Job Discussion Forums

[Tigerstyleone]

How are Chinese students?

Kindy, Elem, Middle, High, Uni, Adults.

Any advice regarding their behavior, manner and work ethic is appreciated.

[Lobster]

They are individuals and are all unique; or were you hoping perhaps for an accurate stereotype?

RED

[Miajiayou]

I can only speak for uni students. In the classes I've been given, work ethic has varied widely, even at the same school and in the same semester. It really depends on how good the English program at the uni is, and how many of your students are actually English majors.

Speaking very generally, university courses are easy to pass here and students generally breathe a long, lazy sigh of relief when they get there. You'll have your students who like learning English, those who resent it, and those (the vast majority) who could swing either way depending on your lesson plan that day.

Behavior is generally quite respectful, even if you haven't earned it. But, I've heard lots of stories of students talking, sleeping, and using their cell all through class so who knows? There are so many factors that can't be predicted ahead of time.

I will say that I started here in 2007, and I think the behavior of students has changed a LOT. I taught a course this summer at a key high school and I was left with the impression, after each and every class, that I had just taught a bunch of American high school students - in a good way! They were active, inquisitive, extremely social, and funny. Much harder to manage than my first students, but well worth the trouble.

[Scott 1955]

Scott

[Tigerstyleone]

thank you guys, I was just wondering if the students behavior is similar to other countries I've taught.

I want to make sure I don't have any unrealistic expectations about teaching in China.

Thank you again.

[dharma86]

If university students like you, they are great to teach.

Can anybody give any feedback on Senior High School students?

[7969]

I taught at a high school once. In Jiangsu province. I discussed crime and punishment incl. the death penalty in one class. During the question period one student at the back stood up, and announced that China needs the death penalty. I asked why he thought that. His answer, and this is exactly what he said: "Because China has too many people." I left that job early because I really didn't like it but that quote alone made my time there worthwhile....

[Lobster]

All my senior high school students have been great. Middle school is the one I avoid like the plague.

RED

[randyj]

I would second what everyone has already written. The twelve-to-fourteen age group has to be the worst. I consider senior middle school not much better. In senior middle school, the entire three year period concentrates on passing the gaokao, where spoken English currently receives little emphasis. As a result, most students give oral English short shrift. It's all about the test in China.

[TexasHighway]

7969 wrote:

[RonHex]

I would say from grade 1 - 12 they are hard working and under a great deal of stress

Uni is the exact opposite.

[cormac]

I think it really depends at what kind of school you're teaching. i.e. private versus state.

I found students at private schools to be way more spoilt and more likely to throw a tantrum. (regardless of age)

As for Uni's, my students are in a mid-level university, their families aren't wealthy, so they work extremely hard to succeed. They understand just how hard it is to get work especially for english majors.

But overall I'd rate Chinese students of any age as being better behaved than other nationalities. There are always exceptions though. I have a friend in another university and he says his students are a complete nightmare to teach and have extreme discipline problems.

Its pot luck IMO.

[The Great Wall of Whiner]

Depends on the location. China does not have one homogenous culture. Different regions have different kinds of people and cultural and behavioural quirks. Name a city, might get a better and more accurate response.

Students in Nenjiang are a lot different than those in Jinan.

[wuxi]

The easiest ages to teach are from about 6 yrs to 12 yers old. Students below 6 yrs old have limited vocabulary and are often terrified of foreiners. I find above 12 yrs old the students want to be "entertained" and adults are often the most demanding students. If your lesson is less than perfect they'll let you know about it.

[7969]