Category: the classroom
Updated on August 4, 2011
In some ways, so different
Earlier this week, I wrote about how my experiences as a Chinese language student are helping me better understand my students. However, there are still many ways in which we are very different. Take two exhibits from the… Read More
Updated on August 4, 2011
So this is how my students feel
This morning, I received a text message from my Chinese teacher informing me that she was sick and consequently that our Chinese class was canceled today. I was not in the least bit happy to hear that my teacher… Read More
Updated on August 4, 2011
Tunnel vision
There is a light, slight though it may be, beginning to appear at the end of my current grading tunnel. So far I’ve completed: Editing and grading 52 sophomore writing students’ argumentative essays Editing and revising five 20 page… Read More
Updated on August 4, 2011
Just a few more things
First of all, I wanted to pass along an article that perfectly explains why the foreign teachers get so frustrated in our writing classes and in our positions as senior thesis paper advisors. There are many things I love… Read More
Updated on August 4, 2011
The man behind the curtain
One of my very first thoughts as I woke up this morning was “I do not want to go outside today.” I could hear the wind fiercely howling outside my window and my curtains had that notorious brown… Read More
Updated on August 4, 2011
You know you’re a teacher when…
You know you’re a teacher when you’re sad that Monday is a holiday, and especially sad that it’s a non-make-up holiday. If you’ve been around here for awhile you’ve become familiar with the Chinese infatuation with make-up holidays. The… Read More
Updated on August 4, 2011
Unfortunate error of the day
Today in my writing class, we were reviewing the parts of the five paragraph essay. We were talking about the first sentence of the essay that grabs your attention (the hook) and the last sentence of the essay that brings… Read More
Updated on August 4, 2011
This is a test
The following is a test of your intelligence and aptitude for navigating the confusing waters of Chinese scheduling. As you remember, this Saturday is Monday, March 1st in the eyes of the university. Except for a slight change now. … Read More
Updated on August 4, 2011
Saturday is Monday
The pattern has been that every semester, the department hands us the class schedule two, at most three, days before the start of classes. The foreign teachers get together for a marathon meeting of divvying up the class… Read More
Updated on August 4, 2011
A Foreigner’s Guide to Chinese Performances
Performance shows, or as they’re referred to in China, Parties, are about as common in China as dumplings and tea. They are held to celebrate all sorts of important occasions, and they always follow the same procedure. Below… Read More
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