This post should have been done a long time ago. Anyway, I’m gonna keep it short! This past January, I had the chance to teach my last morning classes while at JLS. As sentimental as that might be, I was more than happy for the whole ordeal to be over. These morning classes are demanding – physically and mentally.
Over three weeks, we are required to wake up early and teach for 4 hours in the morning. Following this, we teach our regular afternoon classes. Looking back now, it almost seems ridiculous. We did it though – Anton, Will and I. Intensives can be a bonding experience – as general tomfoolery and craziness escalates as the week progresses. I’m sure most of our conversations later on in the week wouldn’t be out of place in some mad house party.
As for the classes themselves – I had a very pleasant bunch of students – for both. The first group was angels. Quiet and respectful – as well as intelligent. However, sleepiness seemed to be a problem. They probably would have been just as content to sleep for 2 hours – instead of doing anything. The second group was a bit rowdier – but also more fun to teach. As you might expect, there were more boys in the second group – as that always adds more flavour in the classroom. I think I had a pretty good relationship with this crowd by the end of the three weeks.
It’s kind of a strange connecting experience during intensives. You see those kids for two hours each day – so you become close fast. Korean students especially have a way of growing on you. There’s something implied in the teacher/student relationship that doesn’t really take place in North America. Maybe it’s the absence of barriers – like personal space. I remember the kids surrounding my desk to see what I was doing during break time. Anyway, I’ll miss those times the most.
After finishing these morning classes, I realized that I’ve learned a lot since teaching here. I was comparing my first morning classes (over 2 years ago) to this set of classes – and the differences are outstanding. I’ve come a long way in establishing what works. This feels great – and gives me confidence thinking about teaching back in Canada.
As difficult as these experiences might have been, I’m grateful to have finished the race. There is something rewarding in completing something difficult. And it was a positive learning experience – it always is. I still get some of those intensive students coming up to me in the hallways and giving me a shy hello. That feels good.
Over three weeks, we are required to wake up early and teach for 4 hours in the morning. Following this, we teach our regular afternoon classes. Looking back now, it almost seems ridiculous. We did it though – Anton, Will and I. Intensives can be a bonding experience – as general tomfoolery and craziness escalates as the week progresses. I’m sure most of our conversations later on in the week wouldn’t be out of place in some mad house party.
As for the classes themselves – I had a very pleasant bunch of students – for both. The first group was angels. Quiet and respectful – as well as intelligent. However, sleepiness seemed to be a problem. They probably would have been just as content to sleep for 2 hours – instead of doing anything. The second group was a bit rowdier – but also more fun to teach. As you might expect, there were more boys in the second group – as that always adds more flavour in the classroom. I think I had a pretty good relationship with this crowd by the end of the three weeks.
It’s kind of a strange connecting experience during intensives. You see those kids for two hours each day – so you become close fast. Korean students especially have a way of growing on you. There’s something implied in the teacher/student relationship that doesn’t really take place in North America. Maybe it’s the absence of barriers – like personal space. I remember the kids surrounding my desk to see what I was doing during break time. Anyway, I’ll miss those times the most.
After finishing these morning classes, I realized that I’ve learned a lot since teaching here. I was comparing my first morning classes (over 2 years ago) to this set of classes – and the differences are outstanding. I’ve come a long way in establishing what works. This feels great – and gives me confidence thinking about teaching back in Canada.
As difficult as these experiences might have been, I’m grateful to have finished the race. There is something rewarding in completing something difficult. And it was a positive learning experience – it always is. I still get some of those intensive students coming up to me in the hallways and giving me a shy hello. That feels good.
So much for only writing a little bit.
Cheers!
-Paul
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