Job Discussion Forums

matchstick_man · Joined: 21 May 2003 Posts: 244 Location: Taiwan

I know this has come up before but my new school has private students and I've lost a few as I'm not by nature a huge talker. In my previous schools I was only ever given group classes. I know there others out there in similar situations.....should I leave my school and get something more suited to my needs or just try to talk more and louder during the class....like I used to in my group classes. The problem is the privates are/were regular and fill my hours.

killian · Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 4:37 pm Post subject:

always do what you are afraid of. you have found a weakness. make it into a strength.

being introverted outside of work and extroverted on-stage is simply a matter of training yourself.

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

Dear Matchstick Man,

You sound like a great private teacher! When I first saw the word "shy" I thought someone had students that were "too shy to teach." The solution to your problem is #greater communication# about your teaching philosophy!!!

Make sure that everyone involved (students, parents, staff, boss) understand that the PURPOSE of a private class is to give the STUDENT a chance to talk. Keep in mind Taylor's 70/30 RULE. The student(s) should be doing at LEAST 70% of the talking--with the teacher doing no more than 30% of the the talking.

You didn't mention the ages of any of your private students. Nor did you mention their purposes/goals for the class (USUALLY, THERE AREN'T ANY!). My rule of thumb for anyone teaching in Asia: If your throat hurts at the end of the day, YOU PROBABLY TALKED TOO MUCH. Get a microphone, if you need to talk that loudly...

Hang in there, and keep us posted!

Sincerely,

Clint
(Kaohsiung, 7+ years)

matchstick_man · Joined: 21 May 2003 Posts: 244 Location: Taiwan

Group classes are actually very easy for me once I know the school's requirements.(I've done three years of nothing but group bushiban classes).

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

Well, then I doubt "shyness" is your real issue. If you are like me at all, you find one on one classes too slow-paced. I feel like I am a psychiatrist in most "private" classes--nodding in agreement, making sure I respond appropriately at the right moment, UGGH!

I would always bring in a video of Let's Talk in English to show and discuss. If that isn't appropriate, how about a clip from a DVD or at least a song. As popular as the GEPT exam is now, I would imagine most people who are paying the high rates for private classes plan to take the GEPT soon.

Good Luck!

Clint

matchstick_man · Joined: 21 May 2003 Posts: 244 Location: Taiwan

It's only been a couple of students that have complained....in that particular session I had no knowledge of anything at all about the student....it turned out she was about Junior High age and had been learning English for five years and her mother sat in on the class which completely threw me. So far most of the others have actually gone quite well.

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

As the old mechanic said, "Thar's your trouble!"

You probably had two of richest, pickiest people in town in your classroom that day.

Nevertheless, the mom was likely paying about over $800NT (per hour) for that lesson, and it was obvious that no one on the staff had communicated with you.

As I mentioned in my first reply: COMMUNICATION is the key!

struelle · Joined: 16 May 2003 Posts: 2372 Location: Shanghai

matchstick_man · Joined: 21 May 2003 Posts: 244 Location: Taiwan

Aaaaaarrrrgghhhh!!! It seems to be happening again. New adult students with very basic English have started one on ones and for me it's a challenge to improve their English when they don't have the Englsih skills to have conversation based lessons for one hour. Maybe I should just look for a school where I am doing nothing but group lessons as it is now my strength but when the privates have good English skills it's alot easier to make the lesson/time easier.

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

Dear M-man,

Is there a set curriculum you are required to use with these students? If so, what is your opinion of it?

Hopefully, you are able to add to that curriculum. Is there a strict policy against using the copy machine for extra materials? If necessary, sneak in copies of your favorite handouts--if it would not cause too much trouble.

As I mentioned before, these people are likely paying 800+ for each one hour lesson with you. Wouldn't you have high expectations if you were paying this much $$$?

Try to imagine that you are teaching these students in your own living room, or at McDonald's or wherever you feel comfortable. By the way, would it be possible to get out of the classroom and go to a nearby store (for example)?

As the cliche goes, "Variety is the Spice of Life." I think that applies in language classrooms as much as anywhere!

Best Wishes,

Clint
Kaohsiung (1995 to 2003)

matchstick_man · Joined: 21 May 2003 Posts: 244 Location: Taiwan

Taylor,
thanks for the advice. Very helpful. No there's no strict guidelines about texts I should using. The problem was I was using a basic textbook (called Exploring English) which is mainly grammar based and doesn't leave much leeway for actual conversation.

blacky1 · Joined: 29 Mar 2004 Posts: 10

You're alright...

I'm quite shy outside of class but am able to perform during the lessons.

I think you're alright and normal - Not to worry!

A.S.

Miyazaki · Joined: 12 Jul 2005 Posts: 635 Location: My Father's Yacht

I absolutely detest one-on-one classes. Teachers need to talk more with one-on-one classes because there are fewer students. No pair or small group work.

I refuse to do the one-on-one classes.
This is another reason why I don't do privates.