Most Chinese students have their given Chinese name and use an “English” name in classes; they also have called me some interesting names. I suppose that it’s easier for us English teachers for them to use these names, but I also wonder how this affects their relation to their own culture. Names are often part of ones culture, so how is their culture changing from them using an English name? That’s probably too philosophical for this post, but definitely something to think about. Most of the students have what I would call “normal” English names and some are a bit more entertaining. I’ve seen names like: Irish, Safeness, Messi, and Lemon; all very creative!
It’s also interesting to hear what the students call me. I have been called, Madam, Ms. Falch, and Ms. Stephanie. The most common is “Teacher.” In China, calling the teacher “teacher” is actually a form of respect. So, if you find yourself teaching students from or in China, do not be surprised to be called teacher, but take it as a great form of respect from your students!
Each class has a “Class Monitor,” which is a designated student leader. Usually this person is organized and has proven leadership. In the case with our organization, we provided them with our supervisor’s contact information in case there are issues with class, and they help us with aspects of class like attendance and other things. This is common in China and most classes have a class monitor; that was something I was surprised to hear about!
First year students are on campus, but they are not in classes. As students first come to a university in China, they attend military training at their institution for three weeks. I hear them march around campus and see them walking around campus in their uniforms; it’s quite an interesting sight to see for sure. After those three weeks are over, they will attend classes; I am not sure if I will have any new students in class then, so it makes lesson planning interesting!
Also, students stand up when answering a question in class as opposed to the typical hand-raising in the U.S. I have found it easier to call on specific students than elicit answers, as most students tend to not volunteer an answer in a Chinese classroom. Creating a seating chart with students is really helpful and bonus, you get to know their names quicker.
Lastly, I’ve noticed that many Chinese students LOVE their cell phones, I mean LOVE them. I know most of you reading this probably think students in your country are addicted, but I feel like Chinese students take it to a new level. Many of them carry pocket chargers with them or plug them into a socket during class and use them during breaks, and before and after class constantly. I thought U.S. students were addicted, but in China, it’s everywhere and was somewhat surprising to me. This may also be that Dalian is a city, so there is more access to technology like a smartphone than other areas, but it’s still a lot.
Image source: https://bamboochutes.wordpress.com/category/china-today/page/2/
Stephanie is teaching abroad with API in China.
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