Tag Archives: ESL
Chinese Bargaining
The other day, I interviewed for a really lovely ESL program at X College. Everything was going well, and the interviewer told me that because of my experience and qualifications, they were prepared to offer me a higher-than-usual starting salary, … Continue reading
…With Chinese Characteristics
I thought that I was familiar with the demo class as a shady recruitment policy, but my current school’s plan for a demo class might actually be a record for sketchy Chinese ESL policies. Basically, the parents are going to … Continue reading
Foreigner Wanted…. For Something.
I noticed this job posting this morning. At first glance, it’s a typical English tutoring job. There are hundreds of these in China, if you’re foreign, you’re literally offered English teaching jobs as you walk down the street. This ad … Continue reading
Yes
I’ve already talked about using “Yes” as a synonym for “I have no idea what you’re saying”. This entry from Tim Johnson’s blog quotes a letter from a 1920s missionary in China, and shows that the ubiquitous Chinese yes is … Continue reading
Never A Dull Moment
I have more pictures to post, both from this weekend and school pictures, but just haven’t had time. I had to wing some lessons in my deskless classroom, and then on break we had a surprise meeting about our roles … Continue reading
Meanderthal
Meanderthal — 1) n. A dull-witted student moving through his workbook at his own special pace. 2) v. The behavior of such a student. Usage: John’s parents were so wealthy and well-connected that he meanderthaled through three years of English … Continue reading
China Addiction
Stick asked me if I wanted to go back to China at the end of the summer. I don’t know, I don’t feel an amazing love of Yantai. China is like Wonkaland, and while I’m still curious about China, the … Continue reading
Test Scores
I hate state-required testing, and I don’t think it measures anything, and I think it’s a waste of my students’ time… except when works in my favor. I got my students’ test scores back today and they were awesome! The … Continue reading
Expendability
Sometimes my ESL lessons don’t go every well, and when that happens, they fail spectacularly. My freewrite today was a journal entry about one day in childhood, which I thought would lead neatly into a review of irregular past tense … Continue reading
Portuguese Igloos
I gave my students a writing warm-up exercise today. A lot of my students come straight from work, or from picking up their kids, etc. and I thought it would make a good transition into English class. And it rewards … Continue reading
