Job Discussion Forums

[laylow]

My first question is why on so many of these threads, when the OP asks a question or expresses a concern, the entire thread turns into a 'who can upstage who' or 'who can prove they know more than the other'?

I am thinking of applying to Al Maarefa and looked at a thread. After the first 4 or 5 posts, the other three pages don't even relate to the OP's question.

Isn't it possible to use this site for it's intent; to aid instructors in making decisions that can have either good or bad consequences on their lives/careers?

With that in mind I am simply searching for any opinions on this college: pay, accommodation, student discipline, teaching equipment in classroom, life in Riyadh (yes I know it is Saudi!) etc, etc.

My main concern is discipline. Is discipline unbearable? And when I say unbearable, I am not referring to having to repeatedly ask a student to put the cell phone away (as said before, I know this is Saudi). I am more concerned with outright disrespect (personal attacks and other things that even the Middle East should be past at this point in EFL education). In other words, if the students have some respect for you, can progress be made in terms of teaching?

Thank you for any comments. Please feel free to PM me. While I would hope for an unbiased reply which includes negatives and positives, I will gladly take all of the former or all of the latter if it is just commenting on the job itself and how it relates to my concerns: what is the pay, how is the accommodation or allowance, teaching hours, textbooks, class size, etc, etc.

Not trying to complain, but it is really sad when a site like this turns into 'I know more than him or her'.

I foresee a huge barrage of shots coming. (please keep your verbal attacks of me to a minimum )

Thank you again for any advice or feeback. Your assistance is greatly appreciated.

Regards