Job Discussion Forums

JerkyBoy · Joined: 12 Jan 2012 Posts: 485

I have been hearing stuff about the behaviour of Saudi university students and how they can give you a hard time.

What sorts of things should I expect?

ultraman111 · Joined: 17 Sep 2011 Posts: 148

sleeping, talking, ignoring,boring attitude, high self esteem, not without half a brain, smelly,comical, full of sheet, etc etc

although some guys (and gals, taught them before also) are really smart. They learn quickly and are ideal students when the learning environment is condusive.

Badar Bin Bada Boom · Posted: Fri Mar 16, 2012 10:40 am Post subject:

Some like to interrupt you rudely, shouting in Arabic, right after you've specifically asked the entire class for your attention for an announcement. This is particularly true for young Saudi military officers--lieutenants.

JerkyBoy · Joined: 12 Jan 2012 Posts: 485

JerkyBoy · Joined: 12 Jan 2012 Posts: 485

JerkyBoy · Joined: 12 Jan 2012 Posts: 485

JerkyBoy · Joined: 12 Jan 2012 Posts: 485

ultraman111 · Joined: 17 Sep 2011 Posts: 148

johnslat · Posted: Sat Mar 17, 2012 12:03 am Post subject:

Dear JerkyBoy,

"Please elaborate. How do we engage Saudi students effectively?"

"It seems a farmer was complaining to a friend about the trouble he was having in getting his stubborn mule to move. After listening to the farmer's complaint, the friend said he knew just what to do.

"Get a two-by-four and whack the mule across the head with all your might," advised the friend. The farmer was taken aback. "But how will that get him to move?" asked the farmer. "Well, you see," the friend said, "first you've got to get his attention!"

OK, just kidding there. A four-by-six works MUCH better.

OK, OK - I'll get serious. Like so many other places, a LOT depends on the "first impression", the one the students get of YOU, not you of the students. You have to be "respected" - and how you act (and it may indeed be "acting") in that first class is going to go a long way towards starting to get that respect.
Treat them as adults, but don't treat them as friends - well, maybe a "friend" in the way an uncle or an older brother could be. Be hard especially at first (you can loosen up later) but always be fair. Find out about them as individuals, if you can.
It's really little different than teaching in, say, an inner-city school; the difference is there (almost always) no violence - just laziness, joking, and inattention. But those can be, if not eliminated, reduced to a minimum.

I'm generalizing here, but having taught literally (and I do mean literally) many thousands of Saudi students over nineteen years, heck, if I can't generalize, who can? Very Happy

All the best,
John

sharter · Joined: 25 Jun 2008 Posts: 878 Location: All over the place

John's right...first impressions count. Be firm but friendly and never lose your rag. Always be fair. Even if you're seething inside, smile and just wait till they've finished or just talk more quietly. I usually put the good guys at the front and the ones who don't want to learn at the back. Don't go yelling and screaming as you will lose face. Also, learn a few Arabic words.

Shoof=Look
Essme=Listen
Urkudu=Calm down
Marhaba=Welcome
Shukran=Thank you

Don't say Chub/Uskut for shut up....it's rude. Also, Arabs don't say please......they're not being rude-it's a cultural thing.

After 4 Arabic countries I can honestly say that there are those who can handle them and those that can't. The bottom line is that this is TEFL; it's not worth getting wound up.

The golden rule is this; if they like you, your job will be much easier.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

sharter · Joined: 25 Jun 2008 Posts: 878 Location: All over the place

I was chatting about this to some Arabs the other day and they said that it's a word they use when they're pleading/begging for something. Saying please is a kind of loss of face.....if I understood them correctly.

I agree with you tho'. Arabs are very polite in public and the more you learn about their culture, the more you know it if that makes any sense.

I think a lot of teachers can't make the adjustment to their culture. Arabs are excitable, they do chatter and they do often lack discipline. It's just the way they are. They also lack study skills and it's not really their fault as it starts early doors in school. I like them.

johnslat · Posted: Sat Mar 17, 2012 4:32 pm Post subject:

Well, I do recall being "min fadleked" at least a few times Very Happy

.

Regards,
John

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

But then there is the sweet shy little female student who comes into your office and with downcast eyes says... no... demands "Give me the book!!!"

At first it is shocking, but eventually I found it amusing and would give a quick lesson in how to charm your EFL teachers. Laughing

VS

cmp45 · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 1475 Location: KSA