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Q: are teachers a minority here?
I have no doubt that they are..... many of the old time folks have moved on from teaching... big shots now. The younger folks are abandoning the vast amounts of knowledge and direction that can be had here for their iPad or something..... I don't know...... while English teachers still are here, it seems most of us don't teach.... regulars, and it seems, the teachers today have a new way to do things. Of course we all know, talk to you later.
9 years 19 weeks ago in Teaching & Learning - China
Fewer people come because of the pollution, the rising cost of living and maybe because they are more aware that they won't be expected to teach in China, and if they really teach Chinese will blame them for being "too boring" and "not entertaining enough".
Seriously it always makes me laugh how Chinese never tell you the truth "we want you to entertain these kids between two real classes" problem solved and instead keep telling that they want you to teach then blame you for teaching, sorry but singing songs, watching videos and playing games is not teaching. Also most students in China are taught and repeated to have no respect for the foreign teacher because "he is not a real teacher", they are often told this by envious local teachers because you make more money than them while working half the time.
From reports I have read, fewer ESL teachers are coming to China due to the fears of pollution and the aggression the Chinese government is putting forth in the world against western societies. But, there are still many teachers in China. I would change the question to ask: are QUALITY teachers a minority here in China? From my experience with foreign teachers here, I would say the answer is yes. As a lessons consultant and education materials advisor for my compant, slong with meing a teacher, I am asked to evaluate teachers in the company. Since teachers are difficult to find to fill the number of vacancies available here in China, my role is to retrain them, get them to a level of teaching that is beneficial to the students, and try to retain the good ones once their contracts are completed. Too many are here for a life experience, to party, to find a girlfriend or boyfriend, to get the Chinese experience, to enhance their resumes for when they return home, etc. So few are here for the main purpose of teaching. I don't care if they are here for other reasons. I just hope they can find time in their busy lives of parties and traveling, to develop into a good teacher for the students they are here to teach. Being an entertaining monkey in class, playing games, showing videos, and trying to westernize these kids is not being a teacher. Mind you, this is my opinion. I am sure others will disagree with me. And, that is ok. We will just have to agree to disagree.
royceH:
I'm no monkey. I don't play games or videos. I try to teach but the students don't want any part of that particular game. So I compromise, but not much.
nashboroguy:
Good for you royceH. I did not mean that playing games and doing fun things in the class is not part of an ESL teacher. It is. That is part of what makes us different from the rote teaching Chinese teachers. I play games in class. But, they are always tied to the lesson plan. Sometimes they are the lesson plan. I have developed an English Conversational program that has been very beneficial to my students. And, they like the program very much. There are videos and music involved. But, I was referring to the teachers that play games and videos just for the entertainment factor. As time killers. This serves the students no good in their learning. And, some teachers really do not have a clue how to teach or how to maintain classroom management. I know one company, Aston, that regularly makes fake diplomas so they can get a teacher hired and a visa approved. I know....this is common in China. But, it should not be. In Taiwan, of you want to work in the public schools, you have to have a teaching degree from your home country. That seems a bit extreme. But, at leat they know they are getting quality teachers in the classroom. I have seen some great teachers, both foreign and Chinese in the classrooms. They have their own style and methods. Usually, their students are in the top part of the ranking of the grade. I have been working with young people and kids most of my working life. Kids are kids, no matter what country you are in. There are certin things they need and want from teachers and mentors. I think my past expereinces have helped me make an impact in their learning abilities. I admire and applaud all the teachers in China that are devoted to the profession. It is not always easy. And, sometimes it seems impossible. But, the great teachers I have come to know have found ways to break through the barriers, work around the concepts of teaching to the exam, and develop methods that are reaching the students to make them better students, human beings and English speakers. Yes. I am very biased and opinionated when it comes to teaching. It is my life, my passion, and my love in life. When I see a student excel beyond the means they are given, it is such a high for me. So, I appreciate your words royceH. I hope you are reaching many students in the classroom. I hope they leave your classroom better than when they entered. And, I hope you do see the impact you make in their lives.
Fewer people come because of the pollution, the rising cost of living and maybe because they are more aware that they won't be expected to teach in China, and if they really teach Chinese will blame them for being "too boring" and "not entertaining enough".
Seriously it always makes me laugh how Chinese never tell you the truth "we want you to entertain these kids between two real classes" problem solved and instead keep telling that they want you to teach then blame you for teaching, sorry but singing songs, watching videos and playing games is not teaching. Also most students in China are taught and repeated to have no respect for the foreign teacher because "he is not a real teacher", they are often told this by envious local teachers because you make more money than them while working half the time.
