I was able to chat back and forth with Eric Asbury, an American teacher teaching in Dubai. Eric and I initially met via email contact. Due to his email account being checked periodically by his superior, he felt it would be safer to friend eachother on Facebook, and send messages. We introduced ourselves and from that point I asked Eric to tell me one thing that he misses about our culture, education wise. He explained to me that there is a total of 3 teachers in the classroom. That's a big difference from schools here, unless you are special education teacher. He is the only American. He teaches 5th grade boys. One thing that he misses is the bond he is quickly able to make with the kids here. In Dubai, it's strictly teacher-student.
Eric also stated that when he is alone with the kids, which is rare, the children use profanity towards him. He has told his superiors about this behavior, and they support him, which is good. This week I asked him about the poverty/homeless demographic at his school. He informed me that the children in his class appear to be well taken care of. He asked one of his team members about the poverty rate, and he was told that poverty and homelessness is a sheltered issue in their area of Dubai.
Being able to converse with Eric once a week has been quite interesting. He is adapting to the culture in Dubai. I'm sure it was kind of hard, but he was intrigued by the experience. I have learned that education is not taken lightly there. The school also incorporates their muslim faith and traditions into the learning segment, which is why there are so many teachers in the room because Eric is not allowed to teach that. I look forward to our next conversation. Stay Tuned!
Hi, Jackie.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like Eric is having a very interesting experience in Dubai. I find his comment about poverty in Dubai to be enlightening. I wonder if anyone else has encountered this reluctance to discuss the issue? I can see how in some cultures it may be considered uncomfortable, or perhaps even invasive to talk about such a personal issue. It will be interesting to see how other cultures react to our inquiries about poverty in their area.
I am shocked to hear that such young children would use profanity towards someone, especially of a more authoritative figure. That must have been quite a shock for Eric, I imagine. It must have been a big change for him compared to the US.
ReplyDeleteHi Jackie, glad you were successful in contacting someone. It must me good to have three teachers in a classroom. I wish all classrooms could have this type of support. I look forward to your following post to learn more about Dubai. I do wonder why they keep the issue of poverty and homelessness so sheltered.
ReplyDeleteHi Jackie, I couldn't Imagine how Eric feel with children acting like that in Dubai. I wonder what kind of environment the children live in to act like that, poverty must be in the area over because sound the children reaching out for help or love.
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