In many online forums discussing life for Western educators, there’s been talk about the “LB” tag being linked with English teachers in China; a term which reflects on how some of these individuals find themselves after they have left countries like Australia. On top of that it raises questions whether this perception stems from their own behavior or is something entirely related to teaching itself and if so, do all Western educators fall under the same category.
English teacher’s credentials were checked in an effort by Beijing's education authority last month; 3 teachers out of a pool failed because they weren’t able to demonstrate what makes them qualified. In fact some Chinese media have even called for new measures intended towards English teaching staff who might not possess sufficient qualifications as well which is causing quite the commotion.
Traveling, whether you're on business or holiday can be an absolute delight - especially when one takes into account just how pleasant and easy going it may turn out to become. If I were traveling in a group setting this would definitely give rise to some new impressions of China; what with its well-preserved historical sites like the Beijing's Forbidden City, as you take your stroll along famous scenic spots such Tienanmen Square.
From one perspective English teacher’s aren’t just about teaching – it also involves getting involved and immersed in a full range of cultural activities that might even include things outside their normal comfort zone. For instance - since we’re talking China here let me illustrate this with an example, when Chinese students go to class they usually take part enthusiastically; if by any chance the teacher doesn't demonstrate enough knowledge or fails at teaching them something new he’s aptly called “Teacher”, thus being dubbed LBH isn’t entirely out of context.
An easy term - 'LB' is often bandied about in China and can be linked with English teachers who have made their way over to teach here; but this doesn't necessarily apply across the board since there are many stories where foreign teachers happen upon teaching as a result. There's also something else at play, these being perceived not just based on what they do - although it does form part of that too.
Let’s face it – English teacher perceptions aren’t all pleasant; but in some cases people don't really know them well or think twice before applying certain labels to their names and then try taking a seat with such comfort. If we were going by the book every foreign teachers would have an equal footing - this however does not necessarily apply, you see.
In conclusion it should be said that English teacher’s aren’t exactly what many people make them out as being – on more than one occasion in fact there are clear cut cases where these instructors happen to shine. On account of which we find ourselves needing new perspectives; ones giving fair and objective assessment so their teaching qualifications won't just end up falling off the LBH radar - but instead put forward a bit easier with less hassle as well, given what you have here is simply an overview in fact it should be said that English teachers aren’t exactly those people we make them out to being either – nor are they entirely different from all other teaching professionals.
Categories:
English, Teachers, Teaching, China, Qualifications, Entirely, People, Perceived, Quite, Perspective, Credentials, Western, Educators, Linked, Whether, Beijing, Demonstrate, Chinese, Called, Account, Pleasant, Going, Would, Comfort, Since, Teacher, Doesn, Necessarily, Apply, Foreign, Happen, Cases, Exactly, Label, Unraveling, Truth, Indeed, Reflection, Amusing, Though, Referred, Expat,
Rate and Comment
