Are you an Eikaiwa teacher or student? If so, have you ever had any lessons with students who behave strangely in class?
I recently posted a piece about strange students on my blog (http://
I recently posted a piece about strange students on my blog (http://
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コメント(27)
Interesting stereotyping. Written nice an clear.
Im neither japanese nor eikawa student, but.... would be good to know what u think about it:)
First, are u truly british? Or u just forgot about Europe?:)
British would never complain about ppl coming to school with a flu. Flu in Europe including GB was NEVER an excuse to skip school or work.
If u come with a flu, it only means that the school is truly important to u. And most of people take pride in it.
Well, and as for me, acc. to ur stereotypes theory im quite a typical mentalist and mumbler. Strange time keeping, well its normal in Europe, isnt it? I hav to say im always either late or an hour or so early for my work. I get there when i get ready. isnt it supposed to be like that? As regards responding out of subject line or repeating, i dont do it at work, but generally it happens, when i find the subject way too boring or when my mind is burned out with tiredness.
Mumbling, well, i guess this one is quite tricky, cause reasons may vary, but i mumble unconsciously when i want someone to get lost and not to disturb me, but hav no guts or right to say it. Thats it.
And by the way, although i do it excessively, i never once considered myself abnormal. I am not some programmed robot after all:) It might disturb the class or colleagues. But i think u, as a teacher, cant expect it too be all perfect, also i dont think u should do anything about it, just accept it. In the end, u go to teach english, not change personalities. Am i correct?
Im neither japanese nor eikawa student, but.... would be good to know what u think about it:)
First, are u truly british? Or u just forgot about Europe?:)
British would never complain about ppl coming to school with a flu. Flu in Europe including GB was NEVER an excuse to skip school or work.
If u come with a flu, it only means that the school is truly important to u. And most of people take pride in it.
Well, and as for me, acc. to ur stereotypes theory im quite a typical mentalist and mumbler. Strange time keeping, well its normal in Europe, isnt it? I hav to say im always either late or an hour or so early for my work. I get there when i get ready. isnt it supposed to be like that? As regards responding out of subject line or repeating, i dont do it at work, but generally it happens, when i find the subject way too boring or when my mind is burned out with tiredness.
Mumbling, well, i guess this one is quite tricky, cause reasons may vary, but i mumble unconsciously when i want someone to get lost and not to disturb me, but hav no guts or right to say it. Thats it.
And by the way, although i do it excessively, i never once considered myself abnormal. I am not some programmed robot after all:) It might disturb the class or colleagues. But i think u, as a teacher, cant expect it too be all perfect, also i dont think u should do anything about it, just accept it. In the end, u go to teach english, not change personalities. Am i correct?
Hello there,
before commenting, I would like to say that I'm German from Germany and visited an Berlitz English training before. For me it's quite simple, people who pay the lessons expect a training service as reward. That service takes place in the predefined time and place. If people don't come around them, it's their problem they spend money but don't make use of it. What kind of questions people ask, I didn't think too much about it.
Then I would like to say something about Lukas posting still. I'm not sure on how things are in the UK but if people in Germany have a fever, they are expected NOT to come to school or workplace. This follows from several reasons. Firstoff in job contracts there are paragraphs where you declare to keep up your workforce and a reasonable relation to the employing company. Keeping up physical stress during fever can greatly damage your health and make it worse - so you won't be out just a few days but maybe some weeks or over a month if you get hospitalized. Also you may infect coworkers, students or teachers with the flu so it's also in their interest you stay at home and get well asap. Last but not least, and that's about an employmentship again, there are law regulations. The company has to care about the health of their workers too. If they let someone work with a bad fever and anything happens to him, it can have severe consequences to the employing company.
before commenting, I would like to say that I'm German from Germany and visited an Berlitz English training before. For me it's quite simple, people who pay the lessons expect a training service as reward. That service takes place in the predefined time and place. If people don't come around them, it's their problem they spend money but don't make use of it. What kind of questions people ask, I didn't think too much about it.
Then I would like to say something about Lukas posting still. I'm not sure on how things are in the UK but if people in Germany have a fever, they are expected NOT to come to school or workplace. This follows from several reasons. Firstoff in job contracts there are paragraphs where you declare to keep up your workforce and a reasonable relation to the employing company. Keeping up physical stress during fever can greatly damage your health and make it worse - so you won't be out just a few days but maybe some weeks or over a month if you get hospitalized. Also you may infect coworkers, students or teachers with the flu so it's also in their interest you stay at home and get well asap. Last but not least, and that's about an employmentship again, there are law regulations. The company has to care about the health of their workers too. If they let someone work with a bad fever and anything happens to him, it can have severe consequences to the employing company.
Majestyk, as a teacher, I am with you 100% and not so sure what part of Europe Luka would be referring to but according the AL the western people I have met in Japan (except Kiwis) if you have the flu, STAY HOME!
Unfortunately, as a teacher, I will refrain from describing the odd people I have met at work. Simply as a matter of courtesy to those individuals. But catch me in a PUB and we can swap laughs.
Unfortunately, as a teacher, I will refrain from describing the odd people I have met at work. Simply as a matter of courtesy to those individuals. But catch me in a PUB and we can swap laughs.
>1
I did Eikaiwa teaching for a few years, so I've met the entire spectrum of weirdo students - all ages, and both male and female. This is because Eikaiwa never say no to students. If they have the money to pay for lessons they're accepted, it doesn't matter how strange they are or what their English level is.
>2,3,4
In Western countries you either have sick days written into your work contract or you can take a reasonable number of days off for sickness (usually at least 5) anyway. In Japan though, if you take a day off for sickness you have to use one of your paid holidays, so you lose vacation time. That's why Japanese people go to work (or to their eikaiwa lessons) even if they're dying!
I did Eikaiwa teaching for a few years, so I've met the entire spectrum of weirdo students - all ages, and both male and female. This is because Eikaiwa never say no to students. If they have the money to pay for lessons they're accepted, it doesn't matter how strange they are or what their English level is.
>2,3,4
In Western countries you either have sick days written into your work contract or you can take a reasonable number of days off for sickness (usually at least 5) anyway. In Japan though, if you take a day off for sickness you have to use one of your paid holidays, so you lose vacation time. That's why Japanese people go to work (or to their eikaiwa lessons) even if they're dying!
In UK one can get sick leave, all is covered, if i remember correctly one can take up to 1 year sick leave and the company cant object.
Still, since ive been there, a lot hav gone sick with flu and all of them kept coming to work. I wouldnt mind taking days off when im sick, but in that case management/colleagues would be very quick to spread gossips that im not fit for the job.
I cant argue as regards Germany. But as far as i know, its the only European country where logic is appreciated, if i can say so:).
Anyhow, coming back to subject, Pancho, Majestyk, Kamui. What do u regard as normal, i mean not weird/odd student or people in general? For me, to be honest, its very hard to name someone as normal.
Still, since ive been there, a lot hav gone sick with flu and all of them kept coming to work. I wouldnt mind taking days off when im sick, but in that case management/colleagues would be very quick to spread gossips that im not fit for the job.
I cant argue as regards Germany. But as far as i know, its the only European country where logic is appreciated, if i can say so:).
Anyhow, coming back to subject, Pancho, Majestyk, Kamui. What do u regard as normal, i mean not weird/odd student or people in general? For me, to be honest, its very hard to name someone as normal.
The number of weirdos I met while giving private lessons was far beyond my imagination.
Most of them just wanted to talk about their private stuff, money problems, work frustration, gambling addiction, sexual disorders and so on...
Actually nobody was interested in studying the language seriously, they just wanted to meet a foreigner to give vent to their own feelings. I was shocked. げっそり
I hope the situation in the schools is better...
Most of them just wanted to talk about their private stuff, money problems, work frustration, gambling addiction, sexual disorders and so on...
Actually nobody was interested in studying the language seriously, they just wanted to meet a foreigner to give vent to their own feelings. I was shocked. げっそり
I hope the situation in the schools is better...
Ale, u mean u were working as a psychologist instead of English teacher? You should include that in your CV!
Sorry, i know it shouldnt be funny, but its freakin hilarious! :))
Actually doctors, especially the ones on the night shift, face the same issues. Lonely, old, sleepless people would come.
It will never ever change. Given alone that it is private tutoring, therefore more intimate atmosphere. Therefore one needs more guts to control it.
Imagine, if u'd come to lesson and there is this old, dry, hard expression woman with not a single smile sitting there. Would u open up to her?
Ok. Bonne nuit. Sleeping time is the most precious of all.
Sorry, i know it shouldnt be funny, but its freakin hilarious! :))
Actually doctors, especially the ones on the night shift, face the same issues. Lonely, old, sleepless people would come.
It will never ever change. Given alone that it is private tutoring, therefore more intimate atmosphere. Therefore one needs more guts to control it.
Imagine, if u'd come to lesson and there is this old, dry, hard expression woman with not a single smile sitting there. Would u open up to her?
Ok. Bonne nuit. Sleeping time is the most precious of all.
>Luka
For me the case is simple, just as I wrote. One side is paying money for receiving languge training, the other side gets money for giving language training. That's whats written most likely in business guideline or contract, etc.
I can't judge from the point of an Eikawa teacher as I neither have an bachelor degree (you need these for teaching abroad, and even if it's an degree in Sports or whatever), nor I'm native english speaker. Since that I'll be never in the situation. My personal opinion though will be - OK the student paid for the lesson and if he/she prefers to talk about their personal matters, I won't complain. In some way it's an communcation training too - not only grammatics and vocabulary make out a good speaker but also the courage to express oneself and transmit a message without hesitation to someone else.
For me the case is simple, just as I wrote. One side is paying money for receiving languge training, the other side gets money for giving language training. That's whats written most likely in business guideline or contract, etc.
I can't judge from the point of an Eikawa teacher as I neither have an bachelor degree (you need these for teaching abroad, and even if it's an degree in Sports or whatever), nor I'm native english speaker. Since that I'll be never in the situation. My personal opinion though will be - OK the student paid for the lesson and if he/she prefers to talk about their personal matters, I won't complain. In some way it's an communcation training too - not only grammatics and vocabulary make out a good speaker but also the courage to express oneself and transmit a message without hesitation to someone else.
#12 Luka, you are right on! It should not be funny but if you want to be a popular/successful teacher in Japan under the popular Eikaiwa category.
Please
laugh at the fact that people we see at work are different to a point where we consider them to be weird. Sleeping in class is different, some might say odd, others may say it is wrong, but not many would say it is normal. 
As for calling in sick, if I cancel my lesson the chances are my customer will feel betrayed, lose faith in my reliability, not be very sympathetic and most likely I will lose my customer. If I appear in front of the customer while very sick, the customer (in Japan) will appreciate my dedication and may even forgive me.
In a large company the concept would be somebody will cover your schedule, but that does not happen often in this type of education system (Eikaiwa). So irregardless of your contract agreement or the law regulations, calling in sick is a step toward unemployment (sort of).
Have many students here quit due to cancellations or teachers lost students (perhaps) due to cancellations?
Please
laugh at the fact that people we see at work are different to a point where we consider them to be weird. Sleeping in class is different, some might say odd, others may say it is wrong, but not many would say it is normal.
As for calling in sick, if I cancel my lesson the chances are my customer will feel betrayed, lose faith in my reliability, not be very sympathetic and most likely I will lose my customer. If I appear in front of the customer while very sick, the customer (in Japan) will appreciate my dedication and may even forgive me.
In a large company the concept would be somebody will cover your schedule, but that does not happen often in this type of education system (Eikaiwa). So irregardless of your contract agreement or the law regulations, calling in sick is a step toward unemployment (sort of).
Have many students here quit due to cancellations or teachers lost students (perhaps) due to cancellations?
Having worked, in the past, for an Eikaiwa, I can say that some students have a bit wierd.
But the longer I taught, the more I realised the English is a strange and bawdy language.
Sometimes even a missed preposition can completely change the meaning of a sentence:
In one class, I asked my students to use an idiom that contained a verb and proposition. I gave the example of "How often so you eat out?" One student answered that she eats out rarely. The next student told us that: "He eats out his wife every night". I had to contain my laghter and remind him to add "with" to that sentence.
But the longer I taught, the more I realised the English is a strange and bawdy language.
Sometimes even a missed preposition can completely change the meaning of a sentence:
In one class, I asked my students to use an idiom that contained a verb and proposition. I gave the example of "How often so you eat out?" One student answered that she eats out rarely. The next student told us that: "He eats out his wife every night". I had to contain my laghter and remind him to add "with" to that sentence.
As a Japanese taking English lessons, I sometimes bump into those
kind of "strange stereotypes" .
I figure out that some of those digress the topics because they cannot
follow the topic due to their lack of English or communication abilities
yet blurt out in English what they can speak. In some cases, it is
malicious since they intend to do it even though they knew their English
abilities.They don't care since they are not only English learners but
customers. However I am in same position yet they drive me crazy like
scratching foils.
A plus, I've heard similar stories from some of my teachers about like
counseling during classes. They seemd to talk with stereotypes with
interest but but mostly felt bored with it. Mostly middle-aged to a
bit higher women are those who need counseilers or counterparts to talk
with lather than English teachers, to put it mildly.
kind of "strange stereotypes" .
I figure out that some of those digress the topics because they cannot
follow the topic due to their lack of English or communication abilities
yet blurt out in English what they can speak. In some cases, it is
malicious since they intend to do it even though they knew their English
abilities.They don't care since they are not only English learners but
customers. However I am in same position yet they drive me crazy like
scratching foils.
A plus, I've heard similar stories from some of my teachers about like
counseling during classes. They seemd to talk with stereotypes with
interest but but mostly felt bored with it. Mostly middle-aged to a
bit higher women are those who need counseilers or counterparts to talk
with lather than English teachers, to put it mildly.
あれれあれ, u seem to hold some grudge against ur own culture, dont u?
I dont know much about japan, so im sorry if blurt out sth off line.
But mildly, its obvious that these two groups need help the most. As I would guess most of them are office workers, thus they are "clock wheels", meaning they have to handle huge amount of monotonous workload. Sometimes I wonder how long will japan last with putting such high workload and pressure on people.
Otherwise, rare people dont need counsellings, it just depends how lucky they are, some hav families, some friends to relieve on.
Speaking, i'd like to give a comment back to brightonlove. Are u saying that u r not cultural relativist? In that case, i would advice u to never get in relationship with foreigner, cause in times of disagreement, u'd both come with perfect excuse "u dont understand me, my culture is different". In time that will give the end to beautiful relationship.
Although the environment one lives in has a huge impact on personality, in the end everybody is human, and there is nothing miraculous the foreigner can come up with.
As for Majestyk topic. Classification is nice and if it helps u thats fine. But, in my opinion, u r making slight mistake, there is no need for u as a English teacher to understand someones personality and worst try to change it, u will only be putting more pressure on urself. If thats ur goal that is.
I dont know much about japan, so im sorry if blurt out sth off line.
But mildly, its obvious that these two groups need help the most. As I would guess most of them are office workers, thus they are "clock wheels", meaning they have to handle huge amount of monotonous workload. Sometimes I wonder how long will japan last with putting such high workload and pressure on people.
Otherwise, rare people dont need counsellings, it just depends how lucky they are, some hav families, some friends to relieve on.
Speaking, i'd like to give a comment back to brightonlove. Are u saying that u r not cultural relativist? In that case, i would advice u to never get in relationship with foreigner, cause in times of disagreement, u'd both come with perfect excuse "u dont understand me, my culture is different". In time that will give the end to beautiful relationship.
Although the environment one lives in has a huge impact on personality, in the end everybody is human, and there is nothing miraculous the foreigner can come up with.
As for Majestyk topic. Classification is nice and if it helps u thats fine. But, in my opinion, u r making slight mistake, there is no need for u as a English teacher to understand someones personality and worst try to change it, u will only be putting more pressure on urself. If thats ur goal that is.
>23
Actually the vast majority of my relationships are with foreigners, that's the beauty of living in a huge, cosmopolitan city and working in the tech industry. But if someone is doing something blatantly stupid/criminal, only a moron would say "well his culture is different so it's ok". There are definitely universal human rights and wrongs, however few.
Also, it's "you", not "u". Hope this helps.
Actually the vast majority of my relationships are with foreigners, that's the beauty of living in a huge, cosmopolitan city and working in the tech industry. But if someone is doing something blatantly stupid/criminal, only a moron would say "well his culture is different so it's ok". There are definitely universal human rights and wrongs, however few.
Also, it's "you", not "u". Hope this helps.
I teach in an Eikaiwa and meet all types.
Understand that although you work in education (HAHAH) it's still a customer service orientated industry. So if a student wants to just chat then that's what we'll do. If they want to put their nose down and study TOEIC, we'll do that.
I find that plenty of "students" already have an excellent grasp of English, and want to have some fun using it, instead of just hearing lots of new structure with little chance to use what they've learnt.
Cater to your students needs. I have inherited many "difficult" students who seem to really like me, purely because I have had the common sense to ask them what do they want from their lesson, what do they want to achieve? Some students "Just want to have fun speaking English", Others are looking to "level up" work. And of course, there are plenty of married women just looking to fill their day.
Serve your customers needs and you will have a happy customer.
In regards to the weirdos, I don't think they are especially weird. If you spent one or two hours a week with randomly chosen people of course they would appear odd to you! There are certainly some nut jobs out there, but that's par for the course.
Personally, I like 99% of my students at my eikawa, and all of my private students. I can't help but become friendly with them, since I speak to them more often than I speak to many of my friends!
Re. Sickness and working - I go to wok when I'm physically able to do my job. Having a headache won't impact on my work. Having really bad flu makes it nigh on impossible to teach. I figure it's better to let my employers see that I am sick and get sent home rather than phone in and have them think I'm faking!
Understand that although you work in education (HAHAH) it's still a customer service orientated industry. So if a student wants to just chat then that's what we'll do. If they want to put their nose down and study TOEIC, we'll do that.
I find that plenty of "students" already have an excellent grasp of English, and want to have some fun using it, instead of just hearing lots of new structure with little chance to use what they've learnt.
Cater to your students needs. I have inherited many "difficult" students who seem to really like me, purely because I have had the common sense to ask them what do they want from their lesson, what do they want to achieve? Some students "Just want to have fun speaking English", Others are looking to "level up" work. And of course, there are plenty of married women just looking to fill their day.
Serve your customers needs and you will have a happy customer.
In regards to the weirdos, I don't think they are especially weird. If you spent one or two hours a week with randomly chosen people of course they would appear odd to you! There are certainly some nut jobs out there, but that's par for the course.
Personally, I like 99% of my students at my eikawa, and all of my private students. I can't help but become friendly with them, since I speak to them more often than I speak to many of my friends!
Re. Sickness and working - I go to wok when I'm physically able to do my job. Having a headache won't impact on my work. Having really bad flu makes it nigh on impossible to teach. I figure it's better to let my employers see that I am sick and get sent home rather than phone in and have them think I'm faking!
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