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Sultan Qaboos University The Language Center New Teachers’ Orientation 2011/2012

Sultan Qaboos University The Language Center New Teachers’ Orientation 2011/2012. Najat Al Kalbani. Outline . Today’s presentation focuses on the implications of the following two points on the academic setting at SQU: Omani Society as a segregated society

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Sultan Qaboos University The Language Center New Teachers’ Orientation 2011/2012

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  1. Sultan Qaboos UniversityThe Language CenterNew Teachers’ Orientation 2011/2012 Najat Al Kalbani

  2. Outline • Today’s presentation focuses on the implications of the following two points on the academic setting at SQU: • Omani Society as a segregated society • Omani society as a collectivist society

  3. Omani Culture • The Omani society is segregated by gender: Omani houses have clearly identified sections for men and others for women. • The same principle applies to schools- girls’ schools and boys’ schools. • Teachers teaching in these schools are of the same sex as their students.

  4. Cont’d • SQU is the first “gender-mixed” environment to most of our students which is exciting and “crippling” at the same time! • Though SQU is defined as a “co-ed institution”, you will see some influence of the segregation predominant in the society: e.g. class seating arrangements, different entrances, different hallways, different computer labs…etc

  5. Cont’d • Omani culture as a collectivist culture: The focus is on the group not so much on the individual • Girls tend to go to places together • Boys may shake their classmates’ hands when they come into the classroom- their image in front of others • Very expressive-Expressions such as “we miss you teacher!”, we like you, we love you”

  6. Cont’d • Saving face: the fear of making mistakes • Students may appear very direct in addressing their teachers e.g. “teacher, you must” or you should, “open the door”, “switch off the AC”….etc This is partly cultural and partly because students are dealing with the language component. Being polite is an added burden that they feel they can leave out!

  7. Summary • The above points are not generalizations; they are mere guidelines. • Try to be sensitive and alert to cultural differences. • Be accommodating: Students may appear at times confrontational or even rude when in fact it all comes down to a cultural difference.

  8. And Finally In case you need to ask questions: Najat Al Kalbani Room # 2008, Ext. 2837 najat@squ.edu.om najatsqu@gmail.com

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