How do I get Chinese students to participate?

Question

I'm in China teaching English conversation. My students rarely participate in class. They say they are bored. I think they are boring, and consequently bore each other and me. What do I do?

Answer 1

Hi, that is a common problem, I taught there for about 7 years. I used a lot of hands on things. I had cereal boxes and food wrappers from the U.S. I had magazines and catalogs. I used these to help get them talking they couldn't help themselves as they would get so excited about what they got to do. Try to get friends to send you some stuff like that, if you don't have any. I would cut of pictures of people and them have them work in pairs to make families. For example give them, a lesson ( forget using the stupid textbooks they give you ) on families..mother, step mother, cousin, aunt, uncle and so on. Take the pictures and give each pair or group a hand full and have them make a family using the pictures. They have to tell you who each person is in the family and have fun imagining up all of this. I took in dinner ware and talked about etiquette and place setting and how to use utensils. I then brought in plastic ones for them to use, you can buy cheapy metal stuff there and just use that if you don't have plastic. I went online ( to state travel sites) and had each state send me a map and travel info. (they will send it for free) I then had my students answer questions about and then give a full report to the whole class on "their" state. They had never used maps before so I taught them about the maps and how to use them, what the symbols meant etc. I had them color egges after I did my Easter lecture and went over those terms, later we had an egg hunt. You can decorate a tree at Christmas. Just get them off their butts and give them practical things they can really use and that they don't already know. I did a lot of group and pair stuff and brought a water gun and a whistle to shoot them with if they were talking in Chinese. I didn't take myself too seriously but we had a lot of fun and that is what will get them talking. Trust me they are dying to ask you a million things they are just sort of trapped in their culture right now. Be creative! You can e-mail me if you have more questions.

Answer 2

1. Seating plans. I divide my classes into groups of three, with the most talkative students in the middle. They keep the other students from sitting there like bumps on a log. In my classroom every students has a name card on their desk. When they go home in the evening I re-shuffle the cards so they're sitting where I want them for that day's activities. I try to ensure that every student has the chance to sit beside a strong speaker at least once during the course.

2. Context. Are you setting up the activities in a way that leads to active conversation? Are you pre-teaching the vocabulary they will need to express themselves? Can the students clearly understand the objective of the activity and the skills they will develop by completing it? Nobody wants to speak if they don't see the point to it!

3. Content. Have you chosen materials that will lead naturally to conversation and discussion? Do you plan a variety of speaking activities such as debates, presentations and information-gap activities. Do you play Devil's Advocate when necessary to keep the conversation going? Do you fully understand when to sit back and let the conversation change directions, and when to reel the students in?

One of my favorite books for speaking activities is called "Discussions: A-Z". I believe it comes in a two levels, and it's totally photocopiable. Topics range from plastic surgery to shoplifting to animal rights.

Answer 3

1) Were you suprised by their reaction? Did your college courses prepare you for such situations? I ask because I have to wonder if there is a culltural aspect to their response to you as their teacher. Teachers are regarded very differently across the world. I was absolutely blown away meeting and talking with Hmong parents and elders in my community. I learned SO much and so many things became clearer.

2) Do you speak chinese? If not, I found that learning some basic classroom words in their language, (in my case, Hmong), and using them throughout the day: ("pencil", "wash your hands", "that's funny"). Initially, they are either totally shocked or breaking a smile over my poor accent. Either way, it brakes the ice. By the end of the year, all my student know how to count in Hmong, say "the bell!", and my favorite, when the Hmong students say "That's cool!".

3)Go to them discreetly, as if you sincerely need their help, with an "important favor". Tell them to check your pronunciation of certain words in their language. (Don't do this in front of class, you're still wearing your teacher hat) They see they are valued, their knowledge and intelligence is acknowledged, and perhaps most of all, their feelings over not knowing a language and the embarrassment is also acknowledged . You'll send the message they you are so very different, yet so much the same.

Answer 4

I believe it is part of the culture. Make the classroom an American one. Explain that it is a cultural difference, but you would like them to learn how schools are in America. Tell them that it is not rude to make eye contact. this is a way to let the teacher/speaker know you are listening. Also tell them that everyone's answers and opinions are valued and wanted. Tell them that if they have an answer or opinion to raise their hand. You have your work cut out for you. In China, as well as many countires, the students are taught to never question the adult figure. It is seen as disrespectful as well as making eye contact. The Chinese really expect high achievement for the kids and push them hard. They are listening and learning, but they do it differently. Good luck

Answer 5

make fortune cookies and participation allows student to pick 1

Answer 6

What are typical Chinese classrooms like? Sometimes when you take them out of their comfort zone, kids will claim boredom.