Author Topic: Trials and Tribulations (Read 2966 times)

Alexa · « **on:** December 09, 2004, 05:56:07 PM »

Hey all!! Lurker in the house!

A favor to ask all those seasoned (or not!) English teachers working in Spain....
Wouldn't it be fun to start a thread (Tony and Rebecca, I hope you don't delete or edit this!) where teachers can post the good and bad things that happen to them on a daily (or as often as they wish) basis? Big or small!
I s'pose this was inspired by reading the post about the teacher (sorry...can't remember ur name!) who's burnt out from teaching, and also by the success stories.
Maybe this is a fun, lighter way 4 people to participate, without feeling like they have to tell their whole life story or be accused of doom and gloom. 'Sides, I just love being the fly on the wall and reading about others' lives! (just call me lurker!) Who wants to share?

Marta1970 · « **Reply #1 on:** December 09, 2004, 11:08:18 PM »

This is an interesting idea lurker, but isn't is repetitive?

Anywho, I would certainly read any posts with great interest since I am still on the fence about doing a TEFL program and teaching English.

tonytorero · « **Reply #2 on:** December 13, 2004, 12:53:28 PM »

Hi there lurker, Alexa...It's nice to see that you've become de-lurker-ized! B) And better yet, you've jumped into the saddle and left us a marvelous contribution. Thanks!

Quote

(Tony and Rebecca, I hope you don't delete or edit this!)

Regarding the deleting and editing of posts...I'm actually glad you mention this. As a rule, we rarely ever edit any posts. In light of recent events, we've discussed establishing a common COC (Code of Conduct) so as to remove any ambiguity on the topic but basically, observing the Forum 'Golden Rule': Post about others as you would have them post about you... will always keep you out of trouble!

But, for the record, it's pretty rare that we ever touch someone's posts. 'Nuff Said...

I love this idea as it's not uncommon for me to see teachers start a year emotionally charged and euphoric, only to become discouraged as the year progresses probably due, in part, to not having as many family and friends nearby to bounce things off of when they have a good or bad day. So, this is a great idea and has the potential to be a popular thread... Here's to wishful thinking!

My positive 'epiphany' moment last week occurred in my 3º de primaria class (3rd Grade in the US system). I have a wonderful class of 10 kids. After the first 2.5 months of the new course, I've been able to get them to spend the whole hour speaking in English 100% of the time. However, one boy in the class, Alejandro, is a bit slower than his classmates and I believe he may be borderline ADD. It's really been a challenge to get him to pay attention and keep up with the rest of the kids in the class without teaching 'TO' him, something I don't want to do. A few times I've been akin to pull my hair out after he left just because I want him to better benefit from the classes without punishing everyone else in the group.

Anyway, I've seen a slow but steady improvement in his performance of late. At this age, I spend a lot of time on reading, spelling and phonetics. We begin every class singing the ABC song a couple of times and I always give them the homework assignment of singing this song at home over the weekends, while dancing of course!

Anyway, his mother came by the other day and said that he's approaching his school and academy English classes with an energy she's never before seen and she said that she can't get him to shut up with that darn song all weekend and talking about his English classes! :blink: It really made me feel great because that's why I teach, to see these gradual evolutions/transformations. It's a natural high and it gave me the needed energy to make me want to keep teaching, surely a few more months at least! Maybe more!!

B)

P.S. Keep 'em coming. Both good and bad stories. Let's prop each other up!

RebeccaG · « **Reply #3 on:** December 15, 2004, 10:13:38 AM »

Hi Lurker... umm I mean Alexa!

Glad to see that you are participating after lurking for so long! Are you teaching or are you planning on teaching in Spain?

I love your thread idea and was wracking my brain to think of a positive teaching moment... I have many, but one of the best ones occurred yesterday in my teens fluency class.

I just got back from London on Monday and brought a bunch of the London Tube (subway) maps. We used them in class yesterday to practice giving instructions getting from one subway station to another. The nice thing about the maps is that there is a key on the backside indicating which stations have wheelchair access, bicycle access, public restrooms, etc.

I told them I was at Olympia Station in my wheelchair and wanted to get as close to Oxford Circus as possible via the metro. The kids struggled to find the best route for me and my limited mobility and were surprised, and even upset that there were so few options for my situation. They were unable to complete the task in the time remaining in class, so they have it as a homework assignment.

The beautiful teaching moment for me in this situation was not so much the English as it was heightening the awareness (unintentionally) of the difficulties that the people in wheelchairs have when it comes to accessing public transportation.

It was a really nice feeling!

cadykat · « **Reply #4 on:** December 15, 2004, 12:51:58 PM »

hello all,
well Im into my first year as a teacher and Im makeing some lovely mistakes!!! So any help from other teachers would be great!! first off over xmas break im going to buy a book on how to teach english just to get some overview. I have been TEFL certified but I still run into questions that I have no idea how to answer. Im one of those people that teaching is not my strongest area but I put in effort and take my work seriously, which I dont think is bad but Im unlike the other teachers in which lessons come to them very easily. So here goes
1. Im having a hard time with a difficult class of 13 yr olds.. They really dont want to be there and it ends up just being more of a power struggle then them actually learning.. they dont like to do the book so i try and plan fun things to do outside of it and they still dont want to participate. They never stop talking in spanish even if i say NO SPANISH, we are in English class and they never listen to me. I leave from this class completely drained of energy... does anybody have any tips on how to get control of my class, and yes i have talked to all their parents but that hasnt seem to help!!

2. I was given a book (from TEFL school) of how to teach some things like explaining tenses but that isnt all that hard. Its just the little rules that I end up getting lost on, like auxiliary verbs, Ive got the jist of the idea of why we have them but at some point I get confused myself when they ask me questions. The point im trying to make here is does anybody know of a good site or good book that will help with rules of grammer for teaching english?

I have more questions of course (but I cant think of them now), I guess the thing that i want to stress most to upcoming teachers is that its not easy, just because you speak it doesnt mean you can teach it!!! you will need to put in effort which is rewarding in the end but can also be exhausting!!!! thanks
katy

mlwalton · « **Reply #5 on:** December 15, 2004, 08:32:03 PM »

Hey Katy,

13 yr olds eghads :wacko: you're a better person than I just for taking them on (in my book at least)

Right then have you tried using blunt intimidation (lol just kidding) ok how about a reward system in reverse, (I'm sure there's a name or word for this but I can't think of it at the moment) everytime they get caught speaking spanish they have to pay say fifty centimos or something like that and that might reduce it (or not) or maybe the star system, you get some posterboard draw up a chart, put their names on it, decorate it with some appropriate stuff and then award gold stars for the most English Used in class or using new lessons in class etc....(or some variation thereof)....and if all else fails get a raquetball paddle and threaten them (ok just kidding, really I promise)

For the grammar bit, I would suggest getting Murphy's English Grammar in Use . It's an exercise book for grammar for the students but they have a teacher's edition and all the grammar explanations are in the book, (actually in both books) I've used that book a lot.

For activities (providing the blunt intimidation or racket ball raquet threat don't work - is corporal punishment illegal in Spain?

) have you checked out the book, 5 Minute Activities by Penny Ur? (I think that's the title...might not be exactly right but I'm close.)

Again if none of the above works get a raquet (a broom could work too, probably less threating....have I put too much thought into this?

).

Hang in there! If all else fails, bring some wine in a flask to class. jejejejeje :lol:

Salud!

Michelle

RebeccaG · « **Reply #6 on:** December 16, 2004, 04:36:35 PM »

Just thought I'd share the brightspot of my day with you all once again!

I just finished working with a client who was preparing for her oppositions... a total of 30 hours of class in 2 weeks! The first week we focused on her translations and the second week we focused on her verbal skills.

I was pleased as punch when she called me to tell me she passed her opposition exam!

For those who aren't familiar with these, they are highly, highly competitive civil service/government employment exams. Those candidates who are approved and passed essentially are guaranteed a job for life. Needless to say my client was absolutely thrilled.

Katy -- chin up! I haven't forgotten you by the way as I am very much aware that I owe you an email. Be on the look out for it between today and tomorrow.

zorrasabia · « **Reply #7 on:** December 17, 2004, 05:45:15 AM »

Hey, CadyKat,
I've sent you a reply, which should have been 'posted' here, but I was mystified by the process, and so it's been delivered to your 'inbox', by mistake! If Tony or Rebecca can retrieve it, and stick it on here, that would be great! Otherwise, CadyKat, you'll have to read my little pearls of wisdom privately!
Sorry!
I do think this topic is so useful, for new CELTA treachers! I'm planning to come to Spain in the New Year, to find work, after completing my course in November! I'd love to live in Granada or Seville!
Bye and thanks!

Zorrasabia.

tonytorero · « **Reply #8 on:** December 17, 2004, 11:37:45 AM »

Quote

I've sent you a reply, which should have been 'posted' here, but I was mystified by the process, and so it's been delivered to your 'inbox', by mistake! If Tony or Rebecca can retrieve it, and stick it on here, that would be great!

Presto, abracadabra, shalakazam!

Posted on behalf of the wisest of foxes... zorrasabia!

Quote

Hey, Cadykat

I joined, just as you were looking for work- weren't you going to Valencia? It's great to hear you're now qualified and have a job. Congratulations.

I am hoping to get a job in Spain, in the New Year. I've now got my CELTA, too, but I've yet to teach TEFL. However, I used to teach English, in the U.K. to British kids.

In my experience, one thing they love, is competition. How about splitting your class into teams, and awarding points, for their work, with the winning team being given some treat, or other, at the end of the day, or week? Speaking in Spanish would result in team points being lost. It helps with discipline, if they affect the team score, when they ignore class rules.

It would need you to check out what these kids would regard as a worthwhile reward, if being able to speak fluent English isn't it..

That is probably their parents' reward, rather than theirs, which may explain their lack of motivation.

Regards,
Zorrasabia

By the way wise-one! Great advice. I really like the team-competition idea. I've tried similar ideas with teen groups with success. Great contribution! Keep 'em coming!

Expat_teacher · « **Reply #9 on:** December 22, 2004, 08:15:08 PM »

Hi gang --

I really like this thread and feel somewhat guilty being the first person to post a mildly negative post.

You ask for the good, the bad and the ugly in teaching moments... I guess this one falls in the bad category.

I am giving up an in-company class that I teach for a lot of reasons, it is a class that I have been teaching for almost two years and I have bonded really nicely with all the students. The other day they informed me that that class would be the last one until after the Christmas holidays. I sadly had to inform them that it would be the last class (with me) period.

We were all really sad about the situation, and have promised to get together for lunch or dinner occasionally.

Is it normal to feel that close to your students? I have always drawn a line between personal and professional, but this group in particular was an exceptional group of individuals!

Mikahl · « **Reply #10 on:** January 07, 2005, 04:37:17 PM »

This is it folks. I'm entering my last semester in this god forsaken place. Then I will be on my way back to Spain (home.) I am taking 18 hours to graduate. So, it's going to be one motherf***** of a semester. Whateva! I don't care. It will be worth it when I see the Giralda again. Do any of you know how long it's been since I've had a piece of jamon or a glass of Cruzcampo. Sweet god! It's been 20 months. I just hope determination and providence can see me through. Wish me luck and have a happy new year!

peace

zorrasabia · « **Reply #11 on:** January 12, 2005, 05:04:42 AM »

Hi Kadycat, :nyhappy:
Thanks to Tony for sorting out my last lost post!
I've had some more thoughts about your young teenagers' class! I used to train youth workers after I stopped teaching, (not TEFL), in the U.K. We used to do a training exercise in which they had to try to keep talking to a partner who offered no eye contact, or any other verbal encouragement. No-one could keep going, after a minute or so! Without eye contact, as a speaker, you're sunk!
In class, it helps with kids if you only look at the ones you wish to have speak, and refuse to look at any others, however noisy they are! It helps also if you need to stop some-one talking, to look away, or at your next speaker. Remember the quiet ones, as they can suffer from no attention at all, if all your efforts are directed at those kids who misbehave!
Most kids crave attention, even if it's negative. Some have only ever known the latter! By giving your attention and focus as encouragement and as a reward for good behaviour, rather than when kids misbehave, you really can increase the chances of their choosing to act appropriately.
I'm also a dog trainer! The same system of positive reward, (ignore the negative, accentuate the positive - as far as possible!), works very well with German Shepherds, too! (LOL).
Hope this helps!
Zorrasabia.

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Author Topic: Trials and Tribulations (Read 2966 times)