Job Discussion Forums

[bradwelljackson]

Can you tell us about any cultural gaffes you made while teaching in a Chinese classroom? It may be a bit embarrassing, but if we all do it we can learn from each others mistakes.
I'll start:
One day I asked two of my kids what they would do if they got older and were married to each other. My Chinese teacher told me that "this is China", and I can't ask such questions. It seems that young kids are told never to even think about such things and that, indeed, people can't even consider a romantic relationship until they are in college.

OK, well, that was embarrassing for me, so now, it's your turn:

[Anda]

Um you can say most things provided the question is said in a joking way. I teach all ages.


Stay away from issues especially religion and politics! Keep to soap opera subjects meaning family, relationships, work and your students will open up and have fun.


It takes a time to know who you can joke with so be careful especially of just making a joke at the expense of one student otherwise the joke can be taken seriously where they think they have lost face and you can have the student's friends attacking you in aid of their friend.

[gffgold]

There are no cultural differences that can't be discussed in a Chinese classroom. So long as you emphasize that the Chinese way is superior to the others, all will be well.