Qatar is getting HOT, HOT, HOT!!!

Qatar is Getting HOT, HOT, HOT!!! 

Qatar is Getting Hotter (and It’s Not the Weather!)

If you love the United Arab Emirates (and I really love the annual Shopping Fesitval in Dubai!) then you are in for a treat when you discover the peninsula state of Qatar.

Qatar might have been one of the poorest Gulf States half a century ago, but since the discovery of oil in the 1940s it is a thriving and vibrant country.  The Qatari economy has doubled at least 10 times in the past 14 years, and it is actually positioned to become one of the global energy giants in the next few years.

International teachers will find that Qatar is full of excitement yet has a welcoming, traditional feel to it.  From the Pearl Qatar in Doha to a sportsman dreamscape, Qatar has it all!

Qatar’s rich history, which dates as far back as 6,000 B.C., is founded in the ancient art of pearl diving.  The ancient souks call to you with glimmering gold and wafting scents of Arabic coffee.  The art of falconry is on display in the desert and traditional sailing vessels called dhows coast along the sparkling waters. 

Make no mistake though.  Qatar is set to be a dominant world force in this century!

Luxury living is widely available in and near the capital of Doha.  Pearl-Qatar is an island built on one of those sites and features villas, marinas, international fashion shops and 5 star accommodations for the traveller who understands true luxury.

For weekend and evening excitement, you don’t have to look far.  In and around the capital city of Doha are horse and camel racing tracks, sand dune racing, and all types of water sports. For all the Villa fans (or Man United if you must), Khalifa International Stadium where you can watch major football (soccer) teams from around the world take on each other in a spectacular desert setting.

And in case you haven’t heard, the World Cup 2022 will be in Qatar.  More than $20 billion USD has been earmarked to build the luxury tourist infrastructure required to build 5 star accommodations, resorts and other recreational facilities.

It’s not just about tourism though.  Qatar has strategically staged itself as a world leader in environmental technologies.  The Qatar International Environment Protection Exhibition at the Doha Exhibition Center shows Qatar’s commitment to using sustainable energy and green business practices very seriously, with a focus on educating the community.

There is also the Doha Furniture and Decoration Exhibition each fall that hosts more than 12 countries with designer showcases in furniture, design and accessories.  Perhaps you can pick up some tips to use next time you are haggling over a silk Persian rug at the Qatar International Carpet Exhibition in March!

Love movies?  Try the Doha Tribeca Film Festival this October.  Rub shoulders with local celebrities and take in some emerging indy flicks.   Pick up some ideas for how to eat and dress like a celebrity for the upcoming Food Festival and Jewelry Exhibitions set for February 2012.

Teachers will certainly have enough money to spend on these activities.  Salaries and benefits are generally excellent, with accommodations often provided in full by the schools.  I know from living in the Middle East, my largest expenses were only my food and a few dollars of gas to put in my car every week. I admit, the rest I spent on gold, rugs, and lots of traveling!

So if you are looking for something really hot in international teaching positions, you have to check into the ultra-cool country of Qatar.

Shannon Dipple - http://www.primary-education-oasis.com


   

Effective Management in the Classroom

Effective Management in the Classroom

There is a secret to running a well-organized classroom where great learning expectations are achieved: The Pygmalion Effect.

The Pygmalion Effect says that all people, including our students, are designed to function at maximum efficiency when expectations are known.  This is the key to excellent classroom management:  don’t make anything a secret.

Classroom management is not just discipline.  It is the day-to-day business of teaching and students’ learning.  It is how a teacher creates an environment that is conducive to learning.

Some teachers make the mistake of thinking students already know how to be successful.  They don’t.  They are only successful when the teacher is able to do that magical thing called…teaching.  And it can’t be done without a management plan that leaves nothing to chance.

There are 4 Classroom Management Factors that are absolutely essential in high-performing classrooms:

• Rules and Procedures (classroom routines)
• Teacher-Student Relationships
• Mental Set of the teacher 
• Discipline

At the top of the list will always be how well classroom management skills are employed and used consistently.  Without that, the other three fall apart.  In the next  three blog posts,  I will share with you what the optimal environment for classroom routines looks like, how to facilitate transitions that are effective and need all students’ needs, and how to target the essential activities that must have a set routine and procedure in place.

If you want maximum results, tell the students what needs to be done to get them.  Set strategies for classroom management and communicate high performance expectations.  Only then will students excel.

Shannon Dipple - http://www.primary-education-oasis.com

    

Government Will Grant Waivers to States Who Do What the Obama Admininstration Dictates

Government Will Grant Waivers to States Who Do What the Obama Admininstration Dictates

There are huge changes occurring in the educational system in America and it's coming straight from the top - Washington DC.   President Obama's administration has just said that they're going to grant waivers to any state that doesn't want to participate in the no Child left behind law. This is a move that is being applauded by many educators and administrators across the country.

State and local education officials have said for many years that this law is completely unsustainable. There are simply not enough funds  to be able to meet all of the madates NCLB requires.   

Pres. Obama's policy advisors and the Melody Barnes have said the details are coming in September.

In addition to this the Obama administration has said that waivers will be granted to any state that adopts standards designed to prepare students to go directly into university after high school. 

It is Interesting that this comes right at the same time that the new common core standards are being implemented across the country  (the common core standards have a focus on college preparedness and readiness skills, and federal funding is linked to whether a state choses to adopt them or not).

Although many states, teachers, educators, parents, and even children are all very excited about the possibility of seeing the final demise of No Child Left Behind, I would not be prepared to put my party had on just yet. 

These things have a way of taking a long time, and we are only a couple of weeks away from the new school year. By the time the House and the Senate actually decide to agree on something, Mr. Obama may not even be in office anymore.

Shannon Dipple - Primary Education Oasis

  

Movie Star Defends Public Education and Teachers

 Movie Star Defends Public Education and Teachers

Although it sometimes feels like the world is against teachers, this is certainly not the case!

Very often we forget in our insulated environments that people do care and are willing to speak up for teachers and the value of education.  But when a public figure balks at all the political drama surrounding education and speaks out in support of it, that is something of great value!

Matt Damon:  movie star, father of three, and...the son of a public education teacher spoke at the “Save Our Schools” educator rally in Washington.

He spoke freely from his heart but also called out all political proselytizers who use educational issues for their own gain.  His take on the current issues such as the perceived value of standardized testing in public education are common sense, straightforward and certainly gives current government administrations something to thing about 

Shannon Dipple - http://www.primary-education-oasis.com

   

Japan will be a Hot Spot for English teachers

Japan will soon be making it compulsory for students at primary school to learn English.  The movement comes in an attempt to improve the country's language skills and its ability to compete with surrounding Asian countries as well as overseas.

The new curriculum should begin in April aimed primarly at 5th and 6th grade students across all of Japan's public primary schools.  Lessons will be held 35 times a year which is about once a week, lasting about 45 minutes to an hour.

Although the MoE is reluctant to set out clear targets, the aim is that children show know about 285 English words.  The thinking being that it should make it a smoother transition from primary to junior and then secondary school.

This movement aims to improve's Japan's English proficiency even though students study English for 6 years starting at the age of 12.  Compared to their counter parts, Japanese students have the lowest scores in Asia in the international ToEFL.  The issue also stands that the majority of Japan's primary school teachers admit to not being well-equipped to deliver as language instructors, which does not give them the confidence to raise achievement as per the requirement from the MoE.  Additional training and support is likle to be needed in order for the MoE to meet its objectives in order for it to compete internationally.  Team teaching by bringing in English experts from abroad is likely to take place.

Since 2002, primary school children have been given occasional foreign-language teachings, but South Korea made English compulsory at that level in 1997, and China in 2005. Japanese sixth-graders have previously received far fewer hours of English instruction until now.  They were getting 13.5 hours English tuition a year which is far less then is surround counterparts

Although keen to implement and get going Japan's teacher's are aware there is a mountain to climb and much change to take place until standards of English are raised in the country.  The discussion for this change is long over due, so watch this space English teachers, as their should be more English teaching jobs coming your way!

  

Japan will be a Hot Spot for English teachers

Japan will soon be making it compulsory for students at primary school to learn English.  The movement comes in an attempt to improve the country's language skills and its ability to compete with surrounding Asian countries as well as overseas.

The new curriculum should begin in April aimed primarly at 5th and 6th grade students across all of Japan's public primary schools.  Lessons will be held 35 times a year which is about once a week, lasting about 45 minutes to an hour.

Although the MoE is reluctant to set out clear targets, the aim is that children show know about 285 English words.  The thinking being that it should make it a smoother transition from primary to junior and then secondary school.

This movement aims to improve's Japan's English proficiency even though students study English for 6 years starting at the age of 12.  Compared to their counter parts, Japanese students have the lowest scores in Asia in the international ToEFL.  The issue also stands that the majority of Japan's primary school teachers admit to not being well-equipped to deliver as language instructors, which does not give them the confidence to raise achievement as per the requirement from the MoE.  Additional training and support is likle to be needed in order for the MoE to meet its objectives in order for it to compete internationally.  Team teaching by bringing in English experts from abroad is likely to take place.

Since 2002, primary school children have been given occasional foreign-language teachings, but South Korea made English compulsory at that level in 1997, and China in 2005. Japanese sixth-graders have previously received far fewer hours of English instruction until now.  They were getting 13.5 hours English tuition a year which is far less then is surround counterparts.

Although keen to implement and get going Japan's teacher's are aware there is a mountain to climb and much change to take place until standards of English are raised in the country.  The discussion for this change is long over due, so watch this space English teachers, as their should be more English teaching jobs coming your way!

www.SeekTeachers.com
   

Real Experience of Teaching in Indonesia

Expat in Indonesia

As part of our on-going journey to help provide real life experiences of expat teachers who have "been there and done it", we would like to thank Mc McLean for submitting this article to be posted on the SeekTeachers Blog.

Mr McLean shares his real life experiences about life as an expat in Indonesia. Here's what he has to say...

"So you’re thinking of teaching overseas and embarking on an adventure in foreign climes. Why not? Do it!

But the best word of advice is to suspend your expectations and be prepared for a challenging adventure.

I worked in Jakarta for two years. It’s a throbbing, pulsing and dirty city of over twenty million people. Did I enjoy it? I would have to say I did. Was I challenged? Indeed I was.

There is massive wealth in Indonesia sitting next to amazing poverty. 

One of the problematic things for me was having a maid. It was an expectation that, as foreigners earning a good income, we employ someone. The cost came to about eighty dollars a month for someone who cooked and cleaned and looked after the house very dutifully. Was she worth more? Of course she was. Whilst we paid more than a local would, paying too much would have made her chances of getting work after we had gone difficult. What we paid had to be kept in proportion to the social and economic conditions to which she was accustomed. My maid actually gave me a small parting gift when I left and said, “You have helped me.” The help I gave was in the simple things like allowing her to keep the family motorbike in the foyer of the unit at night so it would not be stolen. I purchased a small, compact and collapsible clothes frame so she would have somewhere to hang her clothes. Whilst she was a “live in” maid, her room was miniscule and had no fittings. 

But that is standard in Jakarta and I couldn’t change it. Moreover, many of the maids wanted the security of knowing you could provide for them making the inequality between us strangely reassuring for her. 

When my maid became ill, I paid her medical bills. She discreetly left an envelope with the bills in the fruit bowl on the kitchen table and I discreetly left some money in the envelope. It was up to me what I contributed. I paid the lot. The cost of living there is a lot cheaper than in a first world country and her only medical insurance was me.

There are other interesting customs; unusual for us but standard practice. During the Muslim season of Idul Fitri it is customary to provide your maid (or driver, or gardener, or house boy depending on your situation) with an extra months pay. It is the time of year they travel across the country back to their families. Many mothers will be visiting their children whom they haven’t seen for eleven months. Husbands will be visiting wives, brothers meeting siblings and so on. 

What we don’t realize is the social fragmenting that has taken place simply because of the need to find some sort of work however lowly.

I could go on about stories of cultural differences; the imam calling the faithful to prayer at 5am, the lack of sanitation in many areas, the need to make sure you only drink bottled water. But it is in finding out how other parts of the world live and greet each day that we can become enriched in our own lives. I had the opportunity to travel widely around Indonesia during term breaks and saw the antiquities of Borobudur, the animist traditions of Sulawesi, the orangutans of Kalimantan and so much more.

The school I taught at did have a few difficulties. Some of these difficulties were created by the foreign staff. I was actually in a National Plus school where the students were from well to do Indonesian families and could all speak English. But there were also Indonesia staff from whom we learnt a lot. One reassuring element was that the students thought my jokes were bad. Students back home reacted in much a similar way.

Establishing a social network is important. The things we take for granted at home and to which we are accustomed like shopping, transport and entertainment all have to be revisited. How do you get around a city of twenty million people? How do you read the labels in the supermarket? What do you do with your evenings? The simplest solution is to be prepared for the uncertainty and embrace it. There’s always someone who will help you. The Indonesian staff at the school were fantastic in this regard. And the foreigners often held social evenings in their respective houses to keep the loneliness at bay.

You will find it overwhelming at times and exhilarating at others. The teaching is the constant in all of this and it’s where you are providing the most help and support. Get as much information as you can before you go and remain open minded – you are, after all, in someone else’s country where you are the strangest thing around and  not their customs.  

David McLean"

We would love to hear from teachers who have worked in Indonesia to see if they have also experienced something similar. 

If you would like to share your article on the SeekTeachers Blog about your experience of teaching overseas to help fellow education professionals or newbie teachers making that first nail-biting jump, please submit your article to blog@SeekTeachers.com.