, now involves primary schools as well (PNET).

The various schemes have always been highly controversial � fundamentally, some administrators/principals/panel chairs/local teachers support the scheme whereas other adminstrators/principals/panel chairs/local teachers have a negative attitude towards it. I strongly suspect that the latter are in the majority, which makes the position of a number of NETs/PNETs in the schools rather tenuous.

It seems to me Joanne�s problems arose, partly at least (although clearly there are many other factors involved in this instance) from a fundamental discrepancy in the scheme as she describes it. She says she �was brought to HK to help bring in the new curriculum guidelines� - which no doubt is how the job was described to her, and how certain NET/PNET teachers envisage their roles � as innovators, enlighteners etc. at the forefront of ESL teaching methodology.

Unfortunately in Hong Kong, in spite of what some administrators may be telling you � and as Joanne has certainly discovered in a very negative fashion - it doesn�t, in most schools, work like that. I�m sure most �successsful� NETs/PNETs have found out that you do (or pretend to do!!) more or less what the school requires of you without rocking the boat. Only once you�re established, accepted and respected � and you get respect by showing you can function well under the prevailing system - can you perhaps begin making a real difference in terms of innovation etc.

Of course, whether this is worth the effort is up to the individual NET/PNET to decide. My own belief, if only because I like HK kids, is that it is.

well-travelled

[Cobra]

J. I just bet that this was either your first trip abroad or at least your first teaching assignment abroad. You sound like a newbie who just could not or would not accept that things were different than the way you demanded them to be based upon your background.

Sounds like a simple case of culture shock gone from bad to worse.

[sarina]

Hi Joanne, How are you doing after that experience in Hong Kong? I'm writing to ask your impressions of Brunei since you wrote that you worked thereDid you have a positive experience there? What is it like to live there? It seems very quiet. Could you tell me your impressions and possible pitfalls there/and good things there.

Thanks, and I hope things are looking up for you now. You sound like a sincere person passionately committed to teaching.