Job Discussion Forums

[ytuque]

I am considering applying for a uni position and have a few questions about students. In general, how would you characterise their behavior and work ethic? What percentage of students attend lectures on a given day? How about turning in assignments? Are they respectful? Is cheating rampant? Are cell phones in the class a major headache for professors?

[larryB]

It absolutely depends on which uni and which program you are applying for. As the position is (apparently) for a native speaker, it could be ESL / EAL, but not necessarily so - some of the universities sell outright ESL classes, and some have certain curriculum conducted in English, and of course the qualified native English speaking teacher is very important.

You will find most local students in real schools (i,e, regular unis) to be extremenly respectful. Of course there may be exceptions - spoiled brats are increasingly common in this economy.

As regards mobiles, surely it is up to the teacher / lecturer to ban these if the requirement to arises?

[ytuque]

I currently teach uni in Serbia. Banning mobiles doesn't work here! Serbs love their mobiles and have no sense of manners related to them. It isn't common for Serbs to talk on the phone while using a urinal or toilet, so the classroom is not off limits.

If it is simply a matter of saying no mobiles in the classroom, it doesn't seem to be a problem in Vietnam.

[kigolo1881]

It's up to the assertiveness of the teacher/prof.
You sound like a timid pushover to let them go on using them during class.

If you ban mobiles and they still use it, take it up or kick them out.