Job Discussion Forums

[DosEquisX]

My superior instructed me to be more accessible to my students outside of my class. Strangely enough, another student suggested something similar as she pointed out my shyness outside of class.

While I do converse with some of my students, I certainly do not engage them to the degree that some of the other teachers do. Quite frankly, I think one goes a bit too far by inviting them up to his apartment (though no girls alone of course).

I'd rather keep the teacher and personal sides of me separate. Sure, it's not too bad to get to know a couple of them outside of class as I have with some who have greatly assisted me with my transition to China. But I personally don't want to get too close.

One student asked for some contact information and I gave that student my e-mail address. I have heard many recommendations to not do that. But my boss said I had to do be more accessible. So, I did so.

What are the opinions of Dave's here? How personal is too personal?

[Zero]

Depends on what the boss means by "accessible." Students may need a way to get in touch with an instructor outside of class in the case of needing clarification on an assignment, a bit of help with a tricky point, informing the instructor of a reason for missing class, etc. It was the case when I was in college. But if your boss means you need to be available for all-out tutoring sessions or to go to dinner with your students, then he or she needs to pay you for those hours.

[slareth]

I do not get personal at all outside of class. No email address, no QQ, no phone numbers....nothing. I also try to keep that same distance from my coworkers, foreign and native alike.

I also never take anything from my students. Not a lunch or beer or even a cigarette.

Because of this some of the people I work with think I am a very boring and dull man. They can go right on thinking that and I will continue to encourage them to think that. Anyone who has actually seen me teach will know different. My students understand and so does the owner of the school. That's enough for me.

After a student has completed their courses and will not be returning to the school for study, I may enter into some kind of relationship outside of teacher/student. Not a moment before. There is nothing to be gained and a lot to lose.

[DosEquisX]

[nickpellatt]

I know its each to their own, but I personally think sharing a little life with students outside the classroom makes China more rewarding for me, and sometimes gives them an advantage in learning English too. I have been happy to do it TBH.

Of course, the nature of the job, the location, where you live, and perhaps even the terms of the contract have a bearing on this. No offense slareth, but I think your approach sounds a little harsh, but like I said at the start of the post, each to their own.

My last job in China was teaching adults at a training centre (Im returning there later this year). Interaction with the students is encouraged with social activities and I have always been more than happy to socialise with my adult students there.

A previous job in China was at a vocational college. I lived on campus and the employer liked to encourage an open door policy for students to visit teachers. Again, I never had too much of an issue with this. I accepted a few offers to visit students homes and meet families, and it was that kind of interaction that made that job enjoyable TBH. That was in a very lowly city/town, with few other FTs, (ZERO other FTs who werent missionaries) and little else to do. It would have been a very hard 18 months there without the help/assistance/friendship of the students.

I dont think you can really set hard and fast rules for it. Each job must be judged on its merits, considering the needs of the employers, type of students and also the power balance between student and teacher.

[daCabbie]

I agree with Nick, life is boring if you just stay to yourself.

What have the students done that was unprofessional? Or are you worried about what you will do?

Give life a chance.

[askiptochina]

For high school and younger, you can create a community page somewhere on the internet. Make the interaction ACCESSIBLE and also at a distance. You can use www.wiziq.com and have virtual classrooms.

For college students and adults, you need to gauge the maturity of the younger ones and greediness of the older ones. If they are still acting like high schoolers, then treat them like that. If they are mature and can have a coffee or smoke without following you after then there should be no problems. You could also arrange group activities instead of 1:1 encounters.

With the older ones, simple language exchange at a public area can be enough to set the ground rules.