Teaching

Hi all,
Well, today is the start of another week. I have been doing okay with my classes, but I still can't seem to really get a handle on the planning and preparation, meaning that it still takes me forever. I find it much easier to work with/plan for the pre-intermediate and intermediate students because I can find authentic materials that the students can read and use as the basis for discussion and class topics. For the beginning-level classes, I have used restaurant menus, magazine pictures of food, and magazine advertisements for travel. The materials are definately a good start, but it is hard to keep the momentum in a 2-hour beginning class! I notice that for the first hour and a half, the students really like looking at the materials, asking about new vocabulary words and doing jig-saw type things. It's the last half-hour that is a killer - they lose steam. I think things will start to feel more natural for me as more time goes by.

I think the one MIIS lesson that is continually proving valuable is the use of authentic material in the classroom. It really does give the classroom a whole new feel; a more legitimate purpose. The text books here are dull, and the language is really forced and fake. I have abandoned the books completely, which has contributed to my large planning load. I was given four different text books for the four different levels of classes and it was just too much confusion and headache over books that were not even worth my time or the students time. I hate to sound so negitive, but I have to be honest here!

I am thinking about watching a film or documentary that is related to the topics we are focusing on in my intermediate class. I just want to pick something that is worthwhile and interesting. Also, I will need to prepare some pre, mid, and post viewing activities. I will keep you posted on this exciting chain of events, as I know you all are on the edge of your seats due to the pedagogical suspense.

Now, a few thoughts unrelated to teaching. I have had some serious highs and lows here. Somedays, I feel willing and able to brave whatever comes my way. Today has not been one of those days, and I feel guilty admitting it. A series of events involving a bad run in with a bill collector buzzing my doorbell with a really high bill that is in Vietnamese; a payment of a phonebill that was rung up by the previous tenent; feeling stupid about everything; having to call my "supervisor" and sort things out. It has been unpleasent and has consumed all my energy. Sometimes I feel really alone and out of place. Now, I have to work on getting my good energy back. I hope that working with my students tonight will help.

Until next time, keep on keepin' on!