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Post by gretch on Mar 9, 2006 13:56:08 GMT 7
First I'd like to say to all, please bear with my over-analyzing nature and questions. Yes, I'm seeking help for it ;D I have a Oral/ Listening class w/ post-grad students that are non-english majors. Only 16 students (but have only seen 12 of them); their levels are really varied. I have some that speak/ understand VERY little, and 1 that is close to fluent (as one would expect w/ non-English majors, I guess) others fall in between. My dilema: the material/ activities I find on the web (no textbook for this course) that is at the general level of the class is a bit juvenile. Most are over 30yr. old, some are parents, managers and/or teachers in some science/tech related field. So how/ what do I teach/ do with them with out being insulting to their age, professional status, etc. I feel foolish having them do role playing to practice speaking. But, then again, I'm thinking from how I would feel as an American and if I were a post grad student.  Also, and no joke, but if these people don't even show up, am I really to pass them anyway? I get the impression that the grade I give is in all actuality meaningless. Is this true?  And, what about the ONE student who can actually speak and understand at a higher level?  ANY advice, please. Also, I have to give a lecture/ presentation to an audience of ~100 people (who? not sure students +/or teachers, maybe) anyone any good topics, advice on this? What the hell do I talk about for one whole freakin hour!!!!! I'm used to getting to the point, telling the "facts and (almost) nothing but the facts!" I miss my science classes  . |
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Post by Norbert Radd on Mar 9, 2006 15:04:40 GMT 7
As for the presentation, tell them your preconceptions and Chinese experiences. You could always just do like Hunter S. Thompson: "Any questions?"
Ask your dean about grading.
As for the high level student with a class of non-speakers, have the high level student become the class teacher and you can be the mistake-correcter. Always write the correct sentence on the board.
Good luck.
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Post by joe on Mar 9, 2006 16:07:13 GMT 7
Do Business Language Tasks in English. Meeting new clients, making appointments over the phone, handling international email. Do some serious stuff how to conduct and act in meetings to determine courses of action for a business, like bankrupcy issues or simple forward planning or layoffs or opening the new factory or handling decisions on promotions. They all include a lot of scope for mature age student input, small group preparation, and even when the students are fluent they all require a language accuracy focus.
Vary the lessons as well. Sometimes do some social interaction lessons. Chinese are completely crap at introducing themselves in an informal business environment, and they are completely crap at detailed presentations on the structure of anything.
Throw in some literature. Make sure they know two things: English is for asking "Why? How? What's the reason?" and for sharing information. Alien concepts.
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Decurso
Barfly
Things you own end up owning you
Posts: 581
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Post by Decurso on Mar 9, 2006 22:41:26 GMT 7
Do you have powerpoint?Powerpoint is a godsend in large lecture situations.They love the pretty pictures.Lots of good natured jokes about being a laowai in China are always a hit too.
Check out the New Interchange books for ideas as well.It's a good text for adults of mixed levels.You don't have to follow it to the letter,but there's some good stuff in there.
Is the grade you give meanigless?Probably..but don't let that discourage you.You probably are making a difference to someone..that's what counts.M'kay the rest.
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Ruth
SuperDuperMegaBarfly 
God's provisions are strategically placed along the path of your obedience.
Posts: 3,915
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Post by Ruth on Mar 12, 2006 8:15:14 GMT 7
As for the role playing - I speak here as someone who was recently an adult student learning a second language (bootcamp for 2 weeks). I would have appreciated more role playing situations to help the oral stuff sink in more.
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Post by Dragonsaver on Mar 12, 2006 8:51:40 GMT 7
As for the role playing - I speak here as someone who was recently an adult student learning a second language (bootcamp for 2 weeks). I would have appreciated more role playing situations to help the oral stuff sink in more. I also could use some sage advice. I just started a PT job teaching 4 - 1 1/2 hour classes on Fridays. They want me to do a lot of role-playing.  Students are studying advanced accounting and law and stuff like that. All are adults, most have completed post-secondary education, some several years ago, so their English is poor/weak as they haven't used it for 1 - 10 years. It is a conversation class, but I do have to prepare the role playing stuff ( and of course singing!!!). Taught them 3 songs yesterday, plus introductions and then did - What is in my suitcase!!! But, next week I need to start the role-playing.  |
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gengrant
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Hao, Bu Hao?
Posts: 1,818
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Post by gengrant on Mar 12, 2006 9:29:54 GMT 7
get em talking about what their plans are for the future...where they see themselves in 5 years...10 years...get them to talk about the examinations they've taken to get where they are...I taught adults from the Traffic Bureau, and believe it or not, they loved to talk about themselves...you will have to ask some questions to get them going...but once they get comfy, they'll start talking...especially if you encourage them by getting others to actually listen to them...one thing I have noticed is that most students (and I don't think this is just a Chinese thing) have a hard time actually paying attention to a classmate talking... I only had about 14 students, so I started each class by having each person say one thing they did that week or weekend other than work or school related. In a large class, you'd obviously have to choose only a number of students, but maybe do it randomly so they'll NEVER KNOW if you're going to choose them... Get personal with em...if they drive, ask em how they decided what car to buy. Ask them how they decided to put their money in one bank rather than another. Have them describe the path of education they took that got them to your classroom. What do they plan to do with the education you bestow on them? Adults like games, but don't make them too juvenile...Make sure to talk about "grown up things," rather than what a primary, middle school or high school student would talk about. Talk about stereotypes and misconceptions about other races, nationalities, genders...you'd be surprised what YOU learn. What I always tell my oral english classes is that ORAL classes mean THEY have to talk...not listen to me talk. Although part of the class should be listening to intonation and usage in a "proper" setting, the majority of the class should be them practicing with one another, with you spending your time listening, asking pertinent questions (and encouraging others to ask questions), and giving appropriate feedback. There, my 2 jiao. Feel free to use or ignore. |
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Post by Norbert Radd on Mar 12, 2006 9:53:38 GMT 7
1. Role plays: Secretary, Boss, interviewees and then class votes who gets hired. 2. Project crashes: who gets fired from the team. 3. Boss's Assistant finds out friend will get fired. Assistant tells friend and friend meets boss and gets fired. 4. www.nbc.com/The_Apprentice_5/Re-enact scenarios from the above. Check the idea cookbook at eslcafe.com Also, google keywords for any tasks. 5. Give the students case studies and have them work out a solution. You can google case studies. |
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Post by gretch on Mar 14, 2006 15:41:48 GMT 7
Wow! Thanks everyone! Great ideas, will use them definitly?
Decurso: No, no powerpoint access. Lucky to have chalk! New Interchange book? available at most China bookstores? I'm in a fairly small city. I'll start looking. Thanks!
Joe: I like those ideas, thanks a lot!
I haven't been able to check out the forum here since I posted the original thread. I have to use the computers at different internet cafes since they STILL haven't got mine hooked up at "home" and the one cafe where I don't have to wait an hour to get a computer wouldn't let me access Raoul's...? Anyone else find that in some places access to this site is denied? Started to get a bit worried that they banned it or something .
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Ruth
SuperDuperMegaBarfly
God's provisions are strategically placed along the path of your obedience.
Posts: 3,915
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Post by Ruth on Mar 14, 2006 16:48:51 GMT 7
Wow, Gretch. Hope you get hooked up at home soon. Is someone from your school working on it?
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Newbs
SuperDuperBarfly!
If you don't have your parents permission to be on this site, naughty, naughty. But Krusty forgives
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Post by Newbs on Mar 14, 2006 18:19:34 GMT 7
I wouldn't sweat it too much Gretch. I never had too much trouble in China and back in Hoganland the only trouble I ever had was when the picture at the top mentioned panda p o r n. That led to all sort of difficulties.
Last weekend the spanking the monkey thread was blocked, down at mein host the friendly internet cafe man.
It's largely the result of filters place there by people who figure that we are not intelligent adults, and so need big brother watching over us all the time. Hell, if I wanted to be treated like that I'd just head on down to the spoon.
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gengrant
SuperBarfly!
Hao, Bu Hao?
Posts: 1,818
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Post by gengrant on Mar 14, 2006 21:43:07 GMT 7
for blocked access, try using the Proxy servers listed in the Links section...  They really do work...you may have to try more than one to get access to what you want (secure sites for example (https:)), but it's worth a try if you are having issues with access... the best one I've found so far has been: www.hidemyass.comit has worked for EVERY site I have been previously blocked from...  we now return you to your regularly scheduled thread, already in progress... |
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Crippler
Barfly
Beware the conspiracy!
Posts: 345
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Post by Crippler on Mar 15, 2006 13:18:14 GMT 7
I use anonymouse. It works great for me!
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Post by con's fly is open on Mar 15, 2006 20:26:09 GMT 7
Gretch, it could be that the firewall was turned up too high, and so won't access the Saloon. I had that problem last year.
To expand on what Norad said, hit the bright kid with the hard questions, get her to help explain something in the odd jpinch, and when you lay something complicated on them, ask her first so they can hear her do it before they go. Get her working for you.
You first question to them: "Why are you taking this course? What do you want?" Make them all answer it.
As for grades, in my ignorant opinion, if they got to post-grad, don't worry about passong and failing- they'll probably all show up and make an effort. If it becomes an actual issue, ask your FAO. I hope more knowledgeable Saloonies will now step in and expand/correct my two fen.
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Post by Lotus Eater on Mar 16, 2006 0:24:07 GMT 7
As for grades, in my ignorant opinion, if they got to post-grad, don't worry about passong and failing- they'll probably all show up and make an effort. Post-grads aren't that keen on hard work. I shot myself in the foot last week. (both feet actually!). My post-grad technical/advanced writing class is an elective. I rocked up last week to 8 students. I had taught this class last semester - 28 of them - for Literature. They all went - Oh, you are teaching this class - we thought it would be a Chinese teacher, now we will tell our classmates and they will come! I wasn't silly I said - no no - this is a writing class, you will have a LOT of writing to do - I don't want to mark 100s of papers. Tell them it is horrible. Rocked up today - ZERO students! Went to office - ah, it's an elective, so they didn't sign up for it. We will allocate another class to you. Phone call this afternoon - we have given you 3rd year writing - 2 classes on Monday mornings. No, you can't give me 2 classes - that is more hours than my contract. OK we will combine the class. Can you make it Wednesday? (I still wanted Friday and Monday off) - That would mean those students have 8 periods in a day - they will be too tired. So now I have lost my Monday off and have 50+ students for writing!!! Talk about smart.    |
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Post by con's fly is open on Mar 16, 2006 19:13:46 GMT 7
Ouch. Too many appropriate smileys to choose just one.
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Post by gretch on Mar 17, 2006 15:05:33 GMT 7
 Sorry Lotus, but it gave me a giggle. I know, not nice to laugh at others predicament, but your story was funny..... Thanks for the computer info/ help...it was really starting to pee me off. And I still have no internet at "home', talked w/ the FAO today about it. He said that "they" one of the non-specified, big  have said it's a money issue. However, if we (FTs) pay for it, they can get it hooked up. Which, it is in the contract that we are to pay for internet service anyway, but the lone FT from last semester said the school paid... I just want it hooked up, I'm getting lung cancer from all the smokers in this joint! Well my post grad class is dwindling, started w/ 12, then 15, now today 9! I'm supposed to have 16 total. And one that was there today isn't even signed up for the class, she comes for extra English exposure. Ruth: your dead on about post-grads not wanting to work too hard. One older man asked me last week if I could give them info/ etc for the following lesson, so I did, and today expected them to be prepared to speak on the topic...they all looked at me like I was a freak (even more than they usually do ;D) So, I've resolved to not give a , except do my best, get them talking, and if they show up, they pass, if not they fail, and if that is a problem, tough Yes, I really like the new icon!!!
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Post by Norbert Radd on Mar 17, 2006 15:10:42 GMT 7
There's a Chinese proverb: tiger head, snake tail. I won't put a jinx by saying anything negative so good luck!
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Post by gretch on Mar 17, 2006 15:48:22 GMT 7
There's a Chinese proverb: tiger head, snake tail. I won't put a jinx by saying anything negative so good luck! Huh, |
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Post by con's fly is open on Mar 17, 2006 17:49:32 GMT 7
 Sounds good...
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