Job Discussion Forums

[Yorks Lad]

Hi,

Does anyone have any thoughts on working for ADEC? I have an interview coming up soon (not with teachaway) and can't find much information on this site. It would be teaching at a vocational college - some threads on here suggest it could be difficult in the classroom but most of the complaints seem to relate to bad management in certain institutes (not sure what the difference between the different acronyms is or whether they're all quite similar). I've taught in the Gulf before so used to the idea that the students might be what my college tutor referred to as 'reluctant learners'. Any more insights or recent news?

Thanks,

YL.

[Incedere]

If it is ADEC, you'll be teaching in a government school. The level of English will be extremely low (If you are familiar with the CEFR it would be A1 to A2 at best for the most part.)

If you want to get a sense of the situation, Natasha Ridge at the Dubai School of Government has written a number of very insightful policy briefs and working papers on the subject.

The reality is, you'll be teaching students with little or no motivation to apply themselves. This is not to cast judgement on the students. If you look at the UAE with an economist's eye, it is easier to understand the underlying situation.

However if you do feel adventurous, there are a few things you will need to know...

Cheating is endemic, and while you will be expected to frown upon it, actually trying to stop or interfere with it could cost you your job, or, at the very least, damage to your own person or property.

High marks are the norm. Most of your students will expect marks in the 90s. Even if they cannot utter a single clear sentence in English, this will still be the case, and you will have to figure out a way to make sure they get those marks. The reason for this is because in the UAE, student learning is the responsibility of the teacher.

Reform initiatives aside, students in this country are used to a) lectures, and b) learning straight from a single text. You may be expected to implement student centered lessons that include cooperative learning elements, but just don't go overboard.