Job Discussion Forums

Polina · Joined: 04 Dec 2003 Posts: 71

I teach English to adults in Taiwan. I am teaching those who really need to use English for a specific purpose, however I am a bit disappointed at their attitude. I am a good teacher, which they acknowledge, but they want me to be clownish or charming or something - I don't even understand their idea of fun. I enjoy my classes, and laugh at things during the class. I am friendly towards the students. However, I respect education, and also do not have it in my personality to put on some pathetic fake act in order to make them "like" me in the same way they like pathetic fakey Hollywood stars. I have too real a personality to lower myself to that shit. I am just so totally sick of this attitude that even when the teacher is good and interesting and gets them to discuss interesting topics, they don't want to actually have to think at all. To me, that IS what interesting IS!!! I think this must be their problem. How on earth are they ever ever going to learn to communicate if they don't have anything to communicate? But the customer always has the money, right. If I walked into a French class and it had the kind of classroom atmosphere they like, I would feel uncomfortable, get bored, think "this is absolute shit", and never return. Is there anywhere on earth that good teachers can be secure in their work without having to be fakey entertainers and can discuss interesting topics in class, not just those that a 12 year old could cope with? Or am I just in the wrong profession? Sad

Discouraged.

jason_seeburn · Joined: 26 Apr 2003 Posts: 399 Location: Toronto

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Taylor · Joined: 24 Oct 2003 Posts: 384 Location: Texas/Taiwan

Dear Discouraged,

I never really enjoyed teaching adults. Is that all you teach? Maybe a balance between kids and adults would be beneficial--if that is possible.

Do you teach these adults at a regular language school, or at their office. (I think that makes a difference, for many reasons.)

How about the curriculum? Hopefully, it is both organized and flexible.

Let us know more about the male/female ratios. Also, students generally prefer language teachers of the opposite sex, I have found.

About how old are you, by the way. I found that I have gotten much more set in my ways (stubborn, contrary, hard-headed) after passing the big THREE-OH (30).

Best Wishes,

Clint
Kaohsiung 1995-2003

MTurton · Joined: 10 Mar 2004 Posts: 107

Adults have different motives for joining classes. Some are interested in finding romance with classmates, others because they have nothing to do, and so on. For me the main frustration is not the varying goals but the slow progress; you don't really see them improve, and thus get no positive feedback from student growth.

On the other hand, adult classes can be good for YOU by providing connections for romance, tutoring, translation, and other kinds of work. You should definitely have some in your inventory of classes. Try to see the class as an opportunity and not a chore.

You might be able to find more devoted adult classes at local university language centers. Also, if there is an industrial district near your house, walk into the Admin Center and ask if they hold classes, or leave a note that you are willing. Some companies mandate/encourage employees learn or improve English, or are willing to give employees time to learn English during work time. Not only can you expand your range of adult classes, but you can open up new opportunities for yourself in company jobs, and also get classes at weird hours for which it is sometimes difficult to get classes.

Hope this helps

Michael Turton

Polina · Joined: 04 Dec 2003 Posts: 71

Thanks a lot. You both had some helpful ideas.

matchstick_man · Joined: 21 May 2003 Posts: 244 Location: Taiwan

I'm going through a similar thing but I'm only teaching adults with basic English in a one-on-one situation and am finding it a real challenge as unlike children they (and not their parents) expect the teacher to be both entertaining and a miracle worker.

Wonder · Joined: 29 Jun 2003 Posts: 109

I found the same thing when I was teaching adults in Seoul. They want entertainers and educators rolled up into one happy ball. The reason for this is nomally they have just had a class with some guy or gal that really hit it off with them, or the majority in the class, and they expect all teachers to be like this now.

I say stick to your guns and this will pass. The sooner they realise that they are getting their money's worth, the sooner they will stop suggesting you be a stand-up comic.