Week # 6: A memorable teacher

"I like a teacher who gives you something to take home to think about besides homework."  
Lily Tomlin as "Edith Ann"

As I was reading about managing large classes and using interactive PowerPoint as a way to engage students, many memories crossed my mind. 

As a student, I tried to remember a moment I was engaged in the learning process. Suddenly, an experience as a High School student popped up. The group was large, but the Fine Arts teacher had a way to engage us all. He had this passion for Picasso and that day he brought “Guernica”. That was back in the 80s, so he showed slides. We were all glued to those images. He would ask us what we thought those parts on the painting meant and bits by bits we would exchange insights and learn about the historical context. After that class, my dream was to go to Spain and see that painting. Eventually, I saw “Guernica” in Reina Sofia and all those feelings came to the scene. What a memorable class! What a memorable teacher! I still remember his name: Negrone.

Who’s your memorable teacher?

How did that teacher engage you?

Helô 

Week # 6: Engaging Teachers

This week I've learned I have lots to learn from my students! 

And the best thing is: when they realize we are interested and engaged, they decide to engage too! 

Many times I was there teaching and complaining about their attitude, lack of interest and participation… 

Oftentimes I would get to the teachers’ room and say: “These teens are so aloof, how disgusting…” 

It’s amazing to see how things can change when we change!

The teacher’s enthusiasm can be contagious! This phenomenon can be compared to that of the yawning…

When the teacher is bored, students will eventually be…

The very fact I’m also engaged in the activities gives it a special taste: helping students with no boundaries. 

Some students resist the idea. Main excuse: no time!

But if the quest for knowledge is challenging, then, we will manage time more effectively and find a way to engage!

Don’t you guys also think enthusiasm is contagious?

Helô   

Week # 6: Large Groups

"If a doctor, lawyer, or dentist had 40 people in his office at one time, all of whom had different needs, and some of whom didn't want to be there and were causing trouble, and the doctor, lawyer, or dentist, without assistance, had to treat them all with professional excellence for nine months, then he might have some conception of the classroom teacher's job."  by Donald D. Quinn

I've never had large groups. Most of my teaching experience has been in private schools and companies. Currently, I have max 12 - 13 and in the in-company programs 1-2. I'm not familiar with techniques to be used in large groups, but from what I have read on the issue the point is to instill a sense of community. Technology can help in that we can have blogs, WebQuests... Bu the question is: Will teachers be willing to work longer hours? 

Well, depending on the course, having 13 students means having a large group. I have a TOEFL prep course in the evening and I would say I have a large group. This prep course demands a lot from both the teacher and students. Especially when it comes to writing and speaking, I have to know what students are producing so that I can help them. 

Well, I'll read more on how to manage large groups and I'll share my insights soon! 

Helô