I'm sitting in my classroom. Like the naughty pupil who does his own thing while the teacher thinks he's studying, I work at my blog. But I'm the teacher, not the student. My small class of Emiratis are chatting in Arabic about last night's soccer match, I presume. I was told I am not to refer to them as students, as they are all adults and may be insulted by the suggestion that they are akin to school brats.
I've been teaching similar groups of Emirati young men for the past 6 1/2 years. They've ranged in age from 17 to the late 30's. It is easy to generalize and say that they are not keen learners. Why would they be, actually, when education and learning are presented to them more as a formality for the job or position they are otherwise guaranteed to get?
Despite that, there are always a few who are well-motivated and gifted. Likewise, while many are boisterous and insolent, there are the few who are quiet and reserved. This exception is one that really stands out. Such individuals seem to possess a spirit of quiet resolve and defiance. They appear to go against the grain of Emerati society which tends to enforce a common group identity above that of the individual.
My trainees, as I am asked to refer to them, are enjoying their chance to chat unfettered as much as I am my chance to blog. But it's time to get back to the job at hand.
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... expounded on by a long-term UAE resident expat.
About Me
- B.D.
- American expat, in the UAE since 2000. Language teacher by profession; blogging and Dubai & South Asia enthusiast. Email me for more info or to comment.
5 comments:
I pity those young emiratis who are not keen to learn because they are claiming that they can still get a good job even if they don't get good grades because they are 'local'. And for those who are keen and self motivated to learn, I salute them for they value the importance of education. As per my point of view, these spoiled school brats are those proud and egoistic emiratis who always claim that if we ( expats) doesn't want their attitude, we must leave their country.
I pity those young emiratis who are not keen to learn because they are claiming that they can still get a good job even if they don't get good grades because they are 'local'. And for those who are keen and self motivated to learn, I salute them for they value the importance of education. As per my point of view, these spoiled school brats are those proud and egoistic emiratis who always claim that if we ( expats) doesn't want their attitude, we must leave their country.
(I don't know what happened , I can't use my blogger identity when i wrote the comment for the 1st time,so I decided to use the anonymous. I am the anonymous who made the first comment. After few minutes I tried again, and lucky to post a comment as nurse on duty , so i just copy and paste.)
Hi Nurse,
Blogger is sometimes eratic these days. I can delete your first comment if you like.
The arrogance of some (students) is unbelievable and what also bothers me are those (teachers, including expats) who immediately cow down to wasta--as though trembling in fear at the thought of losing their job, or trying to use it to their adavantage to get a leg up.
To be fair, however, I try to avoid generalizing and, instead, try to recognize that you have similar issues in classrooms everywhere. Ultimately, however, it seems the government is at fault for creating a system of entitlement rather than keeping its support and wealth distribuation to a subsistance level. As it is now, these entilements stifle the will of its beeficiaries to suceed through self-determination and personal effort. It is really counter-productive.
I respect you for expressing your thoughts about the UAE and its society. I am an Emirati students and I believe that the attitude of the students has nothing to do with the government ..so please next time, do not get out great government involved in the foolishness and ignorance of the lazy students. Everyone has the choice to be whatever he wants, to attend any school he wants. The students choose not to pay attention..This is their choice and they are going to deal with the consequences. For your information, days have changed.. NOW, uneducated people hardly get decent jobs in the UAE. Companies and government institute demand for at least a high school certificate. I predict that in the next 5 years the minimum is going to be a diploma. The few lucky ones who get a job..Get the minimum wages
Thank you Nurse&Local an Emarati.I'm agree with your's comments.
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