I have learned many things after 2 months of teaching.
Keep plenty of pencils handy becuse children, for some strange reason, children are incapable of bring their own.
Never trust small children with pens-they will unscrew them and throw the pieces at each other. Always use bribery. Always. It works wonders.
Besides these useful principles I have learned some lessons in self-improvement. One in particular has been surprising but extremely useful. I have learned to yell. Most people would describe me as quiet and mild-mannered; unless I feel comfortable in a group I tend to be reserved and even when speaking to friends my voice is soft. In one memorable Econ class a professor could not hear my answer to his question and asked me to speak up. When I spoke louder he responded, "That was speaking up?" If only he could see me now - I believe the transformation would shock him. Because you see I have become a proficient yeller. 2 months of teaching has taught me what 22 years of life failed to do. Sometimes I feel that I spend half the class yelling at the students to be quiet and stop vandalizing the classroom, a favorite past time of theirs. I yell everyday now and in every class. Yesterday I yelled at a student without provocation and did not realize until after I started yelling that it was not really necessary. It was an odd moment for me as I realized that such loud volume has become my default setting in a classroom.I still do not enjoy yelling but I now appreciate it benefits and am willing to employ my newly strengthened vocal chords whenever necessary.
I have also learned that I was not made to teach kindergarten and elementary students. People who are must be saints. I really have enjoyed teaching in Korea but I don't think I have the patience or the compassion to do it for years and years. Teaching college kids will have its challenges but at least they can sit still for 50 minutes. Most of the time :)
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4 comments:
I'm proud of you, Tiffany. I wish I could hear you yelling about sitting still and bringing pencils.
That is so sad!
When I worked at the Learning Center their method was to yell at the kids, as if they were beyond hope of understanding reason, or having feelings. I never could do it, well I could have but I refused. It turned out that they obeyed me just as well or better than the other teachers who always yelled at them.
I guess it's probably harder there because of the language barrier, but if you're yelling in English and they understand that then might understand you talking in English.
Of course, once you set up one type of regime with kids, it's hard to change it. But I still think it's sad.
I cannot imagine Tiffany yelling. It seems like an oxymoron.
A raised voice is good, as is "the look." You should definitely develop "the look." This is where you can stop a student with a single stare or glare. Some call it the evil eye. Whatever it is, find yours and it will become invaluable. "The look" also works well with the phrase, "Excuse me" with attitude. :-) Good luck and blessings!
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