Job Discussion Forums

[elaina]

I am currently teaching conversational english to a new resident of Canada. During class, she is a fireball!!! She speaks, laughs and debates with absolutely no problems. She is confident in public situations with her english ie: ordering coffe, lunch, talking to her daughters school. However, when her husband is around she doesn't speak any english. He tends to push her to speak and corrects her every time she speaks. He feels that since she "obviously" is not using her english skills, that there may be a problem with the teacher. Does anyone have any ideas on how to address this issue?

[Glenski]

Other than punching the husband (just kidding), I would say that you might want to talk to him in private. Tell him you can see that his wife is somewhat (an understatement!) inhibited by his presence, and that he shouldn't do the correcting. You should. Besides, she should feel more comfortable making mistakes with the teacher around, and the key is communication anyway. Also, tell him that you have seen her as a real fireball in class, so you know she can do things better than when he's around. Hint, hint, hubby. Stop browbeating her.

If she is vying for a translator/interpreter position, that might make the situation a little different, where accuracy is more important than mere communication.

I assume the husband is Canadian. What nationality is the wife?

[elaina]

Actually they are both from Venezuela, he is here on a work visa with a large corporation and she is along for the ride. (I agree with the beating though:)

[Jetgirly]

Could you send home a report card? Make it look like you send it home with every student and outline her particular in-class strengths. I think that approaching the husband is somewhat inappropriate (I mean, college profs don't approach their students' spouses). I think you're going to have to tread lightly here; you don't him to "lose face".

[gaijinalways]

Maybe you could also video or at least audio tape her in class and send a sample copy to the husband and that should dispel any doubts the husband has about her abilities (and ours).

[furiousmilksheikali]

[DainaJ]

This is between you and the student. If the student has a problem with you, then deal with the student. If the wife has a problem with the husband, then none of your business. If he's paying the bill and decides to switch teachers - not a lot you can do.

I think any adult would be incredibly offended if you went to their spouse to talk about their school progress.

[ls650]

I think DainaJ's advice is spot-on: this is a problem between the student and her spouse, and you should stay out of it if it doesn't impact the class.

I don't understand why the husband is in her class. If he is a student put him in a different class, and if not, he shouldn't be there interfering.

[Tuttifruitti]

I completely agree with the last two posts - you do your job well and you don't have a problem with her in your class.
The other possibility is that she may not want him to know just how good she is. I've seen it happen before - a wife/daughter playing down her abilities because she doesn't want to stop going to classes.

[elaina]

They are not in class together. It is outside of class that the issues happen. They invited me over for dinner the other night and she didnt speak two words in English because everytime she spoke he made a point of correcting her tone etc. A few weeks ago, it was the same thing. I ran into them at Starbucks and chatted for a while. Not two words out of her. I just dont want to have her feel like she is not progressing on account of him. I agree with the point about not speaking with him as he is not my student, but I don't know how to make her feel better about her skills witout putting the husband down.

[sallycat]

i can see why this upsets you, but i honestly don't think there is anything you can do. you can't sort out her marriage problems.

in class, make sure you make sure she knows how good she is (although i get the feeling you already do this). that's about all you can do.

[Venti]