Teaching in China: Observations

11:51 a.m. - 2005-11-23
Practicum attempt
Today I had the opportunity to watch several of the teachers teach in their classrooms.
And I learned a lot.

1st. I learned that there are some incredibly well trained teachers at this school. I am very lucky to have such very good teachers and to know that they are giving the students a quality performance. These students have a great opportunity.

2nd. Many of the things that I have been talking about in my professional development seminars is just what these teachers need. All of the teachers are using techniques and methods discussed in the course.

3rd. Some people should not be in China to teach. As much as they want to help. As much as they continue to try and improve. These few teachers should be regulated to backpacking across China. These people should never be allowed into the classroom. So you might think to yourself, it can't be that bad. Yes it can. These students are paying a solid amount of money to be taught by a teacher who can not even teach them one new item in 2 hours. The entire time (while not spent singing, I'll give him that) was spent listening to the students make more and more atrocious errors without correction or guidance. The students were giving their all. The sad thing is that the teacher was giving their all too.

This has actually given me inspiration.

I have decided to design next years orientation. Whether it is used by the administration or not, I have to do what I can to make this a better place. If for not other reason than for the students. I am planning on doing a semester long orientation that begins with two intense weeks (their usual plan) but is organized with a clear set of regulations and standards, followed by the rest of the semester with weekly meetings to plan out for lessons and suggestions on how to use the book, a simple matter of a practicum experience. These teachers could use it. That should also help the teacher who is trying so hard and doing so little to be more focused and capable in the classroom.

The only thing I can do now is try.