Job Discussion Forums

[ckhl]

enjoy some excellent PD

Could you elaborate? There's nothing wrong with "PD" unless it becomes a gauge to see who's participating versus those who opt not to. In particular, could you expound on your use of the qualifying adjective "excellent"? Are you a supervisor? A supervisor's plenipotentiary, i.e, a mole or a stooge?

[veiledsentiments]

I must admit that I laughed out loud when I read that phrase, but I suppose that there are some who think that it provides some benefit that I don't discern. Personally I found most PD a complete waste of my time - as they seemed to want us to do so much of it outside of working hours.

But there is a new twist to the adjunct story. HCT is running a new advertisement for teachers. Obviously a reflection of the abundance of unexpected students. So, those of you considering the adjunct positions should know that they are already recruiting to replace you.

VS

[TABING]

I know PhD means "piled high and deep" so does PD just mean "piled deep"?

PD at HCT is to keep up with the constant changes to "the newest, bestest, technologies", usually the most expensive too. As a result no one ever masters them and they are thereby rendered useless. WebCT Vista as an example. There are better, free alternatives to Vista, but they wouldn't hear of it.

BTW, rumor has it that HCT will continue normal hours during Ramadan.

[veiledsentiments]

How much do you want to bet that it is "normal" hours for teachers only...

To try to teach is a complete waste of time since the students are comatose after about noon...

VS

[ckhl]

BTW, rumor has it that HCT will continue normal hours during Ramadan..

Shame on you. Just like a naughty child, germinating and spreading such rumors.

[veiledsentiments]

Rumors are the lifeblood of the Gulf expat.

VS

[NadiaK]

I don't think there's any danger of adjuncts being replaced by FT hires for two reasons:

1. Each college has a minimum number of hours which must be taught by adjuncts
2. I think it's unlikely that the required number of FT faculty will actually be recruited as quickly as they are needed.

If anything, I suspect there will be *greater* need for adjunct faculty.

Of course, if you're an adjunct but want a FT contract, now is probably your chance...

[Bindair Dundat]

[Strolling minstrel]

[ckhl]

If you are so unhappy with your current employment that you respond in such a way then pack your bags and do as VS and I did. Never let the institution take your peace of mind.


It hasn't. Again, financially it's been a good run and the endgame has begun. I have no doubts regarding my perspective on teaching in the Gulf. I've stood by it and nothing has shaken it. But you didn't really answer the second question...are you a supervisor or a supervisor's plenipotentiary??

[ckhl]

And a final rejoinder...never have I let anything at work compromise my sense of humor. that you cannot see humor in my response but instead respond defensively says far more about you than it does about me.

[veiledsentiments]

For what it's worth, I think both of you are correct, but I don't see the minstrel as being a very good representative of management.

Back when I was there, little organized PD was done, but the place was much smaller. But I have to say that I will always be thankful to HCT, not only for the padding of my investments, but from what I was able to learn working with that professional group of teachers.

Another positive was that there was no such thing as an adjunct and all teachers were treated like professionals... given full contracts though perhaps for just a year until they proved themselves, and they responded in kind by doing a great job.

So, anyone considering an adjunct position should look at all the details of pay in relation to responsibilities. Don't let yourself be overly taken advantage of... HCT can be a demanding employer. On the other hand, you can learn a lot there to put on the CV.

I was a bit shocked by NadiaK'c comment that each college has a number of hours that "must be taught by adjuncts"?? What is that all about?? Hiring adjuncts has become a goal that we must meet like raising the grade point averages?

VS

[NadiaK]

[veiledsentiments]

How can they set a 'goal' for X number of adjuncts when they never have the slightest idea of how many students that they will have the next academic year?

This makes no management sense from either a professional nor economic direction. I'd like to hear then justify it... or even give a reason in comprehensible English...

VS

[Sheikh Inal Ovar]