Savoring Small Successes...

Long time, no update, right? Sorry about that guys! My internet connection only works part of the time...which is frustrating! Plus, I have been very busy. But, I will do my best to keep you up-to-date from now on!

After about three weeks of sight-seeing, I finally began to teach! I teach in a junior college that is best known for preparing primary and English teachers. My students are VERY hard working. They spend nearly every waking hour studying or in class. It is very impressive. However, they make me feel as though I was a bit lazy in high school...

Chinese teaching styles are much different than the American teaching styles that I have been taught for the past four years. The teachers and students here rely on rote memorization. They often memorize their textbook readings word for word! While they can repeat a typical textbook story, they have difficulties in the area of application, since they are not learning from real-life situations.
It has been a challenge to get the Chinese teachers to see the benefits of our strategies. The students, too, are at times resistant to my ideas because they are under a lot of pressure to do well on their big examinations. Because of the expectations they put on themselves in regards to their exams, they are afraid to try new ways of learning, afraid that the new styles will not be worth it come test time. Oh, and the examination is this Thursday, which means I’ll finally see how the strategies I’ve put into place are working...Everybody, keep your fingers crossed!

With all this in mind, I relish small successes: students working in groups and actually enjoying learning, student creativity shown through illustrated vocabulary flash cards, and the wonderful sound of students’ laughter filling the classroom. Overall, I have been able to build great relationships with my students! They ask me to accompany them on weekend outings, they stop to talk to me on campus, they even offer to take me for sweet treats just outside the school gate! It is refreshing to feel their appreciation and friendly nature – it is something I will definitely miss!