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[expat2007]

I thought that it would be a good idea to start a new topic on experiences (good or bad) that people have had with teaching Middle Eastern students esp. in the region itself.

[gulfprof]

 Hi

This topic forms the basis of my doctoral studies.
Essentially how Gulf Arabs learn best with western teachers in a blended online dynamic; western courses, western methods, and in English.

Factors in simplistic and generalised terms:

Gender.  The ladies try harder.
State. Some Gulf states have students who may be more appreciative of your efforts than others.
Background. Whether from local schools or the local international, private, schools, which affects there academic English abilities and their levels of receptivity.
Technology. Blended face to face as opposed to fully online appeals to their inherent need for socialisation in the classroom and a smiley teacher.

The socialisation is more important to them in the classroom, than the actual learning.
They may appear to be rude to the newbie sojourning teacher, talking, mobile telephones etc,  but is is just a differing priority - don't be too judgemental.

Chill out and shed typical western ethnocentrism and you will enjoy it here.
Get on your high-horse, then you might as well go home.

[danny_boy]

I don't think it's possible to make sweeping generalizations about "Middle Eastern students."  I've worked in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Oman (for a total of 12 years) and had students from the Eminates, Yemen, Egypt, Sudan, Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Palestine, Baluchistan, Zanzibar, and Iran.  I've also taught EFL in the US, Mexico, and for the last 10 years in Japan.

And I'd be hard-pressed to say that all these students were alike.  Sure there are certain similarities based on, say, a shared L1 or similar cultural/educational experiences.  Most than anything else though I'd say that it's the institutional context that has the greatest impact on how the students are.  In Kuwait, for example, there was a huge difference between students in the College of Medicine, those from the College of Commerce, and those in the Arts College.  And I'm not just talking about skills or motivation.  They might as well have been from different cultures.

It's often said that Arab students are weak in terms of writing but strong on speaking -- and the reverse is said about Japanese students.  And while there's something to this, I can't say I'm overly impressed with the written skills of my Japanese students.  But it was a bid disconcerting to see one of my Arab students spell his own name three different ways on the same page. 

As far as the factors that Laurence mentions, I'd have to say that in my (25 years of) experience, those are all just as true of my Mexican and Japanese (and Korean) students.  Yes, girls try harder.  Yes, some students from some areas are more appreciative than others.  Yes, English abilities will vary hugely depending on prior schooling.  Yes, students all over the world (including the US) prefer face-to-face to online instruction.

Socialization in the classroom means everything in Japan.  This is actual why many Japanese teachers prefer larger class sizes -- too few students, not enough socialization.  Students talking in class, using cell phones?  Sounds like the complaints of many US university teachers.

[expat2007]

Thanks for the views.

[aysha]

I have been teaching international students for almost 15 years and I must admit that each and every student is unique in his or her own way, regardless of nationality.  What I truly enjoyed teaching in the middle east would be the motivational tool I had in hand... Students there, especially those from Oman were in need of constant motivation.  What shocked me was the curriculum inadequacy and the constant feedback from teachers who 'assume' these learners are slow in acquisition.  Thus, not catering to their actual needs - encouragement that is.  Trust me, if we focus on motivation apart from mere teaching methodology, this surely may increase a students desire to learn, be it face-to-face or online.  Build up their courage, and you'll see them 'bloom'!  Hope this will help!