Macapanton, Norkhan D.

MAELS

Management of Language and Literature Programs

The English Language Program for Saharan Students: A Case Analysis

1. Problem An English language program for Saharan students is on the verge of closing down because the scholars were not behaving accordingly. Furthermore, due to a lot of negative factors, the hired teachers were resigning. With these, Mrs. Pineda does not know what to do.

2. Objective There is a need to continue the program for there is a contract. All the more the program should be continued since it is aimed at educating students. Furthermore, a lot has already been invested in the program so might as well wait until the end of the contract.

3. Decision Criteria 3.1 Damage control should be done to prevent things from worsening. 3.2 Everyone should be reminded of their tasks/obligations. 3.3 The decision should yield immediate results for the whole program is behind schedule. 3.4 The sentiments of both parties, students and teachers, should be heard like in a dialogue by a third party, preferably the administration composed of people from the Philippines and Sahara. 3.5 Socio-cultural factors should be presented and be considered in the decision making. 3.6 The solution should make the involved parties meet half way resulting to smoother communication that would eventually lead to better relationship.

4. Analysis An English Language program was designed to educate Saharan students. This program will prepare the scholars in further studies in aviation and maritime schools in

Macapanton, Norkhan D.

MAELS

Management of Language and Literature Programs

the Philippines. Prior to the arrival of the students, books were prepared. However, a lot of things were neglected in the making of the books. First, the creators do not know the level of competence of the expected users. Second, needs analysis was not conducted. Worst of all, not enough time was invested in the design of the books. These will later on constitute to the ineffectiveness of the books. As the time for the first examination for the students is fast approaching, the teachers were afraid that the scholars are not yet ready. They believe that a lot of things still need to be taught to them. However, the examination has already been scheduled and necessary arrangements have already been made. Even though the center was intended to be conducive to learning, the students grew bored in it. They wanted to be in Manila because, according to them, it was a more interesting place. The students also were complaining with a lot of things. They say that there was not enough food and if there was, it was something they cannot eat. It was also found out that the students were not treating the staff well. Furthermore, the students made unfounded assertions that the teachers were not competent enough. They claim that they were not learning. There was a very strict hiring of teachers. Those accepted had five to ten years of teaching experience. On the teaching end, at the beginning, the teachers were very enthusiastic. Even though they were expecting difficulties, they still went on with their teaching. However, they can only take so much. A significant number of the teachers were resigning. It was even exacerbated when they were phoned by their head Mrs. Pineda after she was insulted by a group of students.

5. Alternatives 5.1 Mrs. Pineda should first meet with the administration. In this meeting, she can initiate a dialogue wherein the sentiments of both the students and teachers be heard by everyone. Here, the socio-cultural factors be reconsidered as they continue on with the program.

Macapanton, Norkhan D.

MAELS

Management of Language and Literature Programs

Positive Consequences: In this alternative, the administration will be able to hear both sides. They will be able to properly weigh things. On the other hand, the teachers and students will be able to voice out their sentiments and because of that, as an entity, they can try and fix whatever is wrong. Negative Consequences: This might lead to further chaos. Knowing the nature of some of the scholars, they might resent and further justify their actions and claims. On the other hand, the teachers might get too emotional resulting for the whole thing to be dramatic. With all these, the dialogue might not meet its objective. Another concern here is the diversity of socio-cultural orientation of the parties. In trying to meet ends, there might be values/morals that will be put more importance by the teachers and students that will hamper the harmonious relationship between them.

5.2 The students and teachers should all be reminded of what they are supposed to do. Since Mrs. Pineda is the person directly connected with the students, teachers and the administration, she should be the one who would propose a plan with the administration. This plan should be directed by the administration for the stand as the third party between the students and the teachers. Positive Consequences: If this alternative be implemented, everyone will be reminded of what they are expected to do. Once the administration reminds the concerned, they will keep straight to their tasks; the students with studying and the teachers teaching. Negative Consequences: This will be added task to the administration. They also have other things to attend to and the problem between the students and teachers should not have been a problem in the first place. In line with this, this alternative will only further delay the schedule of the English program as they are already behind it.

Macapanton, Norkhan D.

MAELS

Management of Language and Literature Programs

5.3 Considering the timeframe of the program, they are expected to fall behind schedule. Because of this, Mrs. Pineda should immediately set a meeting with the administration and strategize a plan to remedy the situation. Positive Consequences: The problems with the attitudes of the students as well as the increasing number of teachers resigning, Mrs. Pineda, with the help of the administration, can directly address these. In addition, since this alternative will be implemented immediately, actions will be seen right away. In this alternative, the program can definitely save time. So, only minimal time will be allocated for problem solving. Negative Consequences: There is no assurance that whatever Mrs. Pineda and the administration plan will be successful, that it will be followed and supported by the teachers and students. There is also a question with the time that will be allocated for the planning (when) and the implementation (how).

6. Decision Realizing all the consequences of the alternatives presented, I believe that all will be applicable to Mrs. Pinedas situation. First of all, she should do necessary actions to prevent the worsening of the situation. On the other hand, the effect of these actions should be felt immediately as they have a calendar to follow. An alteration in the activities will surely change the whole program however they can save time if they will be able to properly strategize their remedies. Furthermore, I believe that there is a need for a dialogue especially between the teachers and students since most of the problems sprout from their misunderstandings. The role of the administration will really play a vital role in the aim of continuing the program. Thats why there is an intervention that the administration should do with the presence of Mrs. Pineda. Considering that the program is academic in nature, a lot of thought should be invested in planning and sustaining it. Thus, if problems surface, the people concerned should be able to keep the program going despite their short comings. If they do this, at the end of the day, everyone will benefit from it.