Job Discussion Forums

[CECTPA]

I've been thinking about moving to a Gulf country if possible. (Not holding my breath) One thing I am really puzzled about: when teaching speaking, I always prefer to focus on things that students actually want to talk about.

What do you talk about when so many things are haraam? I'd be coming from Turkey, where of course there is also a considerable list of topics you aren't supposed to talk about, but doubtless not as long as in KSA.

[007]

[Mia Xanthi]

There's not much need for teaching speaking in KSA. If there is one thing that these students can do and will do, it is speak. Even beginners will talk your ear off. You just have to keep it light. You should not expect long, philosophical conversations, but rather a lot of light-hearted, funny banter.

The challenge here is getting students to be able to read and write. Now that takes some work.

[007]

[Mia Xanthi]

I don't have any basis for comparison since I cannot teach men in KSA, but from past experience and from listening to the stories of male colleagues, the men seem to be just as talkative as the women. It seems the men are just as much fun as the women, or maybe even more.

I think the men would be even more talkative with a woman as a teacher, whereas the women would be more demure. As you know, Muslim women are not supposed to call attention to themselves in public settings that include men...and I think that many of my students would be very shy in the presence of an unrelated male.

At my university, there are some male teachers who teach female students, but no female teachers teaching the male students.

[trapezius]

[SD BOY]

Here are some good topics to discuss with your Saudi students;

a) The Holocaust and its lingering effects.
b) The beauty and sanctity of Shia poetry and traditions.
c) The status and role of homosexuals in today's Saudi Arabia.
d) The family dog.
e) Bacon vs. sausages for breakfast.
f) Finally, remember to ask them as many questions as you can think of about the King and the Royal Family. Try to get the students' innermost feelings on said subject.

Have fun!

[SD BOY]

Wait! I forgot one...comparative Eastern Religions.

Polytheism is always good for a few laughs in KSA.

[cmp45]

Despite limitations on various topics, the key is to get them to read. Then eventually speak and write about what they read.

It can be tricky to make otherwise mundane topics interesting as well as being able to simplify topics that can be understood in a second language at the various levels.
other suggested topics might include:
environmental issues
sports
geography
economy
design /architecture
traditions and Saudi culture
wildlife/ hunting/ photography

well...maybe stretching the topics somewhat, but it is up to the teacher to find ways of using what is available and acceptable...admittedly not so easy to do.

[sheikh radlinrol]

[spiral78]

I've taught Saudi men and women in Canada and in the Netherlands. I don't mean the odd immigrant, but whole batches sent to the universities, to study on special courses designed for them.

The most challenging was 22 male Saudi technical university instructors, ranging in age from 20 - 50, for 8 weeks. It was tough for them and for me...our evil DOS posted only female teachers on the program, despite the fact that some well-qualified male teachers were available.

In the end, 18 of the 22 came to my class on the last day with a present and flowers and a prepared speech saying they hoped they had not made me feel too bad in the first weeks of the course because by the end they saw that I was a good teacher and wanted to thank me. I assume the absent 4 didn't agree, but you can't please all of the people all of the time I was extremely flattered and pleased to have 18 thank yous from such a difficult situation!

Today, we have pre-med Saudi students here at the uni in Netherlands, mixed groups of boys and girls. They're actually working together pretty well, and seem to respond equally to male and female teachers. They are motivated to make it work, as they know they'll be here for 4+ years and have to integrate into Dutch university culture. It's an interesting process to watch, as they get used to gender integration in the classroom.

[spiral78]

Sorry - i realize I got off topic:)
But I'll leave the post, for whatever little interest there may be in mixed gender Saudi classes, even if they're not focused on conversation.

[Linguist]

[freesoul]

Like everything else around us, Saudi Society is changing, slowly though. So, since this thread seems to get off its trolley, let's guys try not fall into the typical trap of stereotyping a whole group of students. They are becoming open more and more open in their interests.

I myself decided never to use the word " Kabsa" as the staple food of the country simply because it is not. It is just another oversimplification and overgeneralisation.

When the buzz word " intercultural communication competence" is increasing gaining popularity in the EFL arena, we seem to fall behind in terms of EVEN trying to reach out for the others.

Sad!

[007]