Well, I suppose it is time to give a school update. I am getting more used to the school environment here, but it is still a difficult adjustment in many ways. I am learning how to structure my lessons to meet the needs of the English language learners and am getting better at pacing. However, the students' behavior is still so different that it is hard to know how to react.
I am still unsure of when class is supposed to start every day. I mean, I do have a bell schedule, but there are never any students in my classroom by the time the bell rings, or usually for a good five to ten minutes afterwards. This is the way it seems to be in most classes, so teachers begin locking the doors as an incentive to get students to come rushing to class. This would NEVER fly in the US, and I'm sure it's illegal. I did fill out some "pink slips" last week for late students, which seemed to make them angry enough to improve their attendance. Still, there doesn't seem to be any set discipline plan that is used school wide. These students are just sent to the office to confer with administration. It's hard to find ways to make students be attentive when there is no fall-back, such as detentions or staying after class, or missing out on this or that, etc. However, I cannot stand the constant chatter so I always wait for all students to be quiet. I do not think the students are used to this, but they seem to be adapting to my expectations fairly well and are behaving better than I anticipated based on my initial observations.
It's Week 11, and assessment starts Weeks 12 and 13. We were told they try really hard not to teach to the test. But, when you have an overwhelming amount of content and limited time, I am starting to see how it is easy to fall into that patter. I have written out my lesson plans for the next two weeks at least 3 or 4 different times, making drastic changes each draft because I am still getting used to the students' needs and learning pace. By the time I have the "essentials" such as reading stories and mandatory quizzes in their slots, the time left over for creativity is really limited. I try to make these activities engaging, but with limited time there are only so many activities that will fit.
I am also learning the pressure that comes with assessment as I prepare my students for their writing assessment. I am teaching persuasive essays, which is extremely difficult. Working with this group of students, I need to make sure they understand all the words and concepts before I even delve into teaching the writing process. I am trying a variety of activities, some effective and some not-so-effective, so it is interesting to experiment and see what works. Still, I am extremely apprehensive for the test as the school will view it as a reflection of the teacher's competency. I am constantly fighting the urge to push the writing more and more.
I am still trying to figure out my students' cognitive abilities as well. This is very difficult, because it seems they really struggle with literal level questions. I can only ask very surface level questions at first in order to built to a greater understanding, which they sometimes don't get, even with all the scaffolding. I have two theories about this. At first, I thought it had to do with the students' education not providing them with activities to think creatively, problem solve, etc. Now, I am wondering if maybe it has more to do with the fact that English IS a second language for these students, and as learners, maybe they are unable to process on a higher level in English but excel in their Chinese courses? I will need more time to decide!
Another huge difference in the school culture became apparent when there was a small fight between two students earlier this week. One student was hurt, while the other stormed off in an angry rage to some unknown location in the school. The administration's response was, "Oh, (the student) will come back eventually once ready." Well, again, this would NEVER fly in the US. What a liability! But they were right; the student returned within fifteen minutes, after cooling down.
This week, there is a high school visiting from Singapore. When Alaina showed me some essays these guest ninth graders wrote, I was astonished! What a work ethic, and they did so well, too! We spoke to our supervisor about this, because we were curious about their academic background. She explained that they were from a very conservative school and culture, where they studied 24/7 and competed avidly to get into the top high schools. She said that although we were seeing some of the "best of the best," it was still a good snapshot of what she would call a utopia. She thinks the exchange program is good for our students to be amazed by the academic motivation of these students and for their students to see a gimpse at real life. On Thursday, we will be going on a day trip with these students to do a riverside bike ride. I am really excited!!
It's just interesting because I am shocked by the school in so many ways, but not in those that I had expected. For example, I anticipated picture-perfect students and nothing but cut-and-dry lecture, and that is not what I get at all. Still, the logistical details of school such as the scheduling, curriculum, policies and procedures are vastly different.
To end on a light note, I had the funniest experience today! I was helping a girl with an assignment and the boy sitting next to her kept staring at me intently. I could tell he was staring, and wasn't quite sure why. Finally, when I was done explaining to the female student, the boy said, "I have to ask you a question. When you look out of your green eyes, is everything you see green?" It took me a second to realize he was not accustomed to seeing eyes the color of mine, so I laughed and told him no, and then asked him, "Does everything look only brown through your eyes?" It was cute, and it seemed like his curiosity was sincere.
As I get to know the students more, it IS getting easier. I don't feel like so much of an intruder not that they know what my role is in the school, and it is refreshing to see students in the halls and on the bus and be able to wave and say hi. While it is challenging, it is moments like the above that make me remember why I'm there!
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