Job Discussion Forums

[pickle005]

All the contract/accomodation/pay issues aside, what's the actual teaching like, especially the first couple of days. Are you given a text book and told to prepare the lessons yourself? Do you go thru some kind of training? What are some of the Do's and Don't's? Thanks

[dearbarbie]

i reckon it depends on your school.

i was given a textbook and timetable and sent on my merry way. i wasnt even shown where my lessons would be. i ws told to teach a crappy textbook - 3 lessons per unit and write my own lessons. ive used the textbook once so far. i had a training afternoon from the company (rolls-royce not some dodgy gap year company!) that sent me here but nothing from the university...

[Roger]

Most universities are as poorly managed as any state-owned business or even private enterprises: ad hoc decision making is king.
English classes - especially those extra-curricular activities such as English practising - are organised by having students sign up individually after the semester begins (in some cases, anyway); this means your classes begin a while after your students have begun traipsing to classrooms.
Even if your classes have been planned together with other subjects well in advance you will often arrive totally clueless and you have to improvise your lessons.
There is no continuity anywhere in China's education system.

It is good to always have something to fall back on. You may find textbooks fantasticd - or not, as the case may be! - but the level of your students' comprehension nearly always leaves desires unfulfilled; hence your need to take appropriate action that's not covered by those textbooks. Going by the letter of textbooks is an invitation to fail!

[shenyanggerry]

One of my first frustrations here was the lack of both a cirriculum and a textbook. I even tried to arrange a meeting with the Chinese English teachers so I could co-ordinate my oral classes with their efforts - to no avail. It's as if their courses are a state secret!

Now that I'm used to the system I wouldn't want it any other way. I decided that what they need most is fluency exercises. Almost my entire effort is devoted to some aspect of fluency. By the end of the term I can notice a clear improvement in those who attend class. It is fulfilling to know that I did make a difference.

I've never had a visit from any member of the university establishment in any of my classes. I assume that they are satisfied with my work as I am back for my third spring semester only contract. It's indicated that I'll be welcome here as many years as I like. I guess I'm doing a satisfactry job.

[rickinbeijing]

Kyle,

Teaching in a Chinese university, whether public or private, is pretty much like teaching in South Park. Which is to say the manual you use is called "Fly By the Seat of Your Pants."

But seriously, with few exceptions, most (including key ones) have no concept of an integrated curriculum. And, sadly, most don't give a rat's pigu either. The few Chinese faculty who do care either become disillusioned or leave for greener pastures.

Think of a dancing turd and you have a good metaphor for the typical foreign teacher of English behind the lecturn in a Chinese university.

This is not to imply that you should merely "go with the flow." Don't be the Cook in South Park. Oh, no!

Plan a curriculum but only provide the department dean with an outline. If no objections are forthcoming, go for it. But first ask other FT's who have already taught there for a year (if they're are any) what tends to work (as in pedagogically appropriate EFL material) and what doesn't. Save yourself reinventing the wheel.

Don't be textbook driven whether they give you one or not. On the other hand, don't be haphazard in your selection and use of material, either. Don't be draconian or insist only on spoken English as some neo-colonialists insist on this website (in particular one with a huge number of posts to his name who posts on nearly every thread every week if not day, if you get my drift.)

And don't take the lack of commitment to actual collaboration by the Chinese faculty too seriously. They are underpaid (but also underworked) and largely indifferent, or have become apathetic through the sheer press of Red Tape.) Nor should assume that anyone is satisfied with your work just because they don't visit. If your students are asked to evaluate your teaching--which is done via the class monitor--you'll know soon enough. Unless your performance is dismal by all accounts, you shouldn't need to worry, however.

Having said this much someone cynically, don't become cynical and give up on being self-reflective. All good teachers are, as I'm sure you know intuitively. Pair yourself with an upbeat FT or Chinese teacher to encourage you when you get discouraged and sift and winnow through the advice on this forum (some is great; some utter rubbish).

[pickle005]

thanks for all your inputs guys. while ppl may differ greatly on what makes a good ESL teacher, i do believe most put in a damn good effort trying. (at least ones that roam this website) so again, i thank you all for your ideas.

rick, i do take issue with one thing you said. that's not kyle, it's eric cartman.

[rickinbeijing]

Dear Eric,

Sorry to mistake you for Kyle. I know this must really p*ss you off, dude.

[GeminiTiger]

Cook isn't passive Children, don't ya all remember the movie..
Cook lead the disertion of his military unit in the war against Canada.

[Psycho.Matt]

Hey Pickle

I teach economics and business and it's quite structured, although there's some room to move. Most of the kids are hell-bent in getting to a western university for their graduate studies and that's what we aim for.

I think it's different if you are teaching general English or if you're a specialist. Another factor may be the quality of the university. There's a list of the more 'serious' ones at http://rank2001.netbig.com/en/phb_01_0.htm

The list is a bit old but it's the only one I know.

[pickle005]

on a somewhat related note, how did u guys land uni. jobs? i went to www.abroadchina.org, and applied to a few, so far a few days have passed, haven't heard a peep. so if anyone is working for a Shanghai uni.(or some other private institutions in SH) and is looking for ppl, PM me. thanks folks.

[tofuman]

I haven't taught in a Uni, but I was offered a position in one of the better ones in the province. I plan to turn it down.

The obvious disdain with which I was regarded by some of the personnel was one of the first clues that this would not be a good situation. Their attitude seemed openly contemptuous. Then there were the serpents, the slick, oily guys, glad handing, smiling, effusive in their welcome. I could see through it all. How I could be exploited was all that they were really thinking about.

The FAO never appeared, having his designee do all the talking. Of course, he was a likeable guy with decent English, but he had no authority to do a thing for me, except bring me the news that whatever my request , it would be ignored until a crisis was reached.

The director of the department was a really likeable lady, but probably a paper tiger as well.

In summary, the nice people were impotent and the ones with the power were lying *beep*.

The housing was unbelievable. A dinky place filled with furniture, barely room to move around, no storage. Even the "nice" guy became irritated when I asked about the internet connection. Appropriate illustration of the contempt in which they hold foreign teachers. A rathole.

Not impressed at all, not at all.