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Posts: 119

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Q: Are foreign teachers in China expected to truly teach or just be a white face/clown?

I'm going to start teaching soon, and I've heard different kinds of stories from people. Some say their schools didn't ask them to give out homework, correct tests, etc...so the kids didn't care, and expected to have fun during class.

I got no problem with having fun, but if they just treat the whole thing as a joke, how am I ever going to keep discipline or even interest in learning English?

12 years 41 weeks ago in  Teaching & Learning - China

 
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Posts: 6

Governor

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No matter how the school do, you have direct control of your class.
Try your best to be a good teacher. Those kids need you!

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12 years 41 weeks ago
 
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It all depends on the school. Having said that, most schools, kindergarten through university, are looking for a white monkey to entertain the students and keep them happy. If the students complain, the foreigner is GONE.

There are exceptions such as international schools and a few universities.

The most sought after foreign teacher knows how to play the guitar. That should give you a clue.

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12 years 41 weeks ago
 
Posts: 650

Shifu

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I think it’s because native speakers is required for oral practice, the kids have enough homework from their Chinese teachers.
And to give homework like write down every thing they have to say at class and recite it, is not the way you practice your oral English.

And SNMandarin is right, it's up to you, what you want to be in that classroom.

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12 years 41 weeks ago
 
Posts: 8

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As a Chinese, I hope foreign teachers can teach us something useful, not for fun.
However, you have to face the reality, how to raise interest, how to explain to your leader of school, etc..

Good Luck.

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12 years 41 weeks ago
 
Posts: 1084

Shifu

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There will be occasions where your presence plays an important role in some events or activities. The fact that you are there can give the people involved a good face.

I think to say that foreigner teachers are merely performers in the classroom is just largely critical. Maybe it is coming from disgruntled people who are trying to teach in a truly professional manner and find the kinds just wanting to play games all the time.

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12 years 41 weeks ago
 
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Seriously dharma86

Are you intentionally trying to mislead people or are you really that misinformed?

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12 years 41 weeks ago
 
Posts: 26

Governor

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In my public middle school, I am expected to impart knowledge, and I am supported in that effort by the English teaching staff. Still, there are ways and there are ways. Chinese teachers of English teach the subject like any other subject. They teach the science of the English language. In Chinese They don't teach the English language. I teach the language. In English. Some of my students (I have 240) couldn't care whether I live or die; others seem to hang on to every word. I teach to the ones who want to learn and demand that the rest not disrupt the class. We get along. You have the power to change lives, but to my experience, there are only a few who will be receptive to the invitation you make.

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12 years 41 weeks ago
 
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Having taught at 6 schools from primary-university level, I can say that they have all just wanted a white face to entertain the students. Only 3 out of 6 of the schools wanted me to even give out grades... but all those three stated that the grade could not be lower than 70% (or a 'C'), so it was pretty much pointless keeping a ledger when everyone passes anyhow. And I agree with the comment that if the students don't like you then you're gone. I've seen it happen many a time. Sad really.

Dancing Monkeys Unite!

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12 years 40 weeks ago
 
Posts: 436

Shifu

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just a white face/clown。
ans why do they complain?? They are so well paid 。。and chinese girls are so crazy for them .. what else do they want ?

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12 years 40 weeks ago
 
Posts: 1084

Shifu

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I'm speaking through my own experiences. That's what you're all doing, yes? Otherwise it's not your place to pass judgement, right?

So many people choosing to be foreign teachers but nobody's joining the circus, hmmm

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12 years 40 weeks ago
 
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Actually some have studied this issue at length.

The real term is WHITE MONKEY.

Pass judgment? What are you on about?

Recruiters and FAOs do not check references or even degrees. They first want to see your passport face page Why?
White skin and blond hair are preferred. No degree, OK. No experience, OK. No ability, OK.

Can you play the guitar and chat with the students? You are hired.

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12 years 38 weeks ago
 
Posts: 423

Shifu

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EXPECTED??? by who.. you or your employer??
I am so proud that i am not a white clown, i worked in 2 schools at the same time (and before you can have a working visa or expert cert. you need to prove you have at least a B com. They even went as far as to check on line at the university if i was listed.
Now i am proud to say, i have my own school (together with my wife). Last year we began with 4 students and have now more than 100 students, offering English, Chinese and Maths. Teaching is a passion.. so if you think you will get rich as a teacher.... forget it.... Before i came to China, i worked in other less promising countries as a teacher without earning 1 RMB a month. My reward was.... i assited someone to have a better future...
So if you not a good teacher..... go home as you give yourself and your country a BAD name...

xinyuren:

Interesting story, Fritze. What city is your school? My gf wants to do something similar.

12 years 25 weeks ago
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12 years 38 weeks ago
 
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Someone can't keep a job?

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12 years 38 weeks ago
 
Posts: 423

Shifu

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Is this a platform to show Chinese people what you came here for? to be a Clown? And, to waste their time and money? I truly hope that the Chinese will see the difference between the two. if i was a Chinese and read all this how MOST so called teachers value there work and services... then i would NEVER make use of a western teacher.... as all this prove how useless they are.
I really thought teachers are intelligent.... but you expose your bad actions and work ethics to the whole world.. I hope the Chinese Government can see this and get rid of the useless teachers.
For me it looks like the so called white clowns cant get employment in their own country cause they no good and unqualified.. And run to China to get an income to lie and bullshit to make a living.

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12 years 38 weeks ago
 
Posts: 226

Shifu

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I don't know Fritze...I think you're being a little radical...

when the kids, from the very start, are told your class isn't graded and doesn't matter, how the hell are you going to control them?

High school students have class from 8 to 4, then from 7 to 10pm. The rest of the time they're doing homework. Give them one class with the white guy who's class isn't graded, and what are you really giving them?

a. a chance to do homework for other classes - you know, things that actually matter to them
b. time to sleep
c. time to go crazy

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12 years 38 weeks ago
 
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You think Fritze is being a bit radical? Try this - put a bounty on White Monkeys!

They are a disgrace to themselves, their home country and they make it harder on real teachers.

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12 years 38 weeks ago
 
Posts: 423

Shifu

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Zootown i am not offending you or anyone, I just think it all depends on the teacher and how many students you have per lesson, cause you need to maintain a balance of discipline and enjoyment. I found if a class is too big its not easy to control discipline but i prepare a lesson plan (that interest the age group you have) and it works.
Yes i am lucky i don’t teach anymore in a government school. I have my own and the students are here cause they want to learn and the parents are serous, as my lessons don’t come cheap

exilemick:

You were a teacher and you now have your own school? I hope you can teach better English than you have written here. I would suggest you check a dictionary (you do know what a dictionary is, don't you?) and look up 'because' and 'cause'. They are two different words, each with specific meanings. I hope that one of your larger students doesn't discover, ever, how you've mislead your students with such bastardisations of a beautiful language or they may wish you to experience defenestration.

12 years 25 weeks ago
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Fritze:

exilemick, sorry i didn't know writing here for a English test. And i am not concerned about your critic, We have enough students who is happy here.

12 years 24 weeks ago
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12 years 38 weeks ago
 
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When a "China old hand" like Fritze speaks, everyone would do well to listen.

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12 years 38 weeks ago
 
Posts: 121

Governor

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It depends on who is doing the expecting。 As to the students, they are like those of any other country; most of them are expecting a good teaching experience. Public school and private are like two different worlds. The administration at most both are another story, mostly interesting in just getting by and not so concerned with the educational factor. I think that most Chinese students are looking to the foreign teacher for something different than their Chinese ones. I like to say that teaching here is like combining the skills of a drill sergeant with those of KTV expert.

As to the white monkey stereo-type, I was recently turned down for a post due to the fact that I was not "black".. Go figure, the only thing consistent in China is inconsistency。

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12 years 38 weeks ago
 
Posts: 1932

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I've literally been called "foreign clown" in previous schools, being told to laugh, dance, sing, etc., only to be jeered at. hahahaha five thousand years so clever.

Of the four schools I've full-timed at in China, the current is the only one that expects a serious foreign teacher, mostly because we mainly target extremely rich Zhejiang people for private lessons, rather than pushing foreigners in front of as many kids as possible. I still have one student who can't rectify the idea of a foreign teacher teaching, and who continually requests I do non-language related things such as being outgoing, etc etc.

I don't have a degree in education, but I minored in linguistics and am a polyglot and I can, if the student is willing, drag someone from incomprehensible to near-native pronunciation: I have done it many times, but I can't jump into their throats and pull their muscles for them: it is a process that needs effort on both parts. I also have a good understanding of theoretical and applied linguistics, and how research in those two fields applies to English language teaching. Out of four schools, one has given half a shit. To the other three, I was just an interchangeable white face. They were mostly wringing their hands over whether I gave two thumbs up and said "Oh yeah" enough, or whether my t-shirt was t-shirty enough or just too formal. Students learning wasn't even on the list of priorities.

And yes, in those schools, it was impossible to control some of the children. You can't make a middle school child grasp learning for self improvement or 爱才 or whatever. "Oral English" in China is a nebulous and ill-defined concept (other than "pick a topic and have a chat" with 45+ kids who are only interested in video games and comic books and who are exhausted beyond belief by their night and weekend classes) and I still don't understand what they mean by it. I don't expect a bunch of twelve year olds to.

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12 years 25 weeks ago
 
Posts: 68

Governor

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I think for most teaching positions in China the Foreigner classes main aim should be to make it fun, but if you dont teach anything then your school/parents of the kids wont be happy...
you need to make you lessons a balance of fun and practical learning...

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12 years 25 weeks ago
 
Posts: 415

Shifu

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I work at a University and yes, I am strict, I don't give out 90% because I am a foreign teacher. I am not sure why foreign teachers think they have to do this? I have seen the so called "nice and beautiful" teachers shipped off..contract deleted!
No one gave me squat when I went to college and University, I had to fight hard for my qualifications. I tell the students that story and they accept it.
Nothing is more rewarding than someone with no confidence, telling you that they passed the CET, and are teaching english part time in their town during the holidays.
I have to agree though, if you are changing schools all the time, it is hard not to be treated like a monkey. Try stopping in the one school, take your job seriously and you will get respect, it won't be easy, anything that is easy, is just a waste of time, anyway!
If you think you have to be a monkey dressed as a clown, go and teach in Korea where you can earn a lot more money, and the cost of living is very cheap, so you can save serious $$$ Cool

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12 years 25 weeks ago
 
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The girl Who Played With Fire by StiegLarrson

Njord:

Great series Millennium isn't it?

12 years 25 weeks ago
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12 years 25 weeks ago
 
Posts: 7715

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You'll need to find out about the school/place you'll be teaching. I've now worked at 2 places - the first was a joke - "here's a book - use it if you want to. Give us a mark at the end of the semester". They couldn't even tell us if there was a mid-semester exam or not.

My current place cares a LOT more... but then, it's in association with an Australian university, and so has IELTS requirements.

But, yes, in general, MOST places you will work in China will only be as a white monkey or dancing clown. How you take this will depend on your reasons for coming here. Both types of employment are possible!

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12 years 23 weeks ago
 
Posts: 2253

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My main job is at a college in a small city. They don't take me seriously as a teacher, but then again, I don't think they treat their normal teachers amazingly either. While all other teachers get a room with a screen, I don't. I've had students help me request for one, and they were told there weren't enough rooms, which is a lie. If I want a screen, I have to find a room with one and move the class there every day. The book they give their students is total crap. The only advice/help I was given for teaching was "Get them to talk to you." Well, that would be fine if it was a small class, but I have over 40 students per class, half of them are much closer to 50. Only one or two per class can speak some English, the rest barely say anything. I have a feeling that I can teach them anything and it won't be a problem. The only thing I'm not supposed to do is let them out of class early. I don't give them homework because they already have enough from other classes. I was told to give them grades eventually, but it hasn't been mentioned since, so I'm not sure when to grade them. The pay isn't that great, but I only teach 12 hours a week, and I can basically teach the same lesson for every class so I only need to plan one lesson a week. I don't feel like a dancing monkey, I'm just not sure what I'm doing and I still haven't gotten my time management right.

My first part time job is at a training center, where I "teach" 4-6 year-olds; some of them are only 3. For this job, I'm definitely a dancing monkey, but it doesn't bother me for several reasons. First of all, it's only 3 hours a week, every other week, and the hours are convenient. Second, the kids are a bit crazy but cute, and I mostly just have them read words and then we play games and sing and dance. Third, the pay is good, and I have a lot of fun. This is easy money, and requires no preparation.

My second part time job, though, I don't really care for. However, I would like to save money for spring break so I can travel. It only requires a little preparation, so I guess that's not so bad. But the job itself takes up 10 hours or more of my time every week. I'm especially unhappy about it taking up my Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights, but I can't change the hours. These kids are grades 3-5, and are extremely rowdy. I can't get them to behave by myself, and my "assistant" this week is completely useless. I don't exactly feel like a dancing monkey for this job, but I know I'm not really teaching them anything, and I'm mostly supposed to do review and play games with them. The pay is ok, but I'm mostly in it for the experience. I'm planning on dropping it after spring break, since I won't need to save money anymore. The only reason I took it in the first place is because the woman who asked me to work for her is a fellow teacher and she kept asking me. I think she expects me to work there for the rest of the school year, but unlike the last foreign teacher, I don't like the job and next semester I want time to myself to travel and do what I want.

Of course, all of my jobs this year are mostly for the experience, so I can get a better job next year with better pay. What I can say is, try to find a good job, figure out what age group and type of school you want to work for. If you don't like it, your contract is only for about 10 months, so it won't last forever. Every job is different. Think about why you really want to work there, make some friends, learn some Mandarin, and research before you go.

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12 years 23 weeks ago
 
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