Job Discussion Forums

[Songbird]

Norbert, wow, I don't mean to sound mean, but that actually makes me feel better ....I just so want these students to pass, mainly the ones who've made the effort week in week out, even if I ruin their papers with red ink, they're still loyal. Don't worry, I certainly won't be doing anything unethical, if they've earnt it, they've earnt it, one way or another.

[kev7161]

I'm getting ready to give Oral tests this week to my Senior Ones and Twos. I will ask them 4 questions. I've given them 6 possible questions, of which I will choose four. I urged them to go ahead and write them down, practice with a classmate, reminded them to look in their text for help (because the questions are all related to the chapters we've covered) . . . anything I could do to help them be successful at this test. I noticed several jotting down the questions. Whether or not they will practice is simply up to them. None of these questions are difficult for their level and none have not been something we've discussed and practiced in class. In a couple classes, because we had an extra few minutes, I asked some students at random some of the questions. When one answered in a short, clipped, "chinglish" way, I reminded all of them to use full sentences. I've showed them their grading sheet and how I will grade each of them (proper word choice, diction, full sentences, clarity). I have spoon-fed them this exam. Really, it's just an exercise to satisfy the powers-that-be, but nevertheless it IS a "Spoken English" class and we have been "speaking" (to some degree) all year long.

I'm sure this will be futile, but I'm hopeful my bright stars will shine even brighter and some of my kids with potential will surprise me.

[peggiescott]

Songbird,

I'm sorry to hear your story. Unfortunately, I can sympathize with it. I'd much rather have nothing but happy teaching days but it just doesn't work out that way. I expect that many of your students are ashamed of what happened to you and at least a couple of the girls will apologize. I work in a school like yours and my experience is that most of their other teachers don't care what they do in class. That you care and care about them is a foreign idea to the students. I have no doubt that there are students who adore you and are thrilled to have you as a teacher. For some of them you may be the only teacher who has ever smiled at them.

I go home twice a year and even though I truly enjoy being in China the closer it gets to when I'm going to leave the harder it is to wait.

It seems like you've taken a deep breath and will make a decision that really works for you.

Peggie

[Plan B]

One word : Clonozepam

Two more : Xanax and Valium.

These are freely available from your local hospital. Just find a doctor, and ask him to write a prescription. Valium is available at most hospitals, but tends to leave me a little tired.. The other two are available at the main hospitals.

It is recommended that in order to avoid dependancy, you should take benzos for no more than 4 weeks - since you are talking about getting through a three week course, the timing is perfect for you.

I personally have great anxiety when teaching demo classes or during presentations. However, a couple of Xanax later, I'm so calm that I almost relish getting up there in front of the crowds.

[latefordinner]

Apologies for missing this thread so far.

Volodiya: well said, sir!

Songbird: Yes, when it comes to certain things, there is a lot of support here. As bitter as our disagreements may become; when it comes to teaching, most of us want to do the best we can. For our students, ourselves, and each other.

I'm a guy, I don't do the tears so readily. Over some things, but not over a bad class. OTOH I do lose my temper, and that's something I'm working on. I've been criticised for my short temper and sharp tongue many times, and sometimes deservedly so. I walked out on a class last week. The week before I stood in front of the same class for 20 minutes waiting for them to be quiet, last week I wasn't going to waste my time. Better for me to walk out of a class than to start shouting like a fool. (Just because I am a fool doesn't mean I have to yell like one)
Not sure what I'll do with that class tomorrow, but its a review week. I'm preparing some DVDs and CDs for the classes that have worked and know their stuff. With the recalcitrant classes, it could be boring bookwork all the way.
One other thing I've done is prepare an exam. In my listening exams, the students have to hear the questions then write the answers. If they don't know how to listen to the questions, well then... then how do I explain that I fail more than half the class? More to the point, what happens when the students are told that my exam doesn't count, its only for practice. I leave that one to your imagination.

[tofuman]

Songbird,

Your problem is fairly simple--you care too much. Sounds to me like you have a very codependent personality type. People like you in helping "professions" such as teaching, nursing, social work, either burnout or develop serious problems such as chemical dependency.

You really did "blow it." You are losing/have lost control of your classroom. Those kids are going to eat your lunch if you don't get your act together.

Avoid PlanB's suggestion regarding pharmaceutical preparations. If you don't, you may be bringing a drug habit home when you return.

No need to care more about people than they care about themselves. If you can't get a grip on teaching here, find something else to do.

[Plan B]

[waxwing]

I find it unbelievable that Western society has been so duped by the pharmaceutical industry into dependency on psychoactive drugs that people actually now think that a suggestion like the one above is sane.

[tofuman]

Plan B,

In the States, people like you can be arrested and put in jail for practicing medicine without a license. I not only downplay the use of psych type meds in the situation we are here discussing, I maintain that their use would be downright foolish and irresponsible.

People need effective coping mechanisms to deal with stress. Psych meds are not coping mechanisms, they are mind altering substances.

Much better for her to take a sick leave, get some help, change jobs, etc.

[Plan B]

Ah, so it is ME that has been brain-washed??

I find it equally absurd that the large part of western society has been duped into believing all drugs are bad.

It was estimated that at one time in the 80's, 20% of all adult American women were on Valium. Obviously, this was irresponsible of both the pharmaceutical companies and the government, but to take the opposite extreme and not understand that under SOME circumstances, these drugs serve their pupose is rather irrational.

I apologise, as I have unwittingly derailed the thread somewhat with what I had originally thought was useful information, providing a useful alternative to the OP. I will refrain from doing so.

[tofuman]

I don't believe that all drugs are bad. Psych meds appear to be useful at times.

Psych meds in this situation are almost certainly unnecessary.

[kev7161]

Let me weigh in:

First of all, the OP was having a bad day (probably), not a long-term, life-altering experience where PRESCRIPTION drugs should be necessary. A glass of wine at the end of the day, a nice foot massage perhaps, a long talk with a good friend, watch a nice movie - - those are short-term things one can do to forget about a crappy day.

I'm sure the "resort to drugs" advice may have been done with a little tongue in cheek, but I'm not sure I understand the concept of doping ourselves or liquor-ing ourselves up to forget our woes. To each his (or her) own, I suppose, but that sounds a little desperate (of course, I resort to chocolate to calm my frazzled nerves, so maybe I'm drawing a fine line).

[Tinman]

Wine contains a powerful drug doesn't it. It's one of the most used drugs on the planet, however the media and society has made us feel that its Ok to self medicate like this. It only takes little bit to become dependent. I really don't see much difference in doing this and taking a pill now and then.

[Plan B]

[tofuman]

Plan b, You recommended these drugs to a particular person in a certain situation. I maintain that your suggestion was irresponsible and potentially injurious.

Pardon me for pointing it out, but I don't happen to live in the "nanny" state that you decry.

People who can't cope with the stresses of daily life are hardly in a position to manage their own psychiatric care.