Job Discussion Forums

shuize · Joined: 04 Sep 2004 Posts: 1270

MOD EDIT

Back on topic, however, here's what I wrotein response to abufletcher:

Sweetsee · Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Posts: 2302 Location: ) is everything

I am curious to know more about why teaching J-students sucks.

Brooks · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1369 Location: Sagamihara

well, Shuize, if you are Danish, I guess it is best not to go to the Middle East now.

I guess what I don`t get, Sweetsee, is that if teaching Japanese students is so bad, why would someone renew his/her contract?

Sweetsee · Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Posts: 2302 Location: ) is everything

Heard that, Brooks.

Big John Stud · Joined: 07 Oct 2004 Posts: 513

What is abufletcher doing in Japan? If you don't like a culture leave!

Big John Stud · Joined: 07 Oct 2004 Posts: 513

What is abufletcher doing in Japan? If you don't like a culture leave! Idea

abufletcher · Posted: Wed Feb 01, 2006 4:50 am Post subject:

I don't want to be giving the wrong impression. I've enjoyed, for the most part and for a host of reasons, the 10 years I've been in Japan. I also enjoyed all the other countries I've worked in. I don't hate Japan but I do prefer some of the other countries I've lived and traveled in -- on the whole.

But I'll be honest and admit that the reasons I've stayed in Japan have very little to do with any idealized loved of the culture of Japan. I've traveled (often for extended periods) in over 30 countries and Japan is by no means the most interesting place I've been. For the most part I'm here because the particular job I was offered here was better than the particular job I had in Mexico (a wonderful country to live it but economically challenging with a family) and a step up professionally from the language instructor positions I had in the Middle East (where I also had a wonderful time and was never once threatened by "terrorists").

In terms of the calibre of students I teach, Japan has definitely been a step down. Japanese university students (or maybe it's just MY university's students) are among the worst I've ever experienced in terms of maturity, passivity, apathy, and culture of mediocrity.

At the moment there are still some practical/professional advantages to living in Japan. But as soon as that balance changes, I'll be on my way with few regrets.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Sweetsee · Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Posts: 2302 Location: ) is everything

Hi Glenski,

Something wrong with that? I have never taught anywhere else and I wanted to know how they compare with others, perhaps. Or perhaps I wanted to compare notes, learn more from the experience of others.

Warm regards,
s

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Sweetsee,
No problem with that sort of question. I just didn't see it worded that way. I felt you have lived here long enough to know very well why "teaching J-students sucks".

Sweetsee · Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Posts: 2302 Location: ) is everything

Glenski,

You don't think it sucks, do you Glenski? If anything I think that a long time spent teaching sucking students makes one a better teacher. Look at me, after last years mess the world is my oyster! If all you have is good students than you can't grow.

Take care northern neighbor,
s

SEndrigo · Joined: 28 Apr 2004 Posts: 437

Having also lived in the Middle East I have to highly disagree with Abufletcher.

You'd have to pay me a million dollars to go anywhere in the Middle East, and even then I'd still refuse.

I'd rather have "sucky" Japanese students and sushi, than enduring living in an Islamic culture, which in and of itself sucks.

I personally don't think Japanese students suck. I think their culture is different from students you taught in Oman, and they have had a different experience in learning English while in school.

I like the fact that students here are for the most part polite, and they respect you.

I like the fact that Japan is a safe country and does not have any kind of religious extremism.

I also like the fact that i could criticize the Emperor and Prime Minister and I wouldn't have to fear for my life.

I understand how you feel about Oman and the Middle East. But my personal opinion is that it's a pile of rubbish.

Sweetsee · Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Posts: 2302 Location: ) is everything

Hi SEndrigo,

Take it you have been there?

Brooks · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1369 Location: Sagamihara

I definitely have improved as a teacher in Japan. I have been forced to be creative and have had to plan more, since I have taught my share of unmotivated and lower level students.
Actually, if all my students were good, I think I would get complacent.
Foreign language teachers in the US certainly have their share of bad students, I am sure.
If your students suck, it doesn`t excuse the teacher from teaching good lessons.
But how many times, have I heard "if my students don`t care, I don`t"?
We don`t get paid to avoid work. We are paid to work. Yes, teaching is a job.

I will tell you what sucks: go work in a restaurant or cafeteria and wash dishes all day.

Sweetsee · Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Posts: 2302 Location: ) is everything

Tell it like it is, Brooks!