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[jwatts83]

Hi,
I'm writing to ask current English teachers in Spain if they would share some of their experiences, as I have to write a brief paper on the role of education in Spain. I'm going to be a teaching assistant for 8 - 12 year olds in Madrid this coming Fall. I'm 23, white, female & have a BA from UCLA in History, and am going to have a TEFL certification from UC Irvine Extension.

Generally, my research paper is supposed to inform me & the other students in my class about the role of the teacher, student, and school in Spanish society--then more specifically--the role of English language instruction in the Spanish public school system.

I just have to ask 24 questions, so I might as well post them and if you feel like responding, please post your answers. These are standard questions given to me by my teacher. Most of the questions are geared towards teaching middle school and older students.

1. Do students typically view male and female teachers in the same way? What differences exist in the attitudes of students and their expectations for male and female teachers?

2. Do teachers typically call their students by their first name in class? Does age make a difference in using first names in class?

3. Do teachers frequently socialize with their students, perhaps inviting them to their homes or out to eat at a restaurant?

4. Do teachers typically tell students if they don't know the answer to a question?

5. What are common discipline problems and how do teachers handle them?

6. What is the dominant teaching style?

7. What do you think an American teacher might do that could offend students (without intending to)?

8. Do students frequently ask the teacher questions in class if they don't understand the material?

9. If students don't understand part of the lesson, do they generally seek help from the teacher (in class or out of class), from other students, or from another source (tutor)?

10. Do students often pick their own reading materials and writing topics? Do they suggest topics to discuss in class?

11. Do students openly express their opinions in class about a range of topics?

12. Do students typically regard their personal responsibilities to their family and friends as more important than their school responsibilities?

13. How long do students typically spend on homework each evening? (middle school, high school, college age or adults being tutored)

14. How long is an average school day (in an academy/public school situation)?

16. Is their a hierarchy of best schools? What does a student do to enter a top school?

17. Why do students typically study English?

18. Is corporal punishment accepted/common?

20. How do parents (for middle/high school/college) respond if a child does poorly in school?

21. What is the protocol in a business class setting where the boss is a student with his/her subordinates? What problems are likely to arise for a foreign language teacher in this setting?

22. How is the study of English viewed in Spanish society/what value is placed on learning English?

23. Is there a difference placed on American English vs. British English?

24. What equipment is typically available in most classrooms: blackboard, chalk, VCR/DVD, overhead projector, CD players, etc. Are language labs common in public school & language school settings?

Thanks very much!