Last week I talked about office hours.
More specifically, I tried to figure out if there might be a cultural explanation for the existence of office hours in some countries, and not in others. I am not sure we can know this for sure, but here is what we do know.
We know that in the U.S.:
1. Office hours are very common, if not required, at the university level.
2. Office hours tend to be student centered. For instance, it is not uncommon for a U.S. teacher to consult their students’ availability before establishing when their office hours should be. Also, office hours are scheduled quite frequently: 1-2 hours twice/week, or even more often. This is done to ensure that most students will be able to visit with the teacher at some point during the semester.
3. U.S. teachers will sometimes go out of their way to create a relaxed atmosphere during their office hours. Some might have candy, or drinks to offer to their students. Others will choose to have their office hours outside of the university grounds (coffee shops seem to be a preferred location for many teachers).
4. The conversation between the U.S. teacher and a student during office hours can go anywhere from the student’s performance, to his or her professional goals, to the students’ personal life.
photo by BahHumbug
What do we know about office hours in other parts of the world?
Well, between the two of us, Cate and I have studied in France, Romania and Germany. I do not recall there being any office hours in Romania from 1st grade – college.
As a sophomore college student in France, I do not remember any office hours. Ever. I wonder if they exist now.
Cate studied in Germany. At the university level, she does recall her German professors having office hours. But, she says, they were quite different from the U.S. version.
In Germany, the office hours tended to be more focused on the professor. The professor would not consult with students regarding the most convenient time to schedule the office hours. Also, it is very unlikely that a professor in Germany would offer a student something to eat or drink in their office.
The professors were always helpful and friendly, but some distance was maintained between teacher and student. The formal “Sie” (you) was always used when speaking, and students would never address a professor by their first name (as some professors invite their students to do in the U.S.).
And, speaking of their office, office hours were primarily scheduled in the professor’s office in Germany. And the door of their office is almost always closed, even if the professor is inside the office.
This is in contrast with the office door of a U.S. teacher, which is ALWAYS open, especially during office hours. Remember our post on doors and windows?
So what do office hours say about culture? Well, if we think of the U.S. and Germany, the different “look and feel” of office hours might be linked to how visibly hierarchical these two cultures are: U.S. – not very hierarchical, Germany – much more hierarchical.
However, interestingly enough, both countries’ Power Distance scores are very close: Germany – 35, USA – 40.
Hmmm. Food for thought.
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