Job Discussion Forums

[KES]

I�ve frequently encountered the term �McSchools� on these forums. While I have my own ideas about these (but no experience teaching at one), I�m interested in hearing your ideas, and in particular, your experiences.

It would be helpful if you could preface your comments by stating whether or not you have had experience actually teaching at whatever it is that you define as a �McSchool�.

I�m trying to learn what the pros and cons are regarding these schools. I�m interested in learning about what the corporate culture is at such schools and how the culture is perceived by the teachers and others.

In theory, I can see some benefits to some standardization. One index of quality is a lack of deviation. When I buy an automobile tire, I�d like each to be exactly like the other. When I eat a McDonalds, I have a reasonable expectation of what will arrive, even though the product (insofar as taste appeal) is in my opinion, lackluster. When I check in to a Hilton Hotel, I expect service and accommodations to be near perfect every time, anywhere.

However, as we all know, teaching isn�t a product; it�s a service - even though it is perhaps sometimes marketed like a product.

A large chain of schools, on the face of it, would seem to enjoy many benefits, economy of scale, more resources, financial stability, and a procedural rationality.

Yet, some chains have become infamous on these boards. I don�t know whether this is because of their monolithic size, or in spite of it.

I�m sure that all of us have encountered chains, like the Hilton, that provide a consistently superior product. And some, like McDonalds, provide a perhaps mediocre product, but nonetheless, do so with consistency.

I�m curious as to whether these schools are a bad idea per se, or whether they have simply executed the concept poorly.

Are there any �Hilton� chains of schools in China?

Your thoughts please.

[william wallace]

Nothing to say.