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Imdramayu
Joined: 09 Feb 2007
Posts: 394
Location: South Korea
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 Posted: Thu Dec 22, 2011 6:02 pm Post subject: Academic standards @ universities in the Gulf |
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Some universities here, I've been told, prefer to hire English teachers who have taught for a significant part of their time in the US. This is because, they feel, the academic standards are higher and more rigidly-enforced. Thus, the teachers who have taught in the US (or other Western nations) have better academic standards and can teach more effectively. This is especially true in programs that are preparing students to study in the US.
Is this true? Are standards lower or less-enforced here? Would this make an impact on the teacher after awhile? Has anyone ever stumbled across this in their interview/application process?
Im |
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johnslat
Joined: 21 Jan 2003
Posts: 13859
Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
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| Posted: Thu Dec 22, 2011 6:50 pm Post subject: |
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Dear Indramayu,
"Are standards lower or less-enforced here? "
Standards? We don' need no stinkin' standards.
"Would this make an impact on the teacher after awhile?"
Depends on the teacher - if it affects the way he/she teaches, that could be detrimental.
"Has anyone ever stumbled across this in their interview/application process?"
"This" refers to what, exactly? And are you referring to the interview/application process in Saudi or back home once you return?
Regards,
John |
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
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| Posted: Thu Dec 22, 2011 10:35 pm Post subject: Re: Academic standards @ universities in the Gulf |
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| Imdramayu wrote: |
Some universities here, I've been told, prefer to hire English teachers who have taught for a significant part of their time in the US. This is because, they feel, the academic standards are higher and more rigidly-enforced. Thus, the teachers who have taught in the US (or other Western nations) have better academic standards and can teach more effectively. This is especially true in programs that are preparing students to study in the US.
Is this true? Are standards lower or less-enforced here? Would this make an impact on the teacher after awhile? Has anyone ever stumbled across this in their interview/application process?
Im |
I don't think it's solely about recruiting EFL teachers with western EAP experience�relying on the teachers' specific experience to change an entire academic perception, culture, and system would be pointless. The problem is mainly from the Saudi side.
The Saudi-administered prep year programs not only need to raise their standards but also have to adjust their attitudes and commitment to the students' English language education. (See the article "Learning English remains difficult for Saudis" I recently posted in this forum: http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=93566.) Additionally, cheating is a major issue, which is tied to the PY program's ethics and code of conduct regarding academic dishonesty�whether or not the university has one, if it enforces a "zero tolerance" policy, and stands by its teachers. These last two embody a sort of tough love approach geared toward preparing Saudi students for an ethically-accountable and stringent, western-based academic experience. Easier said than done.
Lastly, in terms of the actual hiring of teachers, the recruiting process, benefits, and employee retention initiatives (if they exist) need to improve because a high teacher turnover rate negatively impacts the students' learning experience and success. Some employers do it right but not many. Anyway, it would be interesting to hear from teachers currently in the Kingdom who were specifically recruited for their western EAP experience. |
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Imdramayu
Joined: 09 Feb 2007
Posts: 394
Location: South Korea
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| Posted: Sat Dec 24, 2011 8:23 pm Post subject: Western experience in interview |
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John, I mean did the preference for Western univ-teaching experience come up in a job interview? I heard it from others but haven't had it asked of me.
Im |
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