China Classroom -- "Firsts"

This opportunity to teach in China is giving me a number of classroom "firsts" as well.

Beyond the obvious of a different culture, 100% English as a 2nd language students (ESL), and me being remote from family and friends for 3 weeks, the classroom experience will be very different on three levels.

First, I've always taught one night a week for all of my classes. This will be the first time I'll teach during the day and on consecutive days. My schedule for my one class at Wuhan is: Monday - Friday 8:00 - 9:40 and Tuesday and Friday 2:00 - 3:40. Preparing for this model was very different and challenging.

Second, I've taught both undergrad and grad Marketing classes, but never International Marketing. Developing my 21 International Marketing classes has been a tremendous learning experience. I have a new appreciation of the "controlled vs. uncontrolled" components within my new marketing lexicon which now includes three types: Domestic, International and Global Marketing. In previous marketing positions I have been totally 'domestic' focused, always relying on our "in country" marketing managers' cultural knowledge. I have a new-found appreciation for the complexity of building a successful, global marketing function without those valuable resources.

Third, my understanding of what is "normal" for Chinese students in a classroom is very different than what I do in America. The China teaching model is lecture and tests; memorization plays a key role in the Chinese education. Group work and asking questions/dialog in a classroom is an unfamiliar practice.

Bringing the American approach into the Chinese classroom is one big reason why Wuhan University of Technology, International School of Education Department, is working with Saint Martins University (SMU) to bring their teachers to Wuhan. Based upon my conversation yesterday with Jon--thanks for all the insights!!--who just returned from teaching there for SMU, the students are ready and willing to embrace this new classroom experience.

I'm really looking forward to us learning together.

Tyler