initiating

learning

Second Week

Most of the time, my mentor would be busy with his meetings and such. Thus, I had been teaching early than expected. I have no problem with it. Rather than complaining, I endeavored the challenge.

I have to keep going.

August 13,2018:

RETURN

We checked out of the hotel early in the morning. Also, this day was the last day of the seminar. It was only for half a day.

As predicted, I waited in the lobby room as the seminar went on. Unfortunately, I did not join the post-test though I wanted to. But it was alright. With a smartphone and a fast internet connection, who would not get bored?

The time was 1:20 P.M. when the seminar was over. There were picture-takings and others congratulating their fellow participants. This was the day of saying farewell to those whom we had met. Hopefully, we would meet again. Some of the participants told me that I should visit their schools and places before leaving back to Wieng Sa. Flattered by their generosity, I refused since we have to go back home.

My mentor told me that this time, he aced the post-test since he was now able to concentrate more after a good sleep and meeting with friends.

We went to the van station at around 1:00 P.M. We waited for our respective van to arrive. At 1:45 P.M., the van began to take us to our destinations. It was a 5-hour travel for us. And being back “home” was the only thing on my mind.

August 14,2018:

With the first talk

Back to school. It was 6:10 A.M. when I woke up. I cursed myself for forgetting to set the alarm. Having a little time left before 6:30 A.M., I dashed quickly to the bathroom and took my “very-fast-bath” (Hey, don’t judge me.). Fortunately, with my rushing abilities built from procrastinating for too long in my entire life, I managed to be ready and be prepared with utmost grooming at 6:32 A.M. (Yes. I do take note of my time.)

As usual, my mentor and his son were already prepared and ready for the day’s deal. And me? I only wished for a longer sleep. Maybe I forgot to tell you, Fancy would go ride with one of the teachers in school because the latter has a child learning in the same school he is going to.

So there, my mentor and I rode with his motorcycle going to school. It was only at this moment was I able to appreciate my mentor’s punctuality. Going to school at around 6:30 A.M. might probably be too much for others, myself included. But better early than late, right?

When my mentor and I were off to the first class, a foreigner from India came to see mentor William. Needing the time to talk, the latter told me to teach the first class. Well, I was a bit shocked, of course. He gave me the teacher’s handbook and the CD that comes with it. Although I had been observing him on the last few days, I think I was not able to grasp substantial strategies yet. Still, I have to carry on. It was a good thing I was taking note on some of his styles of delivering the class discussion.

The first class was the 10:10-11:10 A.M. class. The lesson was on Conversation. To be honest, I had a difficult time teaching it. I was really thankful for the pieces of advice and teaching I was able to grasp during my observations. Back in the Philippines, we had a course subject called “Teaching English as a Second Language”. Even for us, it can be quite challenging to learn how to teach the English language to students having a few background with it. Right now that I am experiencing it firsthand, I cannot seem to recall any useful information and strategies. I was hanging by the line. But there is no room for excuses. I was chosen to teach. And that, I must teach.

So, how did I do it? Since it was on Conversation, I made my students listen to the audio file twice. This is for them to listen first to unfamiliar words and phrases. When teaching dialogues to students, repetition is a primary factor. Once is not enough in teaching conversational topic. But what I did was to explain the content and the details. I described and defined the meaning behind each sentences for them to comprehend the meaning. They may be able to read it, but they do not really understand the conversation. Reading does not simply come with understanding. That is one principle in language. I was only able to notice this kind of event when I translated my message. It was only then when they gave a genuine reaction of “oooohhhh”. Also, reading for them is simply reading aloud. Imagine 30 students all reading at the same time in a very loud manner. Of course, I have to keep my tone. Intonation, enunciation, and proper pronunciation were factors being disregarded. So I also corrected mispronounced words on their readings. But since the English pronunciation of Thais are inclined in the British accent, I have to adapt as well.

But before that, I have to give examples to my students. I let them read the ten questions for them to also understand it. Then, I would answer it for them to at least have a basis. When I was done, I told the students that I would be scoring them according to the content of their answers as well as their speaking skills. I asked the students seated at the last row to be the first ones to be in front. The first one is usually the sacrificial lamb of the group. One would usually observe first to not make the same mistakes. The activity somehow went well, but there are some few difficulties.

A thing that I noticed was how repetitive their answers were. For example, the question was “What do you want to buy for yourself?” My answer back then was food. (Who doesn’t?) But as for the students, it was like the top two answers were smartphones and watches. Probably around 10% of the class wanted other stuff. I was somehow prompting my students in giving other answers. But I thought that what if these are really the things they want, right? Well, I did not give low scores. A thing I regret doing. Why? Because after class, I was able to see on their books that there were answers already. They were not reciting, they were just reading. When others were answering, most of them were on their phone. They were already translating their answers in English, wrote in on their books, and just read it in front.

There was a time I was able to chat with a former Filipino teacher here in school, Mr. Clark. He told me that I should check each and everyone’s book because they would already write their translated answers on it. One would thought that he/she was able to deliver his/her answer well. But it was otherwise. So Mr. Clark told me that rather than the students having their books with them when reciting, it would be better if I will give them my own copy.

Well, rather than to disappoint myself, I kept my head held up high. Better to smile than to frown. At least, I am already preparing myself when the day will come for teacher Potjanat to observe me. But other than that, I am already having the opportunity to learn more of the styles and behaviors of my students. Knowing the principle of classroom management is must in the teaching-learning process. A teacher must know how to instill discipline in the classroom. Unfortunately, just as what I had mentioned in my earlier narrative reports, the students here can be reckless. They still do their own stuff even when the teacher is in front. Maybe it is just the way things are. If so, I have to think of strategies and techniques to overcome such challenge in the classroom.

Going back, I was actually pleased that the students were able to learn (I hope) from me. Focusing directly on the topic would not be a good idea. I tried connecting the topic with their own personal experience. By doing so, I was able to elicit answers from the students. They like to be involved in the learning process when it involves them in a meaningful way. To conclude the first class, it was interactive. But I still have to remind myself to not drift away from the objectives of the lesson. I always make sure that, at least, the students were able to learn more from the main discussion than the casual talks of personal interests.

Let us proceed to the second class, my last class for the day, to be precise. This time, my mentor was busy with his meeting with the director, like always. Fortunately, teacher Praenapa was there to help me. The task was simple this time. I am to practice the speaking skills of the students by asking those indicated in the book. It regards shopping. Since there is a lot of students, I only asked each of them two from ten questions.

My day did not end that way. At home, there were students from school. To remind you, every Mondays to Thursdays at 4:30 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. (or even until 7:00 P.M.), some students will come here for additional tutorials from mentor William. I was okay with it. Since my mentor was not at home yet and I rode with teacher Mongi going home, my mentor instructed me to help the students in their assignments. “Okay, no worries,” I said. So I asked what their homework was. I laughed at myself.

It was Math. A homework from teacher Mike. At first, I was startled. I do not know much about Math. But when I took a second to review it, it became clear to me. I can help them. With a few taps on the internet, the answers were there. Problem solved? No. I have to explain to them the answers. The greater problem is that they cannot fully understand what I am trying to say. Luckily, Google Translate was there to help. So, after a long and effortful to teach and to learn, we were able to do the assignment. And that my only wish was for them to understand what I taught. (I wished strongly.)

When half of the students already went home, some visitors came. One of them was the Indian who came earlier in school. I do know much of the content of their conversation but I was able to grasp some details. Mani, the one who came earlier, was not being offered help by a fellow Indian here in Thailand. This guy and mentor William knew each other. My mentor called him asking if he knows anyone by the name of Mani. The person at the end of the line said that he knows no one with by that name. But Mani disagreed saying that they know each other. You see, Mani is looking for a job. For a source of income. He is looking for a place to stay. And here is the other guy with no intention to help his fellow countrymen. My mentor, being a helpful person as he is, placed Mani to be his substitute until the moment the school was able to hire native English speakers to replace the staff members at the department (still connected to the current problematic situation). Mani just needs to do well in tomorrow’s classes since my mentor would be away for a school visit. Therefore, I will be teaching again.

Well, let us just see what tomorrow has in store for us.

August 15,2018:

OF DIFFICULTY

On this day, I rode with teacher Mongi going to school. My mentor went to Nakhon si Thammarat early for his class visit which means that I have to handle all his class for this day. “Easy” (insert sarcasm).

Anyway, I was just glad that at least I will be having a “quality time” with the students. That is what I thought. Oh, I almost forgot that Mani, the guy last night, will be coming here in school to teach. My mentor accepted him in exchange for helping him out financially. Mani, I mean teacher Mani, came at around 7:20 A.M. Teacher Mongi immediately instructed him of the necessary things to do. The first thing that I noticed about the new teacher was that it is like he is not up to this. Probably he was not prepared yet. So he sat on his table reviewing the lessons.

When the 8:10 A.M. struck, I told him to come with me since we will be together in the first class. When in the classroom, I told him to observe me first. Not that I am that good already to teach nor have enough experience, it is just that I think it is better if he should first take note of the conditions and environment as well as the teaching-learning process. I told him to introduce himself first to the class. He did it and the class returned the gesture with a warm welcome.

There, I began my discussions with the Grade 9 students. Again, it was on Conversation. Honestly, I was having a difficult time for Conversation. Why? Because I need to let the students connect with the situations depicted in the topic. Simply teaching the lessons is not enough. That is why I try to include some slice of life in the discussion. The conversation regards two people talking in which one is sharing his experience when he visited Mexico. The same problem was there. They were still having a hard time to cope or grasp the idea. I was thinking if it is okay bring out my smartphone and use Google Translate. I kept it in my pocket. Fortunately, there was a student who can, at least, understand the point I am trying to convey. So when she notices that her classmates cannot follow, she translates it in their language. Only then will I hear their long “Ooooohhhhhhh”. It was fun. We kept the situation like that. Though there were times when even my “translator” cannot grasp the idea. So I just use body gestures. Sometimes, it works. Sometimes, I only look like a clown. There was a part which the character said that the food there is spicy. What I did was like fan my tongue while acting as if it is very hot.

Since the use of communicative language will not be a useful factor in the discussion. I have to think of another method for them to get the gist of the topic. Rather than talking, I have to move around and do the necessary and appropriate gestures and movements. Body language plays an important role in communication and implication of meaning.

Then it was time, when going back to the office, he told me that he had been teaching primary pupils. Awed, I reminded him that from this moment, he will be teaching high school students. Big difference. As for the next class, we separated since we had different schedules.

The next class, I had more difficulty with it. It is hard to teach students if you have the same age as them. Some of them were sleeping and using their smartphones while some chatter nonstop. There is that particular feeling or gap that is keeping us apart. Or rather, there is not gap to distinguish a teacher from that of a student. I do not sense any respect from them. I was thinking that it could have been better if I did not tell my age.

The topic that day was about traveling on other places. Before the start of the class, I searched for popular tourist spots in Thailand. The, I downloaded the pictures and put in a power point presentation. When in class, I asked the students to name the places being shown. Fortunately, they were able to answer all well. The next task was to ask some students the place or country they want to visit and why. Since others were taking a long time to answer, I have to cut the number from 5 to 3. I should not take much of the time. But unfortunately, not everyone is paying attention. Every now and then, I have to keep getting their attention in front. I was a difficult task to do. Even some of them were looking at me with piercing eyes, ready to stab. But that did not affect me that much. I should still act in a professional manner.

Still, I am the teacher. It is my sole responsibility to impart to them pieces of information. So what I did was to simply approach them while discussing. I do not want to wage “war” against my students at any possible reason. Fortunately, approaching them was enough for them to keep quiet. But once I am in front, they will continue talking with each other after some few minutes. And again, I would do the “approach-method”. The whole period somewhat went in that order. But overall, I was able to manage it. Fortunately, my classes for the day is finish.

These students are in Grade 12. They are my oldest students. Also, they are in the Gifted Program specializing in science and arithmetic. Regarding English, they are not much interested in it. In Linguistic Philosophy, one reason why I have to teach is to develop the communication skills of the learner because the ability to articulate, to voice out the meaning and values of things that one obtains from his/her experience of life and the world is the very essence of man. Unfortunately for this class, it seems that communicative competence is not such of importance to them, at all.

After a few minutes of returning in the office, teacher Mani came. It was still 11:30 A.M. His class should end at 12:10 P.M. He told us that he was having a headache. Teacher Fern told the new teacher of the direction going to the canteen. After he went out of the office, he did not come back.

It was 4:39 P.M. when my mentor finally arrived from Nakhon si Thammarat. We went home with teacher Mongi driving us back. When at home, it was now time to help the students with their assignments. But for this time, I was to help Fancy with his piece. He was chosen in his school to be the representative for a speaking contest. The topic would regard his self and his school. I asked him of his personal details first, then on to his school. I would want to make the piece a boring one that would only talk of his shallow profile. So I asked him of his thoughts. He shared to me his ideas and emotions. Since Asians are family-oriented, I asked him of his family. He told me that he loves his family very much. That they are his whole world. He said it while somewhat gesturing of the world. It was very interesting talking with him. With his age, he can speak the English language well. With continuous practice, he will be a good English speaker.

After that, we had dinner. As always, my mentor cooked and I sat with them. Indeed, it was great. Very.

August 16,2018:

When Creativity is a must

I heard murmurings and whispers. I know now that they have their own answers. I started calling students at the back. They began giving their own varied answers. The constructivist classroom is interactive. It promotes dialogues and exchange of thoughts among learners and between teacher and learners. Then, we proceeded to the main lesson.

While discussing the day’s lesson with the class, I was able to read on their faces that they cannot grasp the topic well. Thankfully, there was a student translating the information to her classmates for me. And again, I would hear their long “Oooooohhhhhh”. So I tried to talk more slowly with emphasis in every word. I am glad that at times, they can understand it. But when there were confusions, I would ask my “translator” student to help me converse the idea. This made me realize to have a note of the topic in Thai. The process went on that way until I finished discussing the topic. I am sure if I was able to teach them will since language barrier is such a huge nuisance. So to help me further, my mentor took the floor and further explained the pieces of information I gave. At least they were now able to relate. He emphasized the pointers that I said.

After that, we went back to the office. He gave some few feedbacks. “It was good”, he said as I let go a sigh of relief. My introductory part was good. The way I introduced some of the basic details in which there are some that can be fixed and some that cannot be (related to the topic). He told me that it was okay trying to follow the way he would teach the topic but it could have been better if I had let my students talked. Well, I would have loved that suggestion if the students themselves could have shown a face of interest. But I do not really blame them for not fully understanding the topic. Again, language barriers. It does not matter if the topic is hard or easy. So long as both party cannot cross the same bridge (cannot understand each side’s language) it would be more difficult. Overall, my mentor told me that if ever I would have a difficult time finding a job in the Philippines, I will come here. I genuinely smiled.

Then came lunch.

The second class was a bit unexpected. My mentor told me what topic I should teach 10 minutes before the class starts. It was the 1:00 P.M. period. So I quickly surfed the internet for creative ideas for teaching the topic. Fortunately, there were. Then came the announcement denoting that classes are now to begin. We went to the room. Before I began, my mentor talked with his class first which is a good thing for me. He knew that I am not that ready since the topic was just given like 20 minutes ago. Then, it was now my turn to talk. The topic was on “Relative Clauses”. At least it was easy for them to understand. The unfortunate thing was that I was cut off in the middle of my discussion to do the task on their book since there is not enough time. I had already cut pieces of paper for their activity but to no avail. Instead, I helped them in their task. Going in their table, asking them of their difficulties. I was glad. Then the time is up for the subject. At least everyone was able to answer well.

So there, I was able to learn that creativity is really a must. A teacher must be resourceful enough to make the teaching-learning process enjoyable and conducive to learning. It must not only dwell on the content.

I woke up late this time. My mentor was already on his motorcycle when I was still putting my shoes on. Again, I forgot to turn the alarm on. So I scolded myself that this would be the last one.

Unfortunately, teacher Mani did not come today. Probably because of the headache. Anyway, my mentor told me that, again, I would be teaching today. An assistant, still. This is to prepare me for teaching next week. Of course, I am glad. I hope that I will be ready when the coordinator from the university will come to observe.

The first class was the 10:10 A.M. period. The discussion was on Conversation with the topic “Do It Yourself”. In the discussion, I used the power point presentation of the topic. I really do find it useful. In the presentation, there were four individuals having hardware problems in the house. One was saying that she needs to fix her car. The other one said that the roofs need fixing. All of them said that they will be fixing their own problems.

In this activity, I was employing the constructivism approach. Constructivists see to develop intrinsically motivated and independent learners adequately equipped with learning skills for them to be able to construct knowledge and make meaning of them. In the discussion, I was trying to make the learners be filled with background knowledge before proceeding to the main topic. Probably, DIY (Do it yourself) might be a thing they are not aware of. Thus, I have to make learning more interactive by gearing my learners towards thee discussion.

I asked them if they have any appliances in their houses or anything that is broken. They said they have, In this point, I am already providing the learners with data or experiences that are allowing them to imagine, question, and probably hypothesize by asking them if they have tried to fix it.

August 17,2018:

just friday

Thankfully, Friday. Humanity’s favorite day. Just a little bit more and the second week would be done. And thankfully, this day, I now have my own table. Own space. Own privacy. At least now, I can work comfortably. I looked at the papers clipped on the table and I read a familiar name—Maria.

My mentor told me stories about her. She is a fellow Filipina who taught in that school. More to that, she was a good teacher. Loved and respected by students and teachers alike. But, some happiness were not meant to last. She had a feud with one of the teachers in school. Maria was very disheartened. Other than that, she had to go home in the Philippines to settle family dispute. Before going home, she even cried because she was going to leave her students, her dear, dear students. She left a huge chunk of herself here in Thailand. And I asked myself, “Do I also have the capability of imprinting something significant here?” Well, I am soon to find out.

The first thing I did upon sitting on my new table was to check my schedule for this day. Fortunately, I only have two. But still, I do not know if I am going to teach today or otherwise. I expected the former. Then my mentor told me of today’s class schedule. I was right what to expect. He told me to teach to the first class the topic I taught yesterday. It was the lesson “Do it Yourself.” Well, no worries, I think.

Before we went to the first period, we meet first the advisory class. As usual, my mentor talked with his class to give pieces of advice. It was now 8:25 A.M. when we headed to the supposed 8:10 A.M. class. My mentor went to the front and began speaking. As for me, I immediately took my seat in the teacher’s desk. I was reviewing the lesson. The thing was, my mentor had been talking for about fifteen minutes straight. Well, I was not able to understand what they were talking about but I know it had something to do with striving harder, I think. Because my mentor had been telling me that as a teacher, I must be able to connect with his students. Open their minds and heart to ordeals and ideas. And it went that way. On the other side of the story, I grinned. It means that I will not be teaching because my mentor will take the whole period talking to the class. And that happened. For the last 10 minutes, he began discussing the lesson. And the class ended.

The next class was not an English class, it was History. My mentor told me to keep an eye to those who are noisy and standing. I did what he told me to. I would walk around the classroom to keep them quiet. Tapping their shoulders or go near them would suffice. But still, there would be times when they can still be unstable. But still, I was able to manage the situation.

And now I was done. I was just there on my table doing my stuff. Let us skip some insignificant details until the time when we went to Tesco Lotus to buy groceries. Because tomorrow will be the day when my college-mates from our university from the Philippines will come over for dinner. I was thrilled because I am going to meet them.

Well, that would be all for today.