What Can I Teach about in Class?

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What Can I Teach about in Class?

Written by Robert Vance on March 6, 2008 – 9:57 am

The title of this short blog should really be “What can’t I Teach about in Class?” After all, if you are teaching oral English, the sky is the limit when it comes to what you can discuss in class. That’s why conversationalists love teaching in China. A teacher can choose a topic and run with it, especially if the students are responsive. I have talked about manners, motorcycles,snow,food,exercise,sports,answering the phone,being a server,owning a business,addictions,family,holidays,religion,movies, and much more! With that said, it is important to know what topics are probably best left untouched in your classes. Here is a short FAQ about what is acceptable to teach in China.

I hear that China is very anti-religion. Am I allowed to talk about religion in my class?

Surprisingly enough, you may be more free to talk about religion in your class in China than you are in your own country. As long as you aren’t “preaching” and “railing” against the government, there is really no problem. In fact, most headmasters would like to have you talk about religion now and then especially as it relates to specific holidays in your country.

What about political issues? Is it ok to discuss these in class with older students?

It is ok to talk about politics for the most part. For example, talking about the differences between the U.S. and Chinese government is completely acceptable. However, discussing issues relating to the tense relations between the motherland and a “certain” Island is not a good idea. It is best to keep your opinions to yourself when it comes to relationships between countries or provinces. I do know personally of one teacher who got in trouble for discussing a sensitive political issue with his adult students. Don’t do it. You will only make people angry and possibly get the school in trouble. If you need to know specifically what sensitive political issue I am speaking of, please look it up online.

What about mature topics like sex and drugs? I hear that China is a conservative country. Should I avoid these topics?

First, I would just remind you to use common sense. Obviously, with children and teenagers, discussing these subjects in any detail is inappropriate. However, with adults, it is certainly ok to broach these topics if they happen to present themselves. I was recently using a lesson plan from a curriculum plan that brought up the issue of drugs. Included in the vocabulary were various names (and nicknames) for illicit drugs. A story was included that told the story of a teenager who involved herself with sex and alchohol. Everyone in the room seemed to be fine with the story and a good discussion ensued. Again, you have to scope out the situation and make sure that the topics do not make anyone uncomfortable.

In closing I would suggest that your lesson should never be designed to humiliate your audience or make them feel that you or your culture is superior to them. If you are discussing some high points of British Culture, for example, be sure to bring up some good aspects of Chinese Culture as well. You should share your culture as much as you can but with the perspective that you are teaching in a country that has more than 5000 years of recorded history. In my years of teaching, I have never offended anyone with my lessons. Or at least, no one has ever complained. Do think before you speak but feel free to talk about anything. Many of your students are grasping for new vocabulary and expressions so anything you talk about will be valuable to them.

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