Colorado Technical University

Some Foreign Students believe College Courses should be all lecture?

I teach business courses at a local Community College. One thing I hate doing in any class I teach is to just lecture to the students for the 2 hour course. Though many of my foreign students get angry when I expect them to speak up in class or do presentations. In fact many just refuse to speak up in class and go mute when I call on them. A few times I insisted they answer the question and when I pushed it they stormed out of class and reported me to the administration. They insisted that in their country the teachers talked not the students. What do you think of this?

Public Comments

1. Obviously, school is different in different countries and respecting others is important. However, if you were going to school in their country you would respect how the teacher managed his/her classroom; and your students (despite what they might expect) need to respect how you are choosing to run your classroom. If it was me, I would make class participation part of the grade. Then they would have to participate or face the consequences. Respect is a two-way street. I think sometimes we let people different from ourselves walk all over us in the name of respecting their culture.
2. This is a cultural thing. You just need to be a little patient. But this is America and if your students want to be successful here, they have to learn the American way. You should explain to them that giving presentations in class is for their own benefits. It is a basic skill in any business world and is essential for them to succeed here. Some of them may be shy because of their cultural background or don't speak English well. You probably need lots of encouragement for them to overcome those. Just be patient and communicate with them.