Job Discussion Forums

[Cyberkada]

I'm a math/ science brain and not a English brain. I have been tasked to do an English Corner once a week. I don't want to sound stupid and I have read the forums but what does one do there exactly? i.e. whats the formula for success?

[steve b]

In my opinion they are an utter waste of time. However most of us have to endure them and in fairness, provided they are at the request of the students rather than faculty, you should at least get some interest.

Have a topic and a couple or three students to assist. Perhaps give a short talk on your topic, maybe take some questions and then mingle. The assistants should do that in other pockets. Don't stay with one group too long and make sure you get to chat with all attendees even if only briefly.

Once a week (to me at least) sounds far too often unless there is more than one group? If my experience is anything to go by, once the evenings start to get lighter and the temperature warmer you may find they die a death. Enthusiasm for them also seems to depend on the intake (it is almost always freshmen) and in large part the student organisers.

The students will though appreciate your devotion to duty out of working hours and should not be underestimated!

[viola_taylor_china]

How is it that "most of us have to endure them" ? You seem to have committed yourself contractually to them. Not me.

English corner is a simple concept - based off English (England) street corner discussions. Read Google search results for the concept/history. It essentially means to sit with a group and have free discussion.

[steve b]

No I am not contractually obliged but I do try to do my best for my students and endeavour to attend as many of their events as possible.

I am not completely uneducated in the concept of corners so I will pass on the suggestion to revise using Google thanks.

If an FT elects not to take part in corners then of course unless it is part of the package they are free to refuse. As I suggested, student goodwill is something a few FTs might cherish - others clearly not.

[7969]

[Cyberkada]

[Baozi man]

I have willingly participated in several hundred English corners. They can be fun, as long as you retain control. Make it clear that the EC is not about you, the FT. Personal questions are out of bounds. It is a time for free discussion on various topics. Your job is to facilitate. Students generally like a topic.

I talk about things which interest me, don't tolerate rudeness or students arguing in Chinese, or interrupting other students who are talking.

English corners epitomize the whole reason we are here, to provide opportunities for English learners to communicate in English.

[7969]

If you want some idea of what a decent English corner looks like send me a PM with your email and I'll send you some photos.

[Cyberkada]

[kev7161]

[7969]

Yeah but he's got another 100 or so handles already lined up. Might as well make use of them. good for another couple of years I'd say.

[The Great Wall of Whiner]

[7969]

[choudoufu]

[7969]