The beginning of any new academic semester is fraught with inevitable required adjustments. The post-graduate students (pgs) are no exception. They are required to take one semester of oral English with a foreign teacher. Most pgs have had prior undergraduate experiences with this inconsequential course where the grade does not count and more often than not, the foreign teacher has a guitar and only knows how to teach English songs. The pgs have a very strong preconceived idea of what to expect from their oral English class.
As the pgs approach their 4th floor oral English classroom they are confronted by a 200 cm x 200 cm banner.
They have no idea what “Chingland” means and “Chinglish Spoken Here” goes directly against and is directly opposed to their prior teaching that Chinglish is no good. This is the pgs first indication that something may be different.
As they approach the classroom door they look puzzled and double check the room number.
As the pgs open the door, their jaws drop, they freeze in position and get a “deer in the headlights” look. Again, they double check the assigned classroom number.
As they slowly enter the room there is a Chinese buzz. The foreign teacher actually looks like a real professor. The professor loudly announces, “This is an English class and this is an English classroom. Why am I hearing Chinese? If you want to practice your Chinese leave.”
A hush falls over the room. The pgs ask permission to be seated. The professor advises that those pgs who have brought their books and a writing utensil may be seated. All others must leave and never return unprepared again. Those who did not bring their books or writing utensils are told to leave but they remain frozen in time and space. The professor explains that coming to a pg class at China’s #8 most famous university is intolerable kindergarten behavior and the guilty students are ordered to leave.
Sometimes an entire first class must be cancelled and rescheduled at a punitive time.
On the very first day of the semester the professor draws the line in the sand and demands that the pgs act like mature, responsible, serious students or get out. They have never had such an experience in their prior 16 years of education. They are in shock!
Fortunately, the professor knows how to bring the pgs out of shock and within minutes the classroom is filled with laughter as everyone settles down to begin their semester of fun with English acquisition.
Read the download page article First Day Student Culture Shock
Unlike the other students I missed Pro. Martin’s first class for some special reasons. So last saturday morning is my first day student culture shock. At first I was really scared by Martin’s severe attitude to the students who were late. In China, most professors have been used to that and they never explain how bad this behavior is, so finally students just take it for granted. In my opinion, teacher should make their students aware that being on time is very important. If students do not realize that they will make some big mistakes in their left lives, especially in work.
Another difference I found is that in western culture students are encouraged to think and talk freely and to open their mind to find various creative ideas. What teachers teach is not only knowledge but also how to learn and how to create.
Firstly, I sorry for posting on time because I had not received the email that time, and I tried to post in October 11, but it can’t be sent to Mr. Martin, so I would like to post again on the thread time.
Honestly speaking, I was shocked with Dr. Martin’s preciseness when he yelling at me because of my informal English name, I standed in amazement and still felt a little nervous after changed the name.
But as time flowing, I found this fat and humorous man is so sagacious, he told us what’s important in learning English much better and how to be a person better. I am looking forward to see my own changes.
I had made a comment before. But my dear said that he don’t notice, so I leave a message again.
I admit that I have just walked into the classroom when they were shocked to the tables and chairs are in accordance with the way the classroom is different from the normal arrangement. Every desk, a cactus, behind the podium and in the classroom also has flowers, and even free to drink coffee.
I think this is a what kind of teacher do?
Then we saw our dear teacher.
He has given us something completely different from the past, really good.
Last Tuesday, I went in the Holistic English finally. For me,it was so difficulty to listen to Professor Martin’s lesson. Every classmate said I was an unlucky girl for this course. In Chinese ,it is described with the word “no Yuanfen”.
My first Holistic English experience is really very shock.. Marin was so surprised that he had never seen me, as a student of him. So he took very care of me, that after every group discuss ,I would be ordered to stand in the middle of the lab to answer questions .And unfortunately I dressed a very short skirt that everybody stared at my legs.It was very shamed to a Chinese girl.
But the advancement seemed quite obviously. From the beginning of stammer over the words to express my thought and viewpoint fluently, it just took me 2 hours.
I’m very sorry that I didn’t post the comments on time. I didn’t receive the E-mail too. Now, I find that we should write this comment, so I realize that I’m wrong. Since the error occurs, there is less sense to excuse, so I have to find ways to remedy it.
Honestly, I had an unforgettable experience when I first entered into the Holistic English classroom. I’ve never had a foreign teacher to teach us English, and the patterns of classroom made me feel very fresh, also the red cap with “Speak English” on the desk and it was very comfortable sitting in the chair. Into the classroom I had a feeling of relaxed. But, I did not think so soon, and I began to feel nervous, because of Professor Martin Wolff. He was strict, he said that by himself , so far I still think so. His rule was strange, such as met with him to say ‘Super califragilisticexpiala docious’, and he would call us without warning, we must answer in English. But I benefited so much from his teaching methods and insights, he is a very serious and responsible elderly, very helpful for us to learn English.
I’m so glad I can post the comments this time. For my no attention, I’ve miss this assignment. First day when I came into the language lab, I was shocked by many color mottos on the wall. That made it quite different from other classroom we had seen before. It looked lovely. Everyone had a red cup and wrote down the English name on a paper. Pro. Martin, the man looked like Father Christmas, told us his experience in China, his holisitic English, some “P” and “F” rules also. And we should finish every assignment on time. It sounded difficult to pass this oral course, however, I looked forward to it even now!
I’m so sorry for my careless about our teacher’s instructions at the first class. When I received Mr. Martin’s E-mail in one day, it was REALLY a big shock to me; I never thought I have missed so much E-mail from him and the homework he had asked. But the reason is complex: At the very beginning, I sent my E-mail about my personal information with the wrong mail title. Then, I received an auto response. From then on, I always believed that my E-mail was accepted by our teacher until I heard some of my classmates were discussing how to do the homework on the web. At that time I finally realized that my E-mail was not accepted. I run back to my house and sent another E-mail with the fixed title; also, I checked all the “homework assignment” that Mr. Martin have told us to do in a limited period. But it was too late to post because the comment board closed. Luck for me, today I found it is open to us again. So, I post my bad experience here in order to make an deep apologize ,also, I realize that there maybe some misunderstanding between the teacher and the students cause I am quite sure that some of my classmates miss the details. After all, I do appreciate for Mr. Martin has reminded me of my failure. Hope everyone in this class gets a good memory and a plentiful harvest.
It is a misery for me that I don’t see my comment on the internet. However ,I yould not forget my first day to be present for the oral Enlish class . because it is a shock for me .I have accepted 10 years English study and I have not see such English classroom before, colorful, only several tables each of which is surrounded by 6 seats. The teacher’s voice is load and facial expression is rich. I did’t have foreign English teacher before, so I am full color to go to the classroom. I want to know how the foreigner to teach us ,how his real It is a misery for me that I don’t see my comment on the internet. However ,I yould not forget my first day to be present for the oral Enlish class . because it is a shock for me .I have accepted 10 years English study and I have not see such English classroom before, colorful, only several tables each of which is surrounded by 6 seats. The teacher’s voice is load and facial expression is rich. I did’t have foreign English teacher before, so I am full color to go to the classroom. I want to know how the foreigner to teach us ,how his real American pronunciation. It is obvious that the former attracts me more. Additionally ,Martin is a very rigorous teacher so that I feel a little fraid. Martin is also a humorous teacher that the classroom is full of laughter.
Generally speaking, “First Day Student Culture Shock” has described my experience on my first oral English class this semester relevantly. It was really a shock when I approached our 4th floor oral English classroom. When I was puzzled and wanted to knock the door for confirming my suspect, the door of classroom 416 opened. It was a little funny for me to leave quickly when I saw a foreign teacher. In fact, I knew he must be our teacher-professor Martin. But I was just too nervous to open my mouth to say hello to him. I was calmed down until I saw my classmates and sat down in the special classroom.
Professor tells us that he is humorous. And I really have this feel as within minutes the classroom is filled with laughter. He has high expectation on us as we are students major economic. And I’m not so afraid to enter this classroom for the humorous and different teaching method by Martin. So I think most of my classmates and I have settled down to try our best to begin our oral English classes with fun.
that is just the things which shocked me,I am not prepared for this new manner at all.even,the foreign teacher behave really strictly.however,his humor made me come down.when he talked something funning and I fortunately followed it,I laughted.In the class time,I do really think English is just so so,making mistakes is just so so,he give me passion to study English.I hope I can do it well.
it is my first spoken english taught by a foreign professor yesterday ,which is exciting.before the class,I heard that Martin Wolff from other students’mouth,they said he was a very strict old man and i always feel curious of him,i want to know this teacher in near distance,and my dream was realized in this semester.
when i got upstair to fourth floor,i saw my classroom and a purely red board with the words”welcome to chingland/ chinglish spoken here ” on the wall ,i laughed.but it just the beginning. in the class ,the old man took us more langh,though he said he was a strict even harsh man .you know ,i like the classroom,and also the humorous old man，thank you.
The first time I went into the classroom specially prepared for oral English practicing I was so confused and worried. I found there were so many differences in this classroom with others, so I’m confused whether I went into a wrong room; I heard the foreign teacher said he was strict and even harsh to his students, nobody could speak Chinese in his class otherwise the guy would be asked to go out, at that time, I was so worried about my poor oral English would let the teacher angry, then other guys would laugh at my stupid mistakes. But, when we finished the first class, I felt really happy. Because the teacher encouraged me, he just changed my life, I knew I could learn English in my way, didn’t need to pay attention to the others’ thoughts. Thank you , my foreign teacher.
good!i like the “coffee house”,i like the desk because i can see my classmate completely.And i can talk to them face to face.But it was really a pity that I haven’t taken a cup of tea or a cup of coffee after class.
I was shocked too!
When I entered the room,I was really like a “deer in the headlights”.The very different classroom in my life!Everything looks interesting,logans,the posters,the flowers and also the professor!He’is in a coat with slogans saying”speak English”everywhere.He gave us the instructions emphsizing “fail”again and again.He is harsh and really scared me.When I was a freshmen,I got a foreigh teacher who treat us as babies sometimes,but not adults.Everything is easy in that class.No pressure,no fail.Maybe It’s time to act like an adult and prepare for the real world.
Honestly speaking, I was really shocked by the first class,the layout of the clssroom and the teacher1′s unpliteness attitude with students who were late or forgetten their books.
It’s very interesting the old man speaks so loudly, we can hear very clearly and he don,t need to Shout it out.
Supercalifragilisticexpialadocious
Yes,I was shocked in the very first class of this semester.Because I found all the thing in HOLISTIC ENGLISH LAB are so amazing.Wow,What a cut professor!Wow,what a beautiful classroom.I haven’t been to have lessons in such colorful classroom after I graduated form the kindergarten!And what’s the most interesting thing is that the cute Professor told me not to take kindergarten behavior in this kingdergaten same classroom.HAHA~Just kidding.
I can not tell how I love all the things in HOLISTIC ENGLISH LAB,how I love Pro.Martin and how excited I am.I can not wait to enjoy my semester of fun with English acquisition.
I am really delighted to know what is going to happen in this amazing room. Thank you very much, professor. You really have made a special place for us. I hope at the end of this semester, we will see your proud smile for our great change and progress.
I saw the “Chinglish Spoken Here” board on the first day and laughed. The board which I never seen or heard before really relaxed me. And I began to think that if it is a irony or not. Why Chinglish which I thought bad before could be spoken? But after the class, especially after that Friday night, I already known that it is not irony but real, pro. Wolff encourages us to speak Chinglish out, which other teachers never done before. I do feel courageous to speak my Chinglish out now.
We have to much students in one class. This little room is too small to holding them and makes itself a bit more like a coffee shop. It’s even difficult for a student to make a turn!
I have just these annoying words. Changing to a larger room may need a series of social work. And cutting the number of students in each class would just be realised after a few decades.
Forget it.
We have too much students in one class. And this little room is too small to holding them and makes itself a bit more like a coffee shop. It’s even difficult for a student to make a turn!
I have just these annoying words. Changing to a larger room may need a series of social work. And cutting the number of students in each class would just be realised after a few decades.
Forget it.
I appreciate everything you have done for us, Martin. Though I would not label it a ‘dawning moment’ for me, I did feel a kind of ‘shock’–I had expected a Chinese black-glass-wearing-middled-aged teacher who was set off to explode and all the mind-numbing mantras I was going to hear for the whole semester. What a surprise! It is the sense of responsibility and passion radiated from you rather than other things that has touched me.There was no compromise here–to learn something or to get out! I would cherish every minute we share and try my best to conquer English.
“Chinglish Spoken Here!”, “Take this place as a coffee shop!”, “Don’t be afraid of losing face, here is the place for losing face!” Yeah, that’s what happened. I was completely confused. But when I realized that all of these were meant to set us free for speaking English, and perhaps it is the last chance for me to practice oral English in school, I was no longer confused and decided to make full use of this last chance. Come on man, you can do it!
Actually, Prof Wolff’s class didn’t surprise me that much. Maybe because I have taken some Eglish classes taught by foreigners before. What did surprise me is his attitude and determination towards his students’ English study.
I have never heard of a English teacher telling me directly that English is money. Though I couldn’t completely agree with that, part of it is the fact which I feel a little bit uncomfortable to accept. That is the biggest culture shock I experienced on that very first day.
You are strict even harsh but I do believe students like us need a teacher like you to train us to be a tough person. I feel lucky to have met you before I graduate.
Cultural shock was the last thing I had expected in the first class of oral English. After all, it is in China, and we should not have felt “shocked” by the educational system that is so familiar to us. However, it was really very impressive. I think what you said about to be a mature, responsible, serious student is quite penetrating. While still having fun, we should not take this course as entertainment time for chatting and joking. It is the attitude that matters. Thanks for all the decoration that has not only brought us comfort but also the atmosphere to be a responsible student.
Maybe because I have the similar experience in my college life, when I went into the classroom on the forth floor, I were not that shocked. Instead, I had the familiar feeling. At that time, I recalled my memory about my English studying with my foreign teacher julia.
I still can remember when julia asked us to put the desks round together, asked us to decorate the classroom, asked us to name our class, I had the same feeling as describing in this article. I do hope more students can have this chance to experience the different culture.
I felt a little shock when I came to classroom.On the wall has a banner which said:”Chinglish spoken here”.For more than ten years I was been told Chinglish was not allowed.This is the first time I’ve seen “Chinglish spoken here”.When I came into the classroom,I found it quite different with the room I’ve ever seen before.The seat were not fixed to the wall as usual,Imay be Professor Wolff want us to communicate with others more covinently.
Mr Wolff is a strict teacher,I remember somebody was late for the first class,Mr Wolff said”Good evening!”to him loudly! And to some students who didn’t take books,Mr Wolff let them out! I was a little afraid of him at the moment,but I knew he did like that just because he hoped us to learn English better.
When I came into the holistic English lab, I asked myself if we were going to take a party. Yes, the room is colorful that make us excited. What an interesting teacher we were to meet, I wonder. As I expected, Martin, who has passion in his blood, gave us a warm welcome and encourage us to speak English. The environment he builds wakes our English learning.
Even before this semester began, I had heard that the oral English teacher was very strict and you would get an F easily if you were not careful enough. Then the first day when I approached the 4th floor oral English classroom, a red banner caught my eyes. But I still had no idea about what “Chingland” means and why the teacher used “Chinglish” instead of “English”. After I entered the classroom, I was in shock. The classroom looked like a coffee shop instead of a classroom, and there were so many English slogans on the wall. The teacher announced the guidelines which seemed quite strict for all of us. However, the teacher, Martin, gave us a warm welcome, and I admired his passion, which was exactly what I lacked of. Although he was strict, I decided to follow his instructions and tried to make my English better.
I felt it so unbelievable when I got into the English classroom. For the first time I saw a classroom like this. It’s more like a chatting room, designed for some academic research, some group discussion or just free chatting. We were taught not to eat or even not to drink in the class for the last decade, because teachers told us such behavior shows no respect to the one who’s speaking. But here in the Chingland, we got tea and coffee for everyone, and the professor told us we could go to fetch them at anytime we like. I’m really surprised. And what’s more, I believe it’s the first and also the only time in an English class I hear the professor say: welcome to Chingland! We speak Chinglish here! Strange, but so encouraging. “Leave your face at your dormitory. Then when you go back, your face is still there. You haven’t lost it! ” Good point!
You have helped students to create their own personal English speaking environment. Thank you very much. With your guide, we would improve after a semester’s hard effort.
Just like what professor taught us–it’s supercalifragilistiexpialadocious!
I am glad to hear that Chinglish is good.
The truth is we always learn by making mistakes, the learner do not have to be perfect; actually, only by making mistake could we make progress. This is something like learning how to walk. A baby do not work elegantly as a model do, but the baby is trying his/her best to makes progress. In fact, most of us do not walk elegantly, but there is no need to give up walking.
Before beginning the first oral English class, rumors come that Mr. Martin is very strict and refuse to speak Chinese. I came to the classroom with a complicated heart, scary mixed with excitement. After learning so many years English, I never had a full English class. After the first class, I was spur up. I appreciate what Mr. Martin do for us. Thanks.
What a interesting class of English! I have never attend an English lesson or even a classroom like what happen in the holistic English. I like this type of learning which give me a comfortable environment to enjoy the pleasure of learning English. The first day I went into the classroom I was shocked. It was coffee-room just like what professor told us. And the process of the class is also attractive. Anyone there was encouraged to speak English as much as possible and we could talk to each other, learning from each other. Professor creates a unique friendly environment for our English classes, and he keeps telling us the secret in learning English is ourselves. Everyone of us should creates a personal English speaking environment. I hope I can improve my English from now on by following the professor’s instructions
When I first entered the classroom, I felt happy because I would have classes in such a room with so many striking English slogans on the wall. What’s more, Martin told us that this room was just a coffee shop and we could fetch drink freely. What impressed me most was Martin’s attitude towards us, because many teachers before just taught us English during the class, but Martin made a different. He also taught us the philosophy, such as having a good preparation before class, which was of great importance in our future life.
“Chinglish spoken here” is a perfect innovation for me, which encourages me a lot. Marin’s interesting method makes me feel wonderful. He is a humorous and optimistic professor. I like his lessons.
I almost didn’t feel any shocked when I entered the English classroom for the first time. Perhaps I was prudent enough and had checked the classroom number more than twice out of habit. What’s more, the banner on the wall, the picture on the door told me I was right definitely. As a student, different ways of teaching are preferred because studying is boring enough and we better be stimulated to learn. Or else you can do nothing if you do not like any changes, in the English class or Economic class, in the university or out of campus. When confronted with unfamiliar environment or rules, you have only two choices: accept it or change it. In the English class by Martin, it seems impossible to change and it’s no good at all. Just follow Martin rules can make you progressed. I was told that this opinion is negative because the world is dominated by the ones who wouldn’t obey. But In China, the traditional philosophy is we should respect the elder and just follow their instructions.
The world itself has been constantly shocked for the last years and especially in the last few months. In Sichuan, in Haiti, in Chile, in Taiwan, in Japan, in Sichuan again, the news about shocks is no longer shock news, making a lot of people suspect the doomsday will come in 2012. So, don’t be afraid of the first class culture shock. What we can do is not change it but enjoy it and immerse ourselves totally in it because life is short even 2012 is not the end of the world.
This is really a wonderful and fresh experience that I never go through. You can eat、drink even sleep in class, which seems like the education pattern in foreign country. Also the slogan around the wall have demonstrated professor’s intention that english is not a subject you study a couple of hours a week but is something you live 24 hours a day. I think I’ll start a journey of english led by Martin in such shockable way.
It was really a big shock to me when I saw the banner out of the classroom and the decoration inside.I thought that Chinglish looked ironic at first.But I changed my mind after Mr Wolff’s explanation.English as any other language is a tool for communication and it doesn’t matter how it may be.Chinglish an English is actually different to some degree because they are spoken by different people in different cultures.It is important for us to know the difference and then we may speak english well.I like the arrangements of the classroom which make us relaxing and exchanging ideas easily.I think it will be a good memory!
Last Thursday was my first day to attend our holistic English class. Actually, when I came into the classroom, I was suddenly brightened. Because I have never saw a classroom like this: all the desks are divided into several section of six students each, and in each group, we can face to face with each other. Although it’s extraordinarily different from other room, I felt comfortable here.
What’s more, the professor is strict but humorous, and the lesson was full of laughter. I hope we will enjoy our holistic English lesson here.
I have had several kinds of spoken-English lessons before, most of which were taught by Chinese teacher. When I entered the classroom, I felt a little cold. But during the class, I was too nervous to remember the feeling of cold. The professor told us he was strict and even harsh. I found something different and interesting. In his class, we will have discussions among six students. The professor requires the worst one of the team to report instead of the best one. That means I don’t have to be afraid of talking in front of all the classmates. I am looking forward to the next class.
In the past, I have never been taught by a foreign professor, and my English is not good. I rarely to speak English, and spend little time on studying English. Therefore, I am a little nervous with the fist oral English class. In my first impression, Professor Martin is a strict and interesting teacher. And the class room is different from others. I had never seen a class room like this one, which looks like a meeting room. We seated around to have communication with each other conveniently. Although I haven’t entirely adapted to the environment, I believe I will learn than before.
Frankly speaking,it’s a special experience.I admit that I was shocked.The layout of the classroom is distinctive.It looks like a coffee shop.We meet our friends,and talk with each others in English.The professor want to create a good environment,then he will help us to develop our spoken English.I think it’s funny.In this semester,we will watch English movies and talk about them.Perhaps we could call it “movie salon”.I hope I can learn more things form the class.
It’s very easy to explain our shock.There are so many differences between the Western and Eastern cultures,such as the views on life and values.The conflict can bring the new spark.I believe that the interesting start will bring us a wonderful experience.
My first time for the holistic English class by Martin was a shocked experience. We’re late for the first class. But we have the excuse that we went to buy our holistic English workbook before we arrived the classroom. We just heared about the foreign teacher would drive us out if we had not workbooks on our road to classroom. So we hurried to buy the books for we didn’t like to lose the class. When we entered the classroom a few minutes later, we were so scared for the silent of the whole class. Then Martin said ‘ Good evening’ to us and shocked us a lot. I know it’s so misbehavior to be late and apologize for that. Truly, the thing pressed deeply in my mind along with Martin’s introduce about this class in the later time. It will be a fanciful experience in this class, I expect for it.
Actually, when I came to the classroom, I was a little surprise for the sentence: welcome to chingland,chinglish spoken here. What? I cannot believe my eyes .because since I get in touch with English, the teachers order us to speak Standard English. if you speak chinglish ,you will be scolded for not a good attitude.. But now, it appears in my eyes. ‘the teacher must be very interesting , how can he say that in china?’ While I entered the classroom ,‘oh ,my God, is this our classroom?’ I was so puzzled that I forgot to closed the door which made our teacher a little unhappy. After the class, I come to realize that, It really a good way for us to speak here, we believe we will improve our oral English!
The first day I was nervous.It would be a new English class different from the past ones beacuse of the Chinglish and the foreign teacher who was famous for his strictness. Something old and rooted in my mind had to be changed from the first day.
It is a challenge to change the habit of English studying for that sticking new way out is not an easy business.I am nervous now,too.I have to face with myself who was timid, and also a way which would be full of frustration.
From reading above article, I think the author’s description deeply shock me. Doubtless, last week I indeed experience these .When came to the classroom, surprising I find the classroom is different from my ever had. I never forget that Dr. Martin’s cancel my first English name that has been used many years. At first, I totally don’t understand the intention of Dr. Martin, but gradually I get it. What Dr. Martin’s do has only one purpose that credits an English environment for us.
Just as the author said, when I went into the classroom, I was shocked by the decoration of the room. But what impressed me most is the KFC’s likes English teacher, Martin Wolff. Because I was a little later for the class, I just sat still in my seat feared to move a little to make myself feel a bit easier.
As time went by, I found myself to be ease to catch up with Mr. Wolff words and I gradually jointed into the atmosphere. From this I learned that only we are not to be afraid of English, not to fear English and to accept English totally in our hearts that we can learn it well.
The classroom must be the most comfortable one I have ever been in, while the professor is just on the opposite side. The professor said he was harsh, I do agree with that. But since the instructions of him are somehow reasonable, I will take the chance to make my English better and follow his instructions as better as I can. However, there is one thing I hope the professor could understand, which is no matter how important the English is in China, the importance of it should not overwhelm our own culture.
The first class give me many surprises, the classroom’s decorate, the foreign teacher, the lecture….those aroused my enthusiasm to learn English. I hope everyone could improve their English under the guidance of the teacher.