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realmeanmotorscutor
* Dog in the Sand *
USA
1764 Posts |
 Posted - 09/12/2004 : 21:06:27
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As some of you might remember, I'm teaching English writing in China right now. Well, when I got here they asked me to also teach a bunch of High School classes for one month. My college classes are hard enough, but the High School is a real chore!
So far I've been given a standing ovation, been bombarded for requests for autographs and been asked if I knew Bill Gates and Michael Jackson . . . they meant personally and they were quite serious. In the middle of one class I thought one girl told me I had a nice ass. Naturally, I was thrown and asked her to repeat it hoping she was saying "voice" as many people have complimented my voice. Finally I found out they she was trying to say "eyes." Understaning them alone is tough, never mind making myself understood.
When I would ask a question they would ignore it and ask me if I like basketball. Mind you, I had already told them I did not like basketball - twice! It's just so hard getting through to them and I have three more weeks left. They know absolutely nothing about the world and what's appropriate and what isn't. I don't blame them, I blame their teachers. I have a huge problem being a spectacle. I mean, I wouldn't give autographs even if I were famous, never mind a guest speaker whose only credential is being American. I can't teach them anything; I'm just something to gawk at and ask stupid questions of like, "will you sing us a song?"
So, do you guys have any suggestions? My college students are asking me all the time how to interact with foreigners and what's polite and impolite. I'm considering giving some lectures on that to the High School, because it's clear that no one is teaching these kids if they're still asking about it as Juniors in College! I'll have to say something long the lines of, "At this point in your education, you probably don't know much about intercultural etiquette, so that's what we're going to talk about today." Of course, I won't be able to say it in those terms cause they won't know what the hell I'm talking about. I want to do it in the most polite way, but someone has to step up to the plate.
So if you have any suggestions for what to talk to them about, I'm open. Also, if you have any great ideas for writing exercises and lesson plans for the college courses, I'm always looking. Thanks all.
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Homers_pet_monkey
= Official forum monkey =
United Kingdom
17125 Posts |
Posted - 09/13/2004 : 13:59:39
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Erm, I didn't want to be the one to have to tell you this, but you have a booger hanging from your nose. That's why they're gawking at you.
Seriously though, I have no idea how to teach them. But hey, that's YOUR job right . Good luck though, and keep us posted. It's good to hear from you, even from the other side of the world.
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Live every day as if it were your last. Eventually you'll be right
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realmeanmotorscutor
* Dog in the Sand *
USA
1764 Posts |
Posted - 09/13/2004 : 16:00:14
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Thank you sir. I've wiped the snot and am heading back in for another try.
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Daisy Girl
~ Abstract Brain ~
Belize
5305 Posts |
Posted - 09/13/2004 : 18:07:30
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Oooh that's tough. Seems like teens in China are also rough on subs too. I have only tought in volunteer settings... but I would say just set aside 5 minutes of every class to answer their questions. Otherwise... just don't say anything.
Also, can you incorporate their interests in your lesson plan for example if they like music and your studying poetry... can you talk about Dylan or somone else as an example... just an idea... good luck. |
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slaveish
= Cult of Ray =
USA
269 Posts |
Posted - 09/13/2004 : 21:51:40
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| I agree with Daisy Girl- set aside some time for questions, then let them know that the rest of the class is for the lesson you have prepared. Be the boss. Seriously, I used to go through something similar in a class I taught to adults in California. It was always a challenge to keep them on track and stick to the topic at hand. But you have to be firm and just press on. They'll let up when they see that you're in control. Good luck! |
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realmeanmotorscutor
* Dog in the Sand *
USA
1764 Posts |
Posted - 09/13/2004 : 23:10:35
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Thanks guys. It's not that they're rough on subs, it's that they don't know any better. They mean to be respectful and appropriate, but their shitty teachers have not helped them along at all. Hence the lesson on intercultural conversation/etiquette.
I actually planned to set aside some time for personal questions and then get to the meat of my topic, but I kept encountering road blocks and found myself continuing to answer the same questions.
I plan to take charge, but I have such a short time with them that the time is gone by the time I get them on track. My college classes are easier because we have time to work through the bs and get to the subject; not so with the wee ones.
I like your suggestions and have used them in my college classes but, again, there's just not enough time to incorporate 70 students per class in 40 mins. If you're too firm, they get scared and unresponsive. If you're too relaxed, you get nowhere. I need to hit that happy medium.
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twist
- FB Fan -
USA
191 Posts |
Posted - 09/13/2004 : 23:42:39
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| Sounds like they're interested in popular culture, You're now in a position to start a Frank Black groundswell in China. |
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Daisy Girl
~ Abstract Brain ~
Belize
5305 Posts |
Posted - 09/14/2004 : 12:14:46
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| well food bribes usually work but sometimes backfire due the hyperactivity it causes. maybe you could say for every 5 or 10 classes everyone stays on topic you can give them an american pizza party or other type of us food they might like and you can access. |
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Homers_pet_monkey
= Official forum monkey =
United Kingdom
17125 Posts |
Posted - 09/14/2004 : 14:46:31
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It's good to see that you care enough to be aksing for people's advice. Not all teachers would do that. Some would just go home and swtich off from caring. Good to see you are not one of those bad ones.
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Live every day as if it were your last. Eventually you'll be right
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realmeanmotorscutor
* Dog in the Sand *
USA
1764 Posts |
Posted - 09/17/2004 : 05:35:20
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I should subject them to FB.
HPM, I'm new to teaching and am not even going to pretend that I have all the answers. I know what you mean; many teachers don't give a shit. I wouldn't feel right, though, ignoring the essentials as many of their teachers have dione so far. I probably am a bad teacher, but I'd like to become a decent one.
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Hanoi333
- FB Fan -
Netherlands
70 Posts |
Posted - 09/17/2004 : 06:04:45
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Yeah, I agree it is good to have some reflection on your work and think about giving some multicultural lessons or something like that.
By the way it is common in the whole of Asia to sing some songs during the breaks (between two hours)with a microphone. Why don`t you sings some songs for them or at the end of the lesson? you can let them hear some English songs as well. Make a practice of it, so that they can understand the lyrics. By the way, in Vietnam (and I think in Chnina as well) in many book stores and magazine shops you can find many lyric books of English songs. For example in Vietnam I was often asked what means "just another lemon tree" in that English song.
I found that a good question, since I also donot know what it really means.
Well anyway, I wish you good luck with you work over there..
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realmeanmotorscutor
* Dog in the Sand *
USA
1764 Posts |
Posted - 09/17/2004 : 06:33:15
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Thanks Hanoi. Well, I guess asking me to sing isn't that stupid then. But still, in the middle of class it's a waste of time - plus I don't sing in front of people:) I just bought a DVD player and it came with a mic cause everyone does Karaoke here. I don't but hey, it's a free mic.
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Hanoi333
- FB Fan -
Netherlands
70 Posts |
Posted - 09/17/2004 : 08:37:26
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If was asked two times to sing in front of the class in Vietnam, during a break. (I was not a teacher, by the way, but some friends asked me to attend some lessons)
The second time I sung some Dutch song, which I halfway stopped because I couldn`t quite remember the lyrics.
Anyway, it doesn`t matter whether you like to sing along or not, You should do whatever you feel comfortable with, yet it could be nice to have some music elements in your lessons.
again, keep up the good spirit. I think you are doing a great job over there!
greetings Hanoi333
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Help with teaching Chinese High Schoolers!
