Job Discussion Forums

[millie]

It seems that the students are going to sit for IELTS or TOEFL and this defines the substance of your teaching. You have made no mention of this. Do you know which exam it is?

You don�t need to go through a needs analysis since the students have stated that to you very clearly: THE EXAM ! - but you seem reluctant to take this on-board.

Midlothian Mapleheart says �Find some TOELF and IELTS materials and bombard them�

Well� time to change your focus at least. There is a lot of rubbish published in China for both those exams so be careful in what you use. These exams are based on a knowledge of formal academic English (but certainly not �idioms abnd colloquial expressions� as suggested.)

Be certain you understand clearly what the exam is about and what its requirements are if you wish to gain the students� confidence.

As hesterprynne indicates, you need to teach to the test which necessarily includes the underlying skills as well as a clear focus on the exam and its format too.

If you are not doing that, then understandably the students will be unhappy and indifferent towards your teaching.

Good luck,
M

[thepreferrednomenclature]

Gotta say, I really loved Keath's advice. Strong ideas. Go get 'em.

I also like that you have a backbone, it sounds like you know what you're doing. Earning respect from Chinese people is an interesting game, but without a noticable backbone (and I don't mean a pig-head here, very different body parts) you're gonna have a rough time of it. Still it sounds like they aren't trying to take advantage of you, (having gone through a fair number of teacher searches) it's just working out that way for the time being. That means they likely do respect you, which is great.

Whatever new teacher comes in to eventually take the class, don't abandon them (students and new teacher). Discontinuity is the name of the game in Chine ESL, and any way you can smooth a transition for a new teacher makes a huge difference for everybody, but especially the kids.

Make the new teacher read Keath's post. Did I mention it's good stuff?

Just wanted to add that I have a funny feeling after reading your reply to the guy named Frank. It's his classes you have to teach now right? A little shadow can makes things shady. Sorry about that.

On a related note, I've never understood why most Chinese employers won't go the extra way to make a teacher comfortable and happy(both CHinese and foreign). The product is so much better. Just look at yourself. A committed, talented, hardworking teacher. Are you only making 4,500 RMB a month? Thats hard to believe. Come to Beijing my man, the land of opportunity awaits you!