Job Discussion Forums

[struelle]

The drama unfolds.

We just got a new principal this semester. I've never seen the guy as he's way up the power chain, but from I can tell, he's slamming his iron fist on the table. BAM!!!! Things are really shaking up and there's tension in the air with the Chinese teachers. Previous work relationships and guanxi have been totally altered, and I'm as clear as mud how I fit into the new political reality here. My gut feeling is that it's not good, and trouble is on the horizon.

The last principal was more 'relaxed' in that he encouraged extra-curricular activities, sports, and English corners. This was crammed into a brutal courseload and schedule for students, but at least the atmosphere had some freedom. Now, the new principal makes it clear: Ditch the programs, we're now shooting for higher marks and test scores.

First change was that he decreed all the extra-curricular posters and ads on school be taken down and replaced with regulations. He then ordered an extra 30 minute study period in the morning at 7:15. Afternoon study was extended another hour until 5pm, and he pushed back the curfew until 11pm at night. Students still wake up at 6am and do morning exercises, and of course, evening self-study from 7pm to (now) 10pm. Next rumor I hear: school uniforms.

My previous FAO has been replaced to a senior figure. If I ask the previous FAO for help now, she just says, "Sorry, it's not my job anymore." The senior FAO has been observing my classes like crazy, with of course no notice. She says I teach well, but the tudents don't take it seriously. She will now punish those who take a slack attitude, and insist I do likewise.

Ouch. Talk about unpredictable things. Life will be very interesting in the next few weeks.

Steve

[lagerlout2006]

I bet the test scores will go down...Crazy this idea that students have it too easy or something...Here they also resist anything that might be considered fun...study study hard.....or whatever that Mao quote is.

[NumberOneSon]

Well, if the scores go up, the principal will be convinced he's
doing the right thing and keep at it.

But what's next, scraping the paint off the walls?

The only middle school I ever entered was Orwellian
enough (especially the odors) that I don't think they
would be nice places to work.

[batman]

crack is bad for you, so cracking down, as far as im concerned, is probably bad too. i dont walk on cracks on sidewalks, as we all know, this can lead to breaking your mothers back. that should clear things up.

[shenyanggerry]

Struelle, start looking around. Then you'll be ready to jump to a pleasant environment when your contract ends. Good Luck.

[struelle]

[arioch36]

While I would guess that most of us would prefer the style of your first headmaster, what your new headmaster is doing is pretty typical. High school students go back to the classroom from 7:00 to 10:00. Scores are not getting better? Add an extra hour. Never matter that good students get burned out, and half the students are basically sleeping or sending short messages.

Oh well.

[mr pink]

Struelle,

What you're describing is the way I found my high school. There are ridiculous slogans (many of the them in Chinglish) posted all over the place exhorting the students to study harder, no extra curricular activities, Christmas party was cancelled, and the only thing the headmaster cares about is test results.

As a result, the conversation classes, which I teach, are seen as an inconvenience by many of the students. They're usually tired and bored all the time. On their only day off, they often do homework and sleep.

If the FAO is trying to crack down on laziness in your class, it's just another example of the school asking FT's to do the impossible.

My school is understanding, ironically. They told me beforehand that the students will be unmotivated and difficult to handle.

good luck,

mr pink

[struelle]

[arioch36]

[struelle]