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Q: Renegotiate contract from one year to one semester?

So I'm teaching at a University and during the first few classes I was really strict with the students. I don't allow them to use phones or talk in Chinese. If they use their phone I will take it but return it to them after class is over. I also slow down a little when I speak but not slow enough for them. I don't really plan on letting them play games but I do plan on allowing them to have fun and interesting classes. The school has decided that they want to change the contract from a one year contract to a one semester contract.

 

What would you do in my situation? Should I leave right now and just start at new school asap? Should I change the way I teach and allow the students to use their phones and talk in Chinese during class? What recommendations can you give me in this situation and what would you do if you were me. 

Edit.

I'll also add they asked me if the contract could be shortened from July 2018 to January 2018. I told them I would think about and get back to them next week.

I read the contract and it said the terms can only be modified if both parties agree..

thanks everyone for your suggestions. it really helps a lot。

6 years 26 weeks ago in  Business & Jobs - China

 
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It is pretty clear from the OP that this is your first teaching gig in china. You confirmed it later.

It is admirable to see a teacher who actually wants to teach well. Idealism is great but This is China. Now before you start thinking that you have any negotiation chips, let me just say that you are not here to teach them anything. You are the entertainment class in their schedule. Sorry to burst your bubble.
That said, you can make a difference.
Number 1, chill about them using phones in class. They will think you are some kind of a nazi dick. Some of them will be using their phone translator. Chill out. They aren't middle school kids.
Number 2. Speak like you have a head injury. Get over yourself and stop making it harder for them than it has to be. Remember, your class is unimportant to their graduation.
There will be a few keen students (girls). Make your lessons funny and have a few activities. Use the keen girls to lead the groups.
Don't forget to make yourself the brunt of many self deprecating jokes. Chinese love to laugh at other people.
You seem like you want to do a good job but you need to understand that you doing a good job equates to the students having a laugh in your class and not finding it hard. Sorry to be the bearer of a truth bomb. Just chill out and make your lesson plans fun. And give up the dream of manipulating them into doing anything. They don't give a shit about you because you are a foreigner.

Englteachted:

He's doing the right thing regards to phones

6 years 26 weeks ago
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6 years 26 weeks ago
 
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1st. Find new employer (who must be authorized for foreign hire).

2nd. Once you have 1. you can have talk with Uni about terminating/changing the Contract terms.

3rd. If you'll come to an agreement with Uni, they must supply Release letter and FEC Cancel cert. in 30-days after your last working day.

Both docs. will come handy at new employer. You won't be required to exit China and apply for new Z visa, but your new employer will be able to change records at PSB as your new RP sponsor and you'll continue with work till the end of Residence permit.

 

Your present employer cannot force you to terminate the Contract if you didn't violate your Contract terms (by being drunk in class, late or miss classes and similar). Excuse as 'your lessons aren't interesting' cannot be ground for Contract termination by party A.

 

Your rules in class are OK (IMO) till they don't violate School's rules, so have a talk with Uni's Head about it (as 'Can I do that ... - take phones-?').

Englteachted:

Yes they can, mutual 30 day clause

6 years 26 weeks ago
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icnif77:

That is Probation period and termination of Contract is doable by party A without party B's Contract violations. I wasn't thinking about that at my reply above. I assumed OP passed 30-days of work. 

6 years 26 weeks ago
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6 years 26 weeks ago
 
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Part of me doubts your story, Universities pay shit to begin with. And they usually (9/10) hire legally. So it is extremely difficult to find replacements. I've seen many teachers who deserved to be fired but not. 

Ok le's assume this isn't another BS post. Maybe you pissed off the wrong person/ student? Maybe they did a check on your degree and found it to be bogus? Maybe you completely suck as a teacher? 

 

If you're really in this situation, listen closely.

Yes find another legal school , make sure the door is open to start immediately or start after the semester. Don't commit yet. Go back to your current school and let them know you would exercise your 30 day clause. If they're trying to really give you the boot, they'll be happy. But remember this will cost you a month's salary. If they resist, agree to finish the semester on 3 conditions. Reference letter 40 days prior to the last date working (you don't want to risk them giving you a bad reference out of some sort of revenge) Other documents 10 days prior. Next half of flight reimbursement because you worked half the contract. paid on last day.  Lastly no penalty for ending the contract on either side. 

 

Give notice by email and text message (wechat)

Dandan93:

My degree is real it is notarized so they know its real. I'm actually debating on finding a new job right now and threaten to quit after National Day. I wonder if they would agree to continue the contract into a year if I could start a new job in the next few week's. They can't find a new teacher for my classes that quickly..I also told them I would teach freshmam classes next month for a teacher getting his visa processed. (He won't be in China until the end of October or early November. Thank You for your reccomendation.

6 years 26 weeks ago
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Englteachted:

You can't walk without giving the proper notice so leaving in 2 weeks is not an option. You can't do a runner and legally gain employment after. Grow up

6 years 26 weeks ago
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Dandan93:

Its not that I'm actually trying to do a runner. I'm trying to force them to agree to the original terms of the contract that we both agreed upon. They do NOT have anyone that can teach my classes and the teacher who will arrive in one month. I want them to go by the contract. I also reread the contract and it didn't say anything about the length being shortened from 1 year to six months.. But you are probably talking about what they can legally do then you are probably right even though my contract doesn't say it.

6 years 26 weeks ago
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Englteachted:

Threatening to do a runner will hurt you more. Fuck staying somewhere when they don't want you there. Go to another school

6 years 26 weeks ago
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LastTargarean:

I think it depends on the terms of the probation period clause. Mine currently says 3 days written notice, but I'm only part-time.

6 years 26 weeks ago
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icnif77:

Contract you signed at part-time work is invalid 'cause part-time work is illegal by Chinese law. 

6 years 26 weeks ago
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Shining_brow:

Depends on the definition of 'part-time". MOst uni teachers are, technically, 'part-time' because they work much less than full-time hours...

 

If he's on a legitimate contract, with a legitimate visa/RP, then he could have a legitimate contract.

 

Remember - contracts only stipulate maximum number of hours... they rarely stipulate minimum number... and so, yes, someone could technically be part-time and legal.

6 years 26 weeks ago
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6 years 26 weeks ago
 
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You might want to re-assess your teaching/discipline style.

 

Why aren't you speaking slow enough for them?  You... don't... have... to... go... at... a... snail's... pace... but learning a second language is difficult. Slow down.

 

What's wrong with games?  Well thought out games can help with learning and keep class from becoming too boring.   What is fun and interesting TO YOU is not necessarily going to be fun and interesting to them. 

 

There are ways to get them to not speak Chinese/play on their phone that don't have you come across as an aggressive ass-hole (which is probably how the students see you) and I suggest that you find some that work for you. Some of the methods that I use to promote English usage is, when ever I hear Chinese in the classroom...  they have to tell a joke in Chinese and in English. Sometimes I start speaking in Arabic/Spanish to them.  If they're using their phones in class, I will either compare their phone to mine or I will lean over to watch their screen, as if I'm SUPER interested in what's on their phone. Instead of being "strict and mean" I use humor to maintain discipline. 

 

This won't help you much now, and since you're probably still in the probationary period at your university they CAN shorten your contract (letting you go mid-semester would be too difficult for them to replace you.). I'm guessing that you are not very experienced, so learn from this.  Switching jobs is a bit of a hassle, so start looking TODAY. 

Dandan93:

Yes this is my first teaching job in China. The most aggressive I've been is telling them to put their phone in their purse or holding my hand out and asking for their phone. I will take your advice and try to lay off though. thanks

6 years 26 weeks ago
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Spiderboenz:

You will come to learn that people here seem to be addicted to their phones 

6 years 26 weeks ago
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Englteachted:

Spider: I disagree. He shouldn't change his rules at all.Improve his communication, maybe yes. 

Some schools are just set up wrong. They give the students too much power. They want the foreign teacher to be the clown sidekick to the serious Chinese teacher. 

 

What I do is I explain the rules carefully the first class I ask them why? I get them to understand the purpose .

 

 

Dan: Why on earth would you want to stay somewhere when they don't want you?

Here are your grown up options, 30 days notice or finish out the semester. 

Don't be afraid to tell a school byebye, you're qualified so you're in demand. Fuck em and leave with class

6 years 26 weeks ago
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Spiderboenz:

I'm not saying that he should change his rules, but his approach to enforcing the rules

6 years 26 weeks ago
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6 years 26 weeks ago
 
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Governor

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The phone part is easy. During the few times I’m called to speak or lecture, I bring one of my lower powered, four frequency phone jammers. They’re generally effective for a 10 -15 meter radius.  I generally don’t wear headsets when I travel so I have a pen sized one with a 3-5 meter radius I use for trains, buses, and movies when the phone zombies don’t use inside voices or headphones for their games.

mike168229:

Aye, course you do Bond.

6 years 26 weeks ago
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Aikidan:

If you aspire to Bondism, you to, can purchase the larger, pocket size jammers on JD or other similar websites or locally in Gangding, GZ or Huaqiangbei, SZ. They’re pretty common. I bought my pen size one in the Akihabara district in Tokyo, Japan. I haven’t seen them in China yet. Still easier than finding a shaken, not stirred, martini in China.

6 years 26 weeks ago
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6 years 26 weeks ago
 
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It is pretty clear from the OP that this is your first teaching gig in china. You confirmed it later.

It is admirable to see a teacher who actually wants to teach well. Idealism is great but This is China. Now before you start thinking that you have any negotiation chips, let me just say that you are not here to teach them anything. You are the entertainment class in their schedule. Sorry to burst your bubble.
That said, you can make a difference.
Number 1, chill about them using phones in class. They will think you are some kind of a nazi dick. Some of them will be using their phone translator. Chill out. They aren't middle school kids.
Number 2. Speak like you have a head injury. Get over yourself and stop making it harder for them than it has to be. Remember, your class is unimportant to their graduation.
There will be a few keen students (girls). Make your lessons funny and have a few activities. Use the keen girls to lead the groups.
Don't forget to make yourself the brunt of many self deprecating jokes. Chinese love to laugh at other people.
You seem like you want to do a good job but you need to understand that you doing a good job equates to the students having a laugh in your class and not finding it hard. Sorry to be the bearer of a truth bomb. Just chill out and make your lesson plans fun. And give up the dream of manipulating them into doing anything. They don't give a shit about you because you are a foreigner.

Englteachted:

He's doing the right thing regards to phones

6 years 26 weeks ago
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Did you mention anything in the way of politics or anything that could be misconstrued as negative about China? Remember iyt has nothing to do with it actually being sensitive they'll just take it that way. 

Dandan93:

The only lesson I did that could be considered when I had students compare and contrast Finnish and Chinese Education.. A lot of students criticized the gaokao and chinese education. but i didn't really say anything negative about chinese education

6 years 26 weeks ago
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Englteachted:

That's still on you. Each class has a monitor or an unofficial who reports back to someone in the school.

6 years 26 weeks ago
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6 years 26 weeks ago
 
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They want to change the contract because they don't want you there for whatever reason. Your stated reasons may not be the ones they want you gone. You may never know. Could be they found out you are having an affair with someone. Could be anything. Go ahead and sign a new contract. You will know more if your get paid.

 

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6 years 26 weeks ago
 
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There's also quite a few important details you haven't mentioned that may help explain the problem...

 

Firstly - about yourself. Where do you come from? What's your passport? What's your skin colour and ethnicity? What's your age and gender? Many of these have 'wrong' answers in the eyes of dalu ren.

 

Secondly - what's the uni you teach at like? Where is it - province, city and county? How much are you being paid? Which department are you in (English? Foreign Language? International? Other?) 

 

Thirdly - what the deal is... you are quite probably a singing dancing monkey. Teaching something may not actually be a part of your job, regardless of the contract. BUT... it's possible you are actually at a place that gives a shit. (unlikely, but possible!)

 

Q: how many of your students are actually competent? And how many are fucking around doing as little as possible? This will answer most of the issues... Adding to this - how run down is the place? If the buildings look like they need demolishing... yeah, GTFO ASAP.

 

 

To also answer some of your questions and queries... some facts. You're posting now, so you're probably in probation period... and by the time the new guy comes in, you'll be out of probation period, and so they can't just dump you. And right now, they need a teacher! Also, it looks like the place you're at actually has someone in HR who's actually competent, and has either dealt with FT's before, or is someone who actually tries following the legalities of the contract (incredibly rare, when it's not in their favour). The fact they're actually asking you for a reduced term, rather than just finding reasons to kick you out is... interesting!

 

Also - be a phone nazi! Be a strict arsehole teacher! They're not kids anymore... they're supposed to be adults! If they can't take their fucking faces away from a phone for 45 mins, they have serious issues, and seriously need an injection of 'real life'. (Of course, if they're genuinely using it to help them - eg, dictionary, then a) don't be a dick, and b) tell them to get an electronic dictionary!) In being strict - also be fair! Let them know up front what the deal will be. Write it out, print it out, give it to them, and get them to sign. And, give them an option... accept your class rules, or don't come to class. (and, yes, that will mean failure).

 

As for speaking too fast... it depends - how often do you repeat? Say things many times, slow down a couple of times, repeat more, and speak in your normal voice. Get them used to your pronunciation, and get them used to hearing normal English. It will take time, but it will work! In the beginning, many will only understand about 30% of what you say. By the end of the semester, it'll be closer to 80% - win!

 

Now, back to the contract thing... go with what Engles said above - getting stuff well in advance! And, of course, the new job! Unless, of course, you can use the situation you're in to your fullest advantage. But, if for some reason you decide to stay, be careful - you may find yourself getting shafted by not playing along, and that will probably mean your reference letters etc you get when finally kicked out won't be so nice!

Dandan93:

1. I'm a 30 year old black American. But I look much much younger like I'm in my early 20's.

 

2. I teach in Guangdong it's kind of far out but the buildings aren't that old. But the computers and projectors in the classroom don't work very good.. I teach in the English department. My salary is just 10,000 a month but I have a p/t job they don't know about. I'll will also make 8000 extra after National Day when I start teaching Freshman classes because they are another teachers who hasn't had his visa processed yet. (When he leaves it goes back down to 10,000. I teach nine 90 minute classes. 

 

Maybe 10 out of 40 are competent in each class. The rest can speak just passable English and don't try and don't care. They can Carry on basic conversations but have to use their phone to translate to do a lot of task and "read" instead of speak in role plays. A lot of them pretty much fuck around and use Wechat during class. 

 

The first day of class I told them if you use your phone I will take it, and give it back when class is over. I look about the same age as them so I kind of have to be a little strict because if I'm not I think I will lose control of the class. I do allow them to use their phone to translate though every time I've taken a students phone it's because they were on Wechat or some other social media app. 

 

I usually repeat things at least twice sometimes three times. But if they don't understand no one will speak up even if I offer to explain further so I never really know how much they understand. Some of them also complained about the first day of class because I made them interview each other and introduce their partner to the class. They said they already knew each other so it was pointless. I told them I don't know you and I don't know what level of English most of you have so I had no choice. 

 

One thing I do get onto them about is laughing and talking loud during other students presentations or role plays. It's disrespectful I HATE it and I get onto them about. 

 

The other thing is I kind of make students do their work anyway some just make excuses but I make them do it anyway sometimes even when they say they aren't ready (and I know they've been dicking around). 

 

I've already contacted other schools but none are in the city I live in now. I'm pretty much gonna refuse the option to work until January and tell them I've found a new job and see what they say. At this point I don't have a choice I don't trust them but I honestly never did in the first place so I'll see how it goes when I meet with them after national day.

6 years 25 weeks ago
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Dandan93:

double post

6 years 25 weeks ago
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Shining_brow:

Right...

 

Your kids are the same as basically every class I've had at university. And, sounds like you're doing exactly the same things I did. Actually, I sometimes did worse. At one point, I asked them to show me their homework. A good 80-90% of course didn't do it (including 1 entire class). So, I sent them all down to the dean's office, and told them to explain to her why they're lazy shits...

 

I've also made them cry (including the boys)... after all, their parents worked hard and saved a bucket of money to give their kids a better life by sending them to university... and they're throwing it away by playing on their phones, being rude and disrespectful, etc... Obviously, that means they have zero respect (and love) for their parents to be so callous about their effort to put them in uni. (it gets a small result, but is worth it :D)

 

Therefore, there is probably only one reason they're booting you (unless there's something else you haven't told us).

 

I think you're on a good deal there - 15 hours for 10K... plus the time to do outside work. I'd keep it if I was you (if you're after the money).

 

And, therefore, you can confidently walk into the director's office and say "listen dude, if you're just trying to get rid of me because I'm black - just say so! I do already know just how racist dalu ren are...and I already know this is the problem. But it'd make things easier if you just said it. That way, there's no time wasted trying to sort out any 'problems'".

6 years 25 weeks ago
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6 years 26 weeks ago
 
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A:  "... through ..."?  Only "through" comes to mind is "S
A: "... through ..."?  Only "through" comes to mind is "Shenzhen agent can connect you with an employer, who's authorized to hire waigouren ... and can sponsor Z visa." It's not like every 10th person you meet in Shenzhen's hood can sponsor work visa ...  The only way to change from student to labourer visa is just a regular way by: 1. Finding an employer, who'll apply for an Invitation letter; 2. Exit China and apply for Z visa in your home country's Chinese embassy; 3. Enter China in 30-days after Z visa was stamped into your travelling instrument ...As I am aware, you won't be able to switch to Working permit by remaining in China....,so make ready for a return to your home .... -- icnif77