Teach English in ZhuAngxing Zhen - Shanghai Shi

Problems for learners in ChinaTo begin, I think that a brief overview of the importance of cultural awareness is absolutely necessary for a teacher in a foreign country. Every country and even within regions of that country, has unique traditions, superstitions, mannerisms, body language, and generally acceptable and unacceptable behaviors within their society. The old saying, When in Rome, do as the Romans do is sound advice. For a teacher who is culturally ignorant of fundamental do's and dont's in the chosen country, disasters can be a blink away. Example: A teacher is doing a lesson in China, and the topic is food. The teacher gets the idea to use a bowl of rice and chopsticks as part of the study phase. Upon its completion, he sticks the chopsticks into the bowl in a standing position. The class lets out a collective moan, with looks bordering on fear on their faces. chinese people see this little unintentional mistake as a symbol of death. OOPS!!! There are, of course, many, many more. Cultural awareness is not optional; it is a major necessity! Now, to the topic we go. I have had the blessing of coaching chinese students on an international website for almost two years. They have ranged from young children to adults. The adults ranged from graduate students, to business professionals, and even doctors. There has always been a common thread, and I have done an informal survey with many of them as to what their biggest challenges are in learning english. Even within their own country, though Mandarin is the national language, many still prefer to use their regional dialect most of the time. The first problem, therefore, is compounded. Example: The word for person is Rn It sounds like a very subtle v followed by yen run quickly together. In some parts of the south of China, the people pronounce it like, len. This is but one example. There are many others. I would like to share the answers to questions I posed to a chinese girl, 26, who taught herself english by reading, using a dictionary, and watching American TV shows and news broadcasts. She studies with me now online, via Skype. She had been doing some exercises on the language website, and we became good friends. She calls me Pe or Pe Pe. :-( Hey Pe Thank you for trusting me.I am not so sure these answers is right or not.but I will tell you the truth that I see. What do you think is the hardest part of learning english for a chinese (beginner)(intermediate)(advanced)? Well,I think the same thing about them is expand the vocabulary,grammar,phrase,and the speaking part.the difference about them is :for a beginner, I think the firm foundation is much more important. it including english Alphabet Pronunciation;accent;simple grammar,sentence, and article.for a intermediate, I think make the sentences with the right grammar is the hardest part.for the advanced,I think the speaking part is the hardest.but that depend on which is want to be perfect not just can speak.a lot of chinese person they are good at english but you know about the accent they can't make it right. Why is it difficult (or not) to be taught by a native speaker(teacher)? Well,maybe for a lot of teachers be patient and encourage your students is the most important part.as you know ,if they are a real teacher,I think they never choose the student whatever they are a low learner or not.they don't care about the title of a technical post ,but the quality of teaching.and I also think about this,a good teacher can make things funny and easy to learn,this is the most important part.you have no problem about this. because you already did a great job on it. Pe,I hope I've made my point,and I wish it helps. Have a peaceful night,and sweet dreams. Truely Moon She is amazing to me. She speaks quite well, with a reasonable vocabulary, and remarkably good pronunciation. I would classify her as a low intermediate self-taught!!!!! Her email says it all. I have not edited anything in it. Her comments are spot on. Ironically, the chinese can learn to write in english faster, and more accurately than they can learn to speak it. As moon pointed out, this is true even at the advanced level. This phenomenon was verified by the International Studies Department at Minot State University, where they have an excellent Masters program for chinese students in Marketing/Management. I asked them what the most difficult challenge was for chinese students studying in America. The answer was immediate: speaking. Many chinese students take the TOEFL or IELTS multiple times before passing. The majority fail the exam in the speaking part. Another website learner who became a very close friend is a young man who is a graduate student in Robotics Engineering. He took the IELTS three times, and each time, passed two out of the three scoring categories with no problem. He failed, however, all three times, on the speaking part. Thank God, he obtained a waiver from an australian university, and received a full scholarship and stipend for his PhD due to his brilliance in his field. While most chinese children, youths, and young adults are very fond of America and Americans, this is not always the case with more mature adults, who view America as brash, obnoxious, domineering and politically unstable and unreliable, thus creating an immediate lack of trust that must be overcome. There are many factors to consider in teaching the chinese student at any age or level past 3-9 year olds, who are in the magic window of brain development where language acquisition is simply not an issue. (Word Count: 961. Time to stop reluctantly.)