Job Discussion Forums

[BillyBaddusky]

I don't intend to start a polemical thread that will invariably get locked. My question is simply about classroom management and the current political zeitgeist.

I have many years experience in the gulf and whenever students either casually or, when they are intent on winding up their teacher, ask questions related to iffy talking points which are political, culturally sensitive or are religious in nature, I've always dismissed the questions quickly with a terse, "I am not allowed to discuss this things by law." Students usually back off.

However, soon I'll be returning to the kingdom after a few years absence and I'm wondering if the students tend to be politically apathetic (which is my hope) or, in light of the hot spots in the region, if they are extra keen to push some angry young men agendas in an English class and methods used to politely keep classroom discussions focused on language learning.

[LPKSA]

[BillyBaddusky]

Thanks LPKSA.

[nomad soul]

When I taught in KSA, I set up a system with my female students in which the T-shaped, "time-out" gesture was used when either they or I broached a subject deemed as off-limits by the university or as too personal. We established the list of forbidden topics together, and after a few practice runs, the students got it. During my time teaching, I effectively employed this non-verbal gesture no more than a half dozen times without any issue. Not surprising, I noticed a couple of my students subsequently using the gesture with their classmates during conversations both in and out of the classroom.

Regardless of where I've taught, I also incorporate non-verbal signals during testing, which includes invigilating the writing portion of placement tests. It keeps the room quiet and also tends to relax the students. Prior to starting the test, we establish that one hand up means "I have a question"; a raised hand with the thumb and index finger as an L is the student's request for liquid correction ink; and optionally, both hands up signal the student has finished his/her test and it can be collected by the test monitors.

[LPKSA]

[fledex]

I like to keep it political. The students can get worked up and struggle to use more English fluently. Just be smart about how you deal with it. For example, talking about Saher and whether it works is a popular one with the guys. From what I read and hear from the female teachers, talking about problems with emo or goth girls may interest them. Just don't take the bait if they try to get you to talk about something they could use against you later if they want.

[Mushkilla]

[LPKSA]

[sicklyman]

you don't even have to antagonise them. All it takes is you engaging with a contentious subject for just one student to head to the nearest admin office and make your working life very difficult.

Don't give them the opportunity. It's not worth it.

ANd if you really do think it's worth it, think of other teachers who may suffer because you entertained it. You may get away with it. But they may feel encouraged to try it with other teachers who get themselves into hot water.

We're here to teach English, not spread the Gospel of Western Civilisation (whatever that is )

[scot47]

Teach the book. Test the book. That is it. Forget all the rest.

[MuscatGary]

[nomad soul]

[LPKSA]

[MixtecaMike]

I don't lay down the law, I enjoy the to and fro of "conflict" between their laziness and my desire for them to learn something. We have the threat of one day you'll piss me off too much, when it arrives they realize I do have a limit and the next day we start again. Most days they learn something, and all of us have a bit of fun.
I gave my high school teachers hell, so I need to be able to take it now the shoe's on the other foot (albeit slightly older than high school feet).