Aug 2009

Before the end of last week, all Chinese teachers were introduced to Foreign Teachers who were assigned to appropriate grade levels and subjects in teaching English.

I was pleased to learn that the homeroom teachers of the grades I was assigned, I already knew the teachers for we had befriended each other since my arrival or introduced first time. Her English name is Rachel and we've crossed paths when I returned to Sichuan; exchanged hellos and small talk, but never said that much.

However, that day, we were 'tickled pink' to learn that I was assigned to her 4th grade in teaching the students English; the other for Math, Michelle, was also excited to have me assigned to her homeroom. Believe me, you should have the enthusiasm on my face... and that cloud of gloom had disappeared in which my brainstorming returned like thunder.

During lunch that afternoon, I was asked how I felt about teaching 2nd and 4th graders with an added "Well, it's not exactly what you were trained to do." My response nonchalantly was "No biggie, I am already friends with the homeroom teachers, so this will be quite an amusing, challenging semester." Did I notice an unusual expression of not exactly hearing what should have been my reply?

Have you heard of the Dark Ages?

Saturday morning, Rachel and I exchanged ideas about teaching English to 4th graders. We both laughed as we both learned that we'll both be teaching 4th graders for the first time teaching. She too had taught middle school. I shared her my previous lesson plans I had prepared before leaving as well as some of the lessons I used whilst in Jinan. She too agrees with me that our goal is make the students 'very interested' in learning English by making the lessons entertaining. I shared my ideas of showing animation film clips in which the teams can discuss then share with the rest of the class. Rachel really pleased and I also taken into consideration her suggestions.

For those of you who responded to my dismay, I want to thank you for writing and I just have to share that now I see this particular assignment as my new adventure....

...yes, to my benefit, this last semester will be quite educational for me as well...

Pardon for my delays, but after 2 1/2 weeks of doing almost nothing since my return (well, actually, I was taking photographs which I will post shortly) I was informed at last minute of my assigned grades for this Fall.

Both to my dismay and shock, in any order you wish to perceive, Grades 2 and 4 were assigned to me teaching English, as well as MATH and MUSIC. Now, I know nothing about teaching math, and that afternoon when I was told that I could TEACH math, rather upsetting me, tis not my specialty. Certainly, whomever informed of my ability of teaching certain subjects should have consulted me first rather than offering what they thought was true. My degree is in Humanities with my main focus is toward mythology, folklore, fairy tales, expression of music and films, usage of American Idioms.

Of course, my mood became cloudy and I wasn't very sociable... but nevertheless, I prepared my lesson plan that evening and sent to the principle. Last night I completed slideshow for my English lessons and, today, after Jazz class I'll complete my music lesson plan... for the weekend, there are plans of preparing my already papers from last semester, lessons during the summer and just getting organized... since my return arrival, wish I was informed LAST WEEK of the assignment which would have made this past week more relaxing.

Not complaining too much, but a challenge is a challenge at any level, especially the unexpected type. No problem, as usually, I'll do my best and show that I am VERY capable! This is one gal who refuses to pass a trivial situation.

17 August, Monday, 0615hrs PR China Time

Author's Note: If you are interested in reading the full article, visit
http://www.esl-school.com/archives/2009/02/casualties_of_international_english.php
and decide for yourself.

Now that I a fully awake and re-read "Bill T" comments and take note of his grammatical errors... quite amusing indeed.

I received a regular email newsletter from an ESL site and usually, I glance over the commentary one written by a "ESL School Author" and due to a nagging cough, tis reason why I am awaken at this ungodly hour of the morning, I read one of her articles 'Casualties of international English, February 28, 2009' ... several months old, however, most of those who commented was from this past summer.

Nevertheless, one of the comments simply infuriated my street level of intelligence and I decided to write a comment of my own. This is what I wrote:

"First off, I AM NOT a academic, certified teacher, and second, YES, I AM a certified TESOL instructor with a BA in Humanities. Quoting the last sentences from Bob T. : "the problem is to get the non-professional teachers out of the teaching business, and make it mandatory that only professionally trained teachers teach in classrooms. It is not the learners fault that bad teachers did not teach them correctly." All I have to say is "Get off your high horse and stop being a blasted snob!"

My mother who is a retired teacher of 30yrs will also disagree with your statement and she has Masters Degree PLUS was a highly respected academic teacher. However, her methods of teaching is not just from books but from a person who believes of being firm NOT strict in aiding students to learn.

I've been teaching since February 2009 but I have also experiences many international travels and cultures which I implement within my ESL lessons. I do not require a PhD in giving lessons in learning how to speak English, but the patience and understanding with most of all COMMON SENSE!

My ESL lessons involve that speaking English is the art of LISTENING to tone inflection, HOW the phrasal verb is used, ACTUALITY or FIGURATIVELY, use of PANTOMIMING (do not just simply give up because student still doesn't understand), most importantly BODY LANGUAGE (useful in the Business World). Put all that together with life lessons and my students now have a better understanding WHAT, HOW and WHEN to say those overly use of American Idioms both socially and occupation.

I am not a born US native, but from a former British colony in which my parents immigrated to America. So my first language was Queen's English, and I faced the horrors of HOW American teachers always thought their way of teaching toward any subject, including speaking English as GOD-GIVEN TRUTH and CORRECT, given me much reason NOT to speak. My ESL lessons involve PASSION, and I truly understand how these students feel when learning from AN ACADEMIC, PROFESSIONAL teacher who only learned from a book how to present lessons but never performed in actual practice, and demands that he/she is always right for the book claims so... any student would feel quite inferior."

So, after writing my thoughts on Bob's comment, I submit to Post and automatically response with a polite "Thank you for your Comment" with "Your comment has been received. To protect against malicious comments, I have enabled a feature that allows your comments to be held for approval the first time you post a comment. I'll approve your comment when convenient; there is no need to re-post your comment."

People simply detest facing truth ... I'll update on status.

Everything technologically was fine till the Internet suddenly was no longer on its best behavior, by this past Wednesday of my return, life has been crazy attempting means getting hooked up and connected... not only that, with great pains of handling my returned allergies... oh, the agony!!!