John Killick is currently the Foreign Teaching Director at Dalian's New century Practical English School. He is an Australian with a background in business administration. John came to China in 1998 for a short working holiday and enjoyed his experience so much that he decided to stay long-term and develop a career in EFL teaching and School administration. He has been in China for two years now and has gained a great deal of teaching experience in a short time, having taught EFL at the university level, at private schools and as a one-on-one tutor. He has taught both children and adults of all levels. He has also gained a great deal of respect for Chinese people and Culture. As an Administrator, John finds the experience challenging and extremely enjoyable. John's experience shows that China really is a land of opportunity for people with the right attitude!

Dalian New Century Practical English School
New Century Practical English School (NCPES) is an innovative new player on the TEFL scene in China. The school opened in April, 2000, and, in the extremely competitive EFL market in Dalian, has quickly achieved an enrolment of over 600 students, a figure expected to double in the near future. The school offers classes that are tailored to the needs of the students, with the student body comprising both children and adults of all levels of english ability. Having highlighted Chinese students main difficulty in learning english, the school concentrates on developing oral and auditory communicative skills in a relaxed, friendly environment. Another unique approach is the choice of foreign teachers from a variety of countries to provide students with exposure to different accents and vocabulary, demonstrating that english truly is a global language. The success of our Dalian school has prompted us to open a school in another chinese city, Shenyang, in September 2000. There will! be exciting opportunities for prospective EFL teachers in this new century, and we plan to be at the forefront.

E.mail: jack_xiaoma@sohu.com

Q&A Transcript - CHINA

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 8:35:44 PM)
Hello everyone.

jenks (ID=97) (Jun 15, 2000 8:36:57 PM)
What levels and ages of students are represented at the school where John is teaching?

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 8:37:38 PM)
All ages and all levels.

Pondweller (ID=89) (Jun 15, 2000 8:38:23 PM)
Please tell us more about the school where you teach.

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 8:39:15 PM)
pond, the school is a new school

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 8:39:34 PM)
It offers oral and listening classes to private students

Sparrow (ID=88) (Jun 15, 2000 8:38:36 PM)
What's your major?

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 8:39:04 PM)
My major is management

tim (ID=93) (Jun 15, 2000 8:38:44 PM)
John,do you find any differences between Chinese and Western EFL students?

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 8:40:14 PM)
Tim - Chinese students seem a little more reserved, but they study very well.

Mary (ID=85) (Jun 15, 2000 8:38:55 PM)
What type of experience are you looking for in the staff you hire?

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 8:40:34 PM)
Mary, our staff don't need experience so much

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 8:41:01 PM)
mary, they just need the right attitude. An open mind

mags (ID=91) (Jun 15, 2000 8:40:21 PM)
Do you speak or write Chinese?

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 8:41:18 PM)
mags, I have learned to speak chinese pretty well, but writing is very tough!

Mary (ID=85) (Jun 15, 2000 8:41:11 PM)
What are the top three qualifications are you looking for then?

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 8:42:04 PM)
mary- college dgree, attitude, personality

tim (ID=93) (Jun 15, 2000 8:41:32 PM)
John, you say reserved, but do you think this affects thier ability to learn?

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 8:43:34 PM)
tim- it doesn't affect them so much, but it requires a different approach - you have to encourage them to express themselves

Pandora (ID=94) (Jun 15, 2000 8:41:40 PM)
How are you handling what seems to be a large influx of students?

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 8:42:34 PM)
pandora- We planned for a big enrolment, because english is incredibly popular here in China

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 8:42:53 PM)
We start new classes as the demand occurs

Sparrow (ID=88) (Jun 15, 2000 8:42:36 PM)
How long have you been teaching ESL/EFL?

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 8:43:55 PM)
I've been teaching for almost three years now.

Ben2 (ID=96) (Jun 15, 2000 8:43:10 PM)
What would be considered a suitable personality?

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 8:44:31 PM)
Ben2- Suitable personality = open mind, friendliness, humour, willing to learn

Pandora (ID=94) (Jun 15, 2000 8:43:14 PM)
Can we start by explaining the philosophy and administration of your program?

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 8:45:08 PM)
pandora- We are a chinese run school. Our philosophy is tothoroughly immerse the students in english

Mary (ID=85) (Jun 15, 2000 8:43:24 PM)
What is the benefits and salary package you offer? Also, I am married. What accomidations are made for non-teaching spouses?

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 8:45:32 PM)
mary - See our job posting.

Magpie (ID=104) (Jun 15, 2000 8:44:38 PM)
What is an average salary?

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 8:46:07 PM)
Magpie - 2,000 RMB at a college, 3,000 at a private school.

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 8:46:47 PM)
We offer 5,000 in Dalian because it's a very modern city with all the western conveniences.

tim (ID=93) (Jun 15, 2000 8:46:19 PM)
john, do you think their, approach to the teacher is different from westerners?

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 8:47:25 PM)
Tim - definitely. They emphasize memorising information.

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 8:47:00 PM)
yijun - Yes, conversational level.

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 8:47:56 PM)
Western Education focuses on creative abilities

mags (ID=91) (Jun 15, 2000 8:47:55 PM)
Tell us about your living arrangements.

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 8:48:40 PM)
mags - we offer free accomodation shared with one other (standard in China)

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 8:48:56 PM)
Couples get their own apartment.

Pandora (ID=94) (Jun 15, 2000 8:48:20 PM)
What is the average class size in your school?

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 8:49:09 PM)
16 for adults, 18 for kids

Ferris (ID=101) (Jun 15, 2000 8:48:23 PM)
What are some problem areas with your students?

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 8:49:45 PM)
Ferris - problems are a lack of opportunity to speak english, so their speaking level lags behind their writing and reading

Sparrow (ID=106) (Jun 15, 2000 8:49:12 PM)
Since Chinese students are more test-oriented,do you have any difficulties to adjust their purpose of learning English?

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 8:50:24 PM)
sparrow - good point. we try to focus on each individuals needs. If he wants to pass a test, we help him do that.

Pelican (ID=109) (Jun 15, 2000 8:50:07 PM)
How big is the city you're in?

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 8:51:51 PM)
Pelican - Dalian has about 2 million residents and another 3 million in the surrounding area.

Pandora (ID=94) (Jun 15, 2000 8:50:51 PM)
What are your ESL qualifications?

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 8:51:01 PM)
Pandora - I have a Teaching certificate from Australia and a great deal of classroom experience.

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 8:51:21 PM)
I personally think experience is everything in teaching.

Brad (ID=82) (Jun 15, 2000 8:51:29 PM)
Where is your city located vis-a-vis Beijing, Shanghai, or Xian?

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 8:52:25 PM)
Brad - Dalian is about 10 hours from Beijing. It's on the tip of a penninsula, near Korea

Ferris (ID=101) (Jun 15, 2000 8:51:34 PM)
Describe your working environment.

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 8:53:08 PM)
Ferris - working environment - chaos! kids everywhere, students asking crazy questions! But it's great fun!

Sparrow (ID=106) (Jun 15, 2000 8:52:15 PM)
I don't know the size of each class there. However, how do you focus on individual needs if the class is big?

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 8:53:46 PM)
Sparrow- We focus on needs by allowing students to ask questions and initiate activities by themselves

Pelican (ID=109) (Jun 15, 2000 8:52:43 PM)
What's the weather like in Dalian?

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 8:54:03 PM)
Pelican - Hot in Summer, Cold in winter

Pelican (ID=109) (Jun 15, 2000 8:53:25 PM)
Does your school give you vacation time?

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 8:54:38 PM)
Pelican- we give two weeks vacation a year

blondie (ID=112) (Jun 15, 2000 8:54:22 PM)
Do you get time off for teacher training?

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 8:55:03 PM)
blondie- no time off, but we offer teachers as much support as they need on the job

juju (ID=108) (Jun 15, 2000 8:54:28 PM)
Do you offer short term teahing assignments, i.e. 3 months stay?

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 8:55:13 PM)
juju - yes we do

Sparrow (ID=106) (Jun 15, 2000 8:54:33 PM)
How do you help students to overcome the problem of miniminized opportunities of speaking English?

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 8:55:45 PM)
sparrow - we make the class totally speaking oriented. also we have english discussion groups

Pelican (ID=109) (Jun 15, 2000 8:55:22 PM)
What textbooks do you use?

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 8:56:54 PM)
Pelican - SBS series for kids, Modern American English, Oral Workshop - but we concentrate oin conversation

Ferris (ID=101) (Jun 15, 2000 8:56:01 PM)
Why does your school only teach listening and speaking?

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 8:57:36 PM)
Ferris - That is chinese students biggest need.

Pelican (ID=109) (Jun 15, 2000 8:56:15 PM)
Once someone is offered a job, about how long does it take to get the working papers done?

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 8:57:18 PM)
pelican- It takes about two weeks.

Pelican (ID=109) (Jun 15, 2000 8:56:55 PM)
How many teachers are at your school?

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 8:58:00 PM)
Pelican - currently six, soon there'll be 9

blondie (ID=112) (Jun 15, 2000 8:57:15 PM)
What other perks or benefits are offered?

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 8:58:26 PM)
blondie - the experience of living in this country, making great friends, learning chinese

Ben2 (ID=96) (Jun 15, 2000 8:57:17 PM)
John, what kind of Internet access is available--for staff and students?

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 8:58:55 PM)
ben2 - We let teachers uise the net if they need it, but Dalian is full of net bars.

Pelican (ID=109) (Jun 15, 2000 8:58:24 PM)
On a day to day living there kind of basis, what is your 'interaction' with communism?

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 8:59:33 PM)
pelican - absolutely none. This is a very open city (maybe a student will ask your opinion of it)

Sparrow (ID=106) (Jun 15, 2000 8:58:45 PM)
Do you also hire no-native speakers?

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 9:01:18 PM)
sparrow - sorry, no non natives.

Pelican (ID=109) (Jun 15, 2000 8:58:56 PM)
What do you do for entertainment?

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 9:00:05 PM)
pelican - Karaoke, movies, Nightclubs, chinese banquets, the beach, you name it.

blondie (ID=112) (Jun 15, 2000 9:00:01 PM)
How do you enjoy the food? What is the cost of a good meal? A cheap meal?

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 9:00:42 PM)
blondie- food is chaep and delicious. a cheap meal for 2 will be about 2 US dollars.

Pelican (ID=109) (Jun 15, 2000 9:00:06 PM)
Are there any english newspapers in your city?

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 9:00:52 PM)
Pelican - only one

Pelican (ID=109) (Jun 15, 2000 9:02:09 PM)
Same question: what do you do for entertainment? movies? are there any english bookstores?

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 9:04:37 PM)
Pelican - There are english bookstores, but mostly 19th century novels

blondie (ID=112) (Jun 15, 2000 9:02:18 PM)
What do you miss about your native area?

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 9:03:51 PM)
blondie - Cricket and Rugby Football, and my family.

Pelican (ID=109) (Jun 15, 2000 9:02:30 PM)
Do you teach business english?

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 9:04:06 PM)
Pelican - we plan to start very soon

tim (ID=93) (Jun 15, 2000 9:02:59 PM)
John, why are these guys studying english?

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 9:03:02 PM)
tim - they think they need english in light of the WTO. Many use it for work, kids want to study overseas, some want to emigrate

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 9:03:22 PM)
pelican - there are english movies

blondie (ID=112) (Jun 15, 2000 9:04:23 PM)
If you could offer one piece of advice to MA/TESL graduates, what would it be?

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 9:05:11 PM)
blondie - The world's your oyster, get some experience and you'll never look back

Kate (ID=113) (Jun 15, 2000 9:04:35 PM)
Which methodology is preferred at this institution? audiolingual or communicative approach?

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 9:05:34 PM)
kate - communicative, they need to learn how to express themselves

blondie (ID=112) (Jun 15, 2000 9:04:52 PM)
What teaching tool do you find most helpful?

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 9:06:00 PM)
blondie - The teachers own creativity plus students determination

Pelican (ID=109) (Jun 15, 2000 9:05:50 PM)
For how many years have you taught English?

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 9:06:15 PM)
pelican - almost 3 years

Ben2 (ID=96) (Jun 15, 2000 9:05:57 PM)
Can you get good formal instruction in Chinese language?

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 9:06:41 PM)
Ben - you can study at a Chinese college, and get great chances to practice on the street.

Pondweller (ID=89) (Jun 15, 2000 9:06:04 PM)
Have you read anything by Ha Jin, the Chinese author who wrote "Waiting" in English?

tim (ID=93) (Jun 15, 2000 9:06:11 PM)
John, do you think, students respond well to the communcative approach?

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 9:07:02 PM)
tim - In general, yes. they are looking for chances to speak english

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 9:07:30 PM)
We try to give our students the english environment they lack elsewhere

Pelican (ID=109) (Jun 15, 2000 9:06:26 PM)
Does your school offer somewhere to learn Chinese?

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 9:07:58 PM)
pel - we have chinese tutoring available

Pelican (ID=109) (Jun 15, 2000 9:06:56 PM)
I just read Waiting

blondie (ID=112) (Jun 15, 2000 9:07:20 PM)
How much would it be to study Chinese at a college?

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 9:08:20 PM)
blondie - I'm not too sure about costs, but everything is included in the price

Ben2 (ID=96) (Jun 15, 2000 9:07:59 PM)
Any martial arts schools for foreigners?

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 9:08:51 PM)
ben - oodles of martial arts schools, but learn some chinese first!

Brad (ID=82) (Jun 15, 2000 9:08:12 PM)
Is your school in any way affiliated with Liaoning University?

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 9:09:25 PM)
Brad - no affiliation, we're private

tim (ID=93) (Jun 15, 2000 9:08:14 PM)
What would you say are the biggest problems with teaching Chinese studets....and the biggest pluses?

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 9:09:54 PM)
tim- biggest plus, the friendships, problem - getting them to come out of themselves

Kate (ID=113) (Jun 15, 2000 9:08:28 PM)
What are the living accomidations like? square feet of apartment, applicances, hot water etc. . .

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 9:10:53 PM)
kate - dalian apartments are good - hot water, all the appliances, slightly smaller than western

blondie (ID=112) (Jun 15, 2000 9:09:19 PM)
Does your school help employees find living accomodations?

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 9:10:12 PM)
blondie - we give our teachers free accommodation

Pondweller (ID=89) (Jun 15, 2000 9:10:21 PM)
I thought "Waiting" helped me grasp something of the Chinese mind and culture,.

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 9:11:13 PM)
pond - I'm not familiar with the book

tim (ID=93) (Jun 15, 2000 9:10:45 PM)
John, if they can't come out of themselves, is it possible to get them to learn good english?

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 9:11:37 PM)
tim - That's the challenge for the teacher

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 9:12:40 PM)
Chinese students are great to teach and they really appreciate you as a teacher

blondie (ID=112) (Jun 15, 2000 9:10:51 PM)
What are the accomodations like?

Pondweller (ID=89) (Jun 15, 2000 9:12:44 PM)
What reading would you recommend to understand the present culture of China.

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 9:14:01 PM)
pond - Get to know some people and probe their mind - I don't think reading can help too much

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 9:15:01 PM)
If you want to read something, read books written by the Chinese themselves

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 9:18:13 PM)
I can't think of any titles offhand, but you should read the chinese classics to understand china

Brad (ID=82) (Jun 15, 2000 9:16:16 PM)
It seems like the ad doesn't offer any better terms for teachers with MA degrees--true?

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 9:16:56 PM)
Brad - True, but there are management possibilities

Brad (ID=82) (Jun 15, 2000 9:17:38 PM)
Ahhh... interesting.

Pondweller (ID=89) (Jun 15, 2000 9:16:41 PM)
Yes. I understand. Ha Jin is Chinese from Beijing. What books by Chinese would you recommend?

Brad (ID=82) (Jun 15, 2000 9:20:11 PM)
Thanks, John! "Shay-shay"!

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 9:20:23 PM)
I sure would - thanks everyone!

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 9:21:16 PM)
Brad, ZiJian

JohnKillick_Guest (ID=77) (Jun 15, 2000 9:21:18 PM)
ZAIJIAN, I meant

moderator (ID=83) (Jun 15, 2000 9:20:25 PM)
Many thanks to all our contributors this week and especially John Killick. Next week we will be in Greece!

Please note that for clarity, this transcript has been sequenced and edited.