Job Discussion Forums

[johntpartee]

Yes, that's what it says. A representative from the students told me they are bored with learning pronunciation, syntax, etc. and that they don't want to prepare talks for the class anymore. They want to hear me tell them about daily life in the United States. These are first year college students; English majors! I told the rep to write that out in Chinese, have all of the students sign it and that I would take their demands to the administration and get them a new teacher. She thanked me and left. Has anybody ever had anything like this happen? I have been teaching at this school for a year and half, I have been lauded by all of the other students I've taught. In fact, word of my success prompted the administrators to require that all teachers attend at least one of my classes. This is a real headscratcher.

[donb2222]

How do you know that she is speaking for all the students and is not just speaking for herself ?

[johntpartee]

I considered that, but she did "represent" herself as a representative of the students. I've had students play head games before, I thought this might be one of them. I've seen no prior evidence of a "mutiny" brewing, the students seem to be enjoying the class, I've always prided myself on making the learning experience fun, the "spoonful of sugar" approach. I'll find out soon enough, if she really shows up with their "petition".

[The Ever-changing Cleric]

i've had a couple of students tell me they thought a particular class or exercise we did was, in their opinion, pointless. When asked what could be done to make said class or exercise more useful, or what might replace it, there was no answer forthcoming. comments like this, and requests/demands like the one johntpartee received, are usually baseless and can be disregarded entirely.

but if the students as a group insist on hearing about life in the US, maybe 10 minutes at the end of each class can be devoted to talking briefly about some aspect of American life. it is after all an oral English class and that's where the focus should remain. if they're english majors they may/should get a "culture of english speaking countries" class in their sophomore year where they can learn and discuss to their heart's content.

[Kiels]

I think the suggestion from Ever Changing Cleric is spot on! My Chinese students, and particularly my older teenagers kept asking me about life in the UK. It wasn't a huge deal to e to devote perhaps 5-10 mins each lesson for their own questions they might have about living in another culture or my life in the UK and they loved it. They really like to get to know a little bit more about your life. From their point of view it shows you acknowledged the opinions they expressed and incorporated their thoughts into your planning. You both win. I always found it one of my favourite times of the lesson. Plus if you set it up so they know they are to ask the questions, then the opportunities to talk and practice their English skills are inherent in this part of the lesson.

[Jayray]

I'm with The Rev and Kiels, only I took it a step farther. In one class, the book was just junk. It was inappropriate for the course.

I assigned the class to read about 4 chapters per week. They were administered quick tests based upon the book with the understanding that they could escape the drudgery of the book by participating in speaking exercises which were partially of their own design.

I made the administration happy by using the book, and I made them happy by giving them the chance to be creative. In addition, I spoke about life in the west and occasionally treated them to a slide show of my own photos.

It worked out fine for everyone. **


** Results may vary.

[Insubordination]

It must be disappointing for you because I'm guessing you're probably a teacher who works hard.

I'm all for addressing student needs but this representative does not have any teaching qualifications so she's just expressing her preferences and her desire for a passive classroom where she doesn't have to do much. Just how many students does she represent anyway? Perhaps she's comparing you to another teacher who just talks without requiring the students to do anything.

[Silent Shadow]

[caleypatrick]

Too funny. They've all probably been listening to their guanxi parents who are feeling rather smug at the moment due to the financial struggles of the Western Capitalism that they've copied. Little do they know that in the last 30 years the 2.8 trillion surplus in trade balances has been due to the 2.1 trillion that the U.S. has provided. In a word, the little beggars need to learn English far more than we'll ever need to learn Mandarin.

To your issue, relax, put some Lady Gaga on your IPhone and let them QQ and pick their noses.

[johntpartee]

I hate Lady Gaga.

[randyj]

English majors can be a very tough crowd. I recall one class of third-year English majors from a few years ago who were particularly hard to please. In the past, I would have expected first-year students to be more pliable, so I am surprised. Be that as it may, this thread has given me inspiration. In the fall, my initial class will feature an exercise with the purpose of helping to design a syllabus.

[caleypatrick]