This post is a reprise from more than 2 years ago.
My Cambodian students are much more studious that the ones I taught in Thailand. They don't have the same sense of fun as the Thai-and I miss that- but I've never had the experience below, or anything like it, at my Cambodian school. And I don't miss that.
My Cambodian students are much more studious that the ones I taught in Thailand. They don't have the same sense of fun as the Thai-and I miss that- but I've never had the experience below, or anything like it, at my Cambodian school. And I don't miss that.Bang Na, Bangkok, Thailand, 2009
"Please open your books to page 16," I ask my class.
No one stirs.
"Open your books, please," I say slowly.
46 students and yet not one reaches for a book.
"Where is your book?" I ask one student.
"Teacher, book no have."
"Why?" I ask.
A blank face stares back at me
"Where is your book?" I try again.
"No have, teacher."
"Is it at home?"
"Yes, teacher, book at my home," she answers, unfazed.
"How many of you have your books, raise your hands, please?" I ask, already dreading the answer.
Not one hand is raised.
"How many of you have left your books at home?" I question.
Forty-five hands enthusiastically reach skyward.
"And you?" I ask the lone girl who hasn't put her hand up. "Did you bring your book?
"Yes, teacher, book have," she replies unsure of whether she should be pleased or disappointed with herself.
"How can you study without your books," I ask.
No answer.
"How can you study?" I try again.
"Teacher, book have next week," one sixteen year-old answers brightly.
"Yes, next week," the rest of the class chorus.
"Are you sure?" I question, doubtfully.
"Sure, sure, teacher. Next week, book have," they call pleased that they have surely solved my problem.
"OK, " I answer while my mind races to think of something to teach for the next fifty minutes.
"Next week, sure."
...so you obviously didn't have a big jar of jelly bean insentives on your desk ;)? I know teachers should always have a plan B or C up their sleeve, but....
ReplyDelete*incentives, even!
ReplyDeleteDunno about giving these particular kids a sugar-rush!
ReplyDeleteActually, I sympathize with them a little- their English textbooks are dull, dull, dull. So, I hardly used them.
Yep, you need a plan B and C but then there were often the times that you prepared a class and turned up to an empty room. Class cancelled and everyone knows except the foreign teacher. Happened all the time. Mai pen rai :-)