Job Discussion Forums

[Andy123]

There was a lengthy article listed in the editorial section on CNN's website addressing this question. There were stunning examples given by teachers and administrators on what is wrong with the American educational system.

http://edition.cnn.com/2011/09/06/living/teachers-want-to-tell-parents/index.html?iref=NS1

How many of these issues are pertinent here in Vietnam?

Over the years when I have taught adults, the issue of quality of education in Vietnam inevitably comes up. Unfortunately, 95% of the students blame the government. I use to bite my lip and smile but no more.

QUALITY SUCKS BECAUSE OF THE PARENTS AND ADULT CUMSTOMERS!!

These so called private schools continue racking in the money and produce an illusion of quality education because of the parents. The school administrators would not be able to continue to lie, cheat and steal while continuously rationalizing their behavior with �this is Vietnam you no understand-normal.�

When an adult customer or parent walks into the admission's office and the electric money counter is situated next to the enrollment forms this should be their first clue.

[skarper]

I agree but only so far.

It is private education - so the customer will pay and pay a high price. It is a business after all. The teachers are there for money - mostly. OK - they have chosen to teach to enjoy work more and work less hard than many other jobs they could do - or to get more than in a fast food chain at home.

The reason that EFL educational standards are so low in Vietnam (and Korea and Japan and Taiwan and ....well everywhere really) is because the customers do not know what matters.

Here is how to make a good EFL school

Moderat class size. About 6-12 students depending on age/level etc. 15+ student classes are unmanageable especially at low levels.

Teachers need to have some experience and or training. Any white monkey off a bus from Thailand will not do.

You need proper resources - and lots of them. Flashcards, posters, handouts etc. Most coursebooks are not right for any class anywhere in the world. You might find some good stuff in one book but if forced to do every page of the book you will bore the students half to death.

Students need to make a contract to learn as part of a group and suffer consequences if they don't. Arrive on time. Do homework if set. Not monopolise class or teacher time. ETC.

A few more details but that's the big 4. However - it is easier to make money by scamming the parents and cheating the teachers....so we are stuffed.

And students and parents have to accept that 2-3 hours a week of English classes is not going to turn their little snotsniffers into bilingual kids no matter how much they pay the school...

OK something really pushed my buttons today - must be all the real life impinging on my free time activities!