Creative Teaching Styles

[Doozer]

I have been studying Chinese in a large private school in Guangzhou for about 8 months now. However, I have been disappointed with the teaching style (and the school in general) that I have been provided with. 95% of it is either having a book read to me, or free chat on some random topic that won't be very useful in daily life. I don't feel I am getting and real 'teaching' but rather only being 'told' stuff, and I would have been better not spending money on a supposedly professional school and just spending more time with Chinese native speakers.

I have repeatedly requested to have things such as introductions to Chinese movies / tv / newspapers / books / music etc, but so far that has not happened as my "requirements are too high". My requests for more roleplay type activities have also fallen on deaf ears.

I would love to hear from others studying in China if their experiences are similar to mine, or if the school I am at is just not very good.

Are there schools out there that can offer more creative teaching, not just blindly following text books, but actually putting thought and effort into how best to make the class interesting, informative and useful?

[abcdefg]

Are there schools out there that can offer more creative teaching, not just blindly following text books, but actually putting thought and effort into how best to make the class interesting, informative and useful?

Short answer: Yes, although such schools aren't always easy to find. Also, a lot whole depends on the individual teacher. Are you in a large class, a small class, or are you studying one-to-one?

[Doozer]

I am studying one-to-one only. Have done some group class stuff, but found that to be even worse with regards to just following the books.

[abcdefg]

If you are already doing one-to-one, then your task becomes one of motivating your teacher to teach you the material you want to learn. It's always easiest for the teacher to just follow a textbook and it's easiest to just do things again like he or she has done before. He or she must invest more effort to customize things for you.

What I've had to do a couple times, is to make a clear, concrete and simple written request outlining what I want to learn. Nothing vague or sweeping. Perhaps even include some discussion of methodology, such as in your case you would like more role play activities.

I make three copies. One for my teacher, one for myself and one for the headmaster of the school. Then I arrange a meeting where the three of us sit down and go over these requests. Compromise may be required; what I want is not always entirely realistic or feasible.

But after that, if there is no satisfactory response, I request a change of teachers. Don't forget who the customer is; don't forget who is paying the bill. Be polite and respectful; but be businesslike and firm.

[Doozer]

The problem I have is that I have already paid completely for all my lessons, which was obviously a big mistake as now the school doesn't really seem to care too much about it. They have my money so aren't too concerned about my happiness.

I have changed teachers several times, I have had meetings with my 'customer manager' where I've explained my requirements etc etc. It's very frustrating.

[abcdefg]

Well, you may be screwed. At least post the name of the school so nobody else goes there and gets the same shoddy treatment.

[Doozer]

The school is iMandarin. As you say, I hope this is a warning to others to avoid this school.

[skylee]

I wonder if it is a good idea that you tell them that you have posted this warning, and will post more negative comments on the internet if they don't do your bidding. You know, just tell your customer manager casually?

[Doozer]

I will try it and let you know. I had requested a refund from them for all remaining hours but they refused stating 'you have signed a contract'. However, I was told on signing the contract (in an effort to get to sign it) that the school will never hire a teacher with less than 3 years experience. I know now that this is not true, and was only said to make me sign the contract. Unfortunately, I do not have that in writing. They also last week initially changed the time of my class (having requested several times not to change my schedule, this is a common occurrence), then at last minute had to cancel my class. This is actually a breach of the contract which states classes may not be canceled within 24 hours.

I'm not sure why they are allowed to break the contract I am not... and not really sure what I can do about it.

[Doozer]

As an update to this, to those who are interested, the school did agree to refund my money for all outstanding hours, but only after I showed them this thread, and threatened to create more on other sites.

They are now making it as difficult as possible for me to get the money, however. They are wanting to charge me a 2% bank fee to transfer the money to my account. I am not sure why they think I need to pay their bank fees, and why they think it would be 2% of the cost. Having looked up the information on the bank website, the amount should be around 5rmb, which is far less than 2%.

To avoid this, I will be opening a bank account with the same bank as the school uses, so there will be no fee. They are now telling me it will take 'a long time' to get the refund. They cannot clarify more than this.... basically giving me the run around as much as possible.

Again, this is a warning to stay away from iMandarin.

[abcdefg]

狡辩 = jiǎobiàn = to quibble

别狡辩 = Don't quibble.

Pay the lousy 2% and move on. If you engineer this affair such that they must totally lose face, it will not end well. It may already be too late.

[Doozer]

I opened another bank account to avoid the 2% fee, but am still waiting for the refund. All I am told now is that more people need to sign the refund agreement. When that can happen... who knows! They certainly can't (or aren't willing to) tell me