Back in the classroom
Even though my role at Eureka has evolved into that of someone that manages teaching projects versus teaching exclusively I still find it useful to teach one or two classes a term to keep my skills sharp and also so I am never that far removed from the classroom.
I teach at a third tier secondary school in the Ma On Shan section of Hong Kong and enjoy it. I may have shared but many educators in the United States hold a view that students in East Asia are all motivated and well behaved. However, after spending time at this particular secondary school my views about the infallibility of Asian students have changed. Students in Hong Kong are just as volatile and require the same motivation provided by a passionate teacher.
The course I teach at this secondary school is a “Social Issues” course which is one of the modules that all Hong Kong secondary school students must be familiar with to perform well on assessments necessary for students intent on continuing to university. Many of my students at this particular school find this course difficult. Although I do not like using my Cantonese language skills when I teach I have found it necessary in some situations.
I continue to learn a great deal working with this group of students. Last week we spoke about “Underage drinking” and the word of the day was “feasibility”.
I think some of the people who perpetuate this myth of the docile Asian student only go to exclusive schools where the children are hand picked. I have heard so many horror stories. Ganbatte!
I would like to know how you got the job (process) as an ABC (American Born Chinese), life styles (apartment hunting etc..), and teaching style
Hi Erica, you should contact me at johnchew@eurekahk.net. I recruit and hire teachers here in HK for Eureka, and can answer any questions you may have. I am an ABC and have been in HK for a year and a half.