Teacher Discussion Forums

Am finding training days a bit of a problem. Western teachers dominate and 'know' everything. Local teachers conforming to Asian 'passive' stereotypes 'let' them. These are deeply unsatisfying - any suggestions to getting around this to help make them useful and learning and reflective. By the way everyone in the department is fine but as everywhere there are a few egos around - Aussies, Brits, Kiwis and Canuk.

I notice you don't mention us Yanks when you talk about egos, or is that because many Americans don't know a whole lot about grammar? (an observation from a few years' back CELTA class)

Do something on cross cultural training.

And include questions on
-the best ways to antagonize the locals,
-and why you will never know if they don't really like you,
-some stuff on western habits that locals (the wider community) find offensive. Be careful not to let the egos spin it back on how discuting they think locals are. Keep it along the lines of fitting in and it is the 'visitor' who is ignorant and lacks self awareness.

Yes, useful tips - some of which are gently touched on in the staffroom. There is a need for some crossover. We are coming from two completely different expectations of teaching and teachers - I don't think it is possible to marry the two.

As for Cousin Yank in post 2 - modest as you are, there are none of your gentle breed in our school....and IME your grammar isn't that bad.

Tigertiger - it was so obvious really - issues we chatted loosely about in the staffroom I put into a more formalised setting and added some of yours on antagonsim. So much came out, not all of it complimentary unsurprising really, but at least it is a platform on which to build. I think we underestimate cross cultural issues - so often it's construed, politely mind, as patronising, rude or ignorant.

Sadly, I still have several more sessions to organise - IT, class management, mother tongue in the class, and many more....