Today was test day. My students did not do very well, but they are doing much better than they have been. I am not sure if the material was easier, or if they are actually starting to catch on.
The person who used to be our copy girl and now works in the snack shop was very upset today. It seems that someone had left the door unlocked, and the money from the snack shop was missing. Fortunately the reason it was missing was because the boss came and took it, but he never told her. Even after we had found this out, no one informed her! I think we may have a problem with communication! It was a heart wrenching thing though. It seems she is having problems with her family, and with her health...she was so distraught and didn't know what to do. The thing that made it worse is that her English is not good enough to really communicate. I did understand that she isn't feeling welcome at her job.
After class I was given my letter of intent. They are asking me to come back. They are giving me an extra $100 a month if I decide to do so. I am not sure what I am going to do yet..but I think I may stay. I will have September off (until the 20th) during which time I will go home for a visit. It doesn't seem like a bad plan.
Tomorrow the teachers from the primary school are going out for a picnic to some small town somewhere. I was invited to go along, and I think I will brave the 8am wake-up call to do so. It will be interesting to see where people go when they haven't time to really do much. One of these days my housemate told me he would take me to Dohuk. This is a city one is supposed to see while here. I am supposed to be allowed one Saturday off, so if that happens, perhaps that
would be a good day to do that. I guess we shall see.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Feeling out of time (and payday)
I have yet to understand when payday is. I was told it is on the last day of the month. Yesterday, my housemates came home and asked it if I wanted to send money home as they were going to do that. "I would like to, but I didn't get it yet." Came my surprised reply. Apparently, we were supposed to pick up our money yesterday (the 29th)!!! Are they using a different calender? Do they put it on the 29th for a certain reason? Perhaps it is the day before the last day of the month that we are able to get it.....hmmm
This morning I have been feeling a little out of sorts. I was awoken by my alarm clock at 5:45am (it actually going off is a rarity). Then I started to look for my phone. I knew it was here because I received a call from someone who only speaks Kurdish, so no one here in the house can really understand him. It took me 10 minutes to find. During that time, I looked at my clock only to find that it said 10:05am. Somehow the time and the alarm were both 4 hours and 5 minutes ahead. I would have been alright with it if only one were ahead, but both? and for the same amount of time? This was too much for my brain to handle. I think I may just have to have a cup of coffee and register for the foreign service test. Perhaps there is a close location at which I can take it. They have already approved me for signing up to do just that :) Here is one more chance at a government job that seems to be in line with what I enjoy!!
This morning I have been feeling a little out of sorts. I was awoken by my alarm clock at 5:45am (it actually going off is a rarity). Then I started to look for my phone. I knew it was here because I received a call from someone who only speaks Kurdish, so no one here in the house can really understand him. It took me 10 minutes to find. During that time, I looked at my clock only to find that it said 10:05am. Somehow the time and the alarm were both 4 hours and 5 minutes ahead. I would have been alright with it if only one were ahead, but both? and for the same amount of time? This was too much for my brain to handle. I think I may just have to have a cup of coffee and register for the foreign service test. Perhaps there is a close location at which I can take it. They have already approved me for signing up to do just that :) Here is one more chance at a government job that seems to be in line with what I enjoy!!
STRESS!!
It was another stressful day. I had the professional students again, but at least this time I had a book to work with! We talked about where we would want to go, and what we would want to do there. We also talked about nationalities, languages, and how they compare to the name of the country. It started to get a little interesting when they decided we needed to talk about the difference between the United Kingdom, Great Britain, and England...plus the Commonwealth! I thought I was going to go absolutely nuts answering these questions (The Netherlands/Holland was an interesting one as well). I think they like it well enough for now; we will see if this changes.
My university students are another story. The other teacher is doing CVs with them, and so the dean wants me to do it with my class. I think the other teacher can do it when she comes in; this will be better for both of us. I do not want to teach it, and she feels it is important (part of why I don't want to teach it is that I don't agree with the way she is doing it, and they want it to be uniform).
During my last period with them today, I felt like I was pulling teeth. They were definitely not paying attention. I asked a question directly from the book and got no response. I said the answer and repeated it twice (3 times total). I then asked the question again. I received the same blank stares. I told them the answer three times again and re-asked the question. Again nothing. I looked at them, told them "this is the answer!" and repeated the answer three more times. I asked the question one more time....I still had students who were totally lost. I went out of the room and beat my head against the wall...the students of course laughed at this, and we moved on. It seems we are all getting a little distracted as the weather gets warmer and many people are getting sick... I hope I do not catch whatever it is that is going around.
Tonight I have to finish writing the test for tomorrow. We were told that the company would have these tests for us and that we would have it by today. The test seems not to exist. I am not one who really likes to make tests, but I suppose someone has to do it. I also just found out that they do have the periodic test for book 2 (the one we just did last Thursday). We were told that we wouldn't have to redo this, but now it looks like we will. I am not very happy about this, and the students will not be either.
I suggested that we make the makeup test mandatory and use that test for the makeup. Perhaps that is what they will do. It will be interesting to see the outcome of this newest "fiasco."
My university students are another story. The other teacher is doing CVs with them, and so the dean wants me to do it with my class. I think the other teacher can do it when she comes in; this will be better for both of us. I do not want to teach it, and she feels it is important (part of why I don't want to teach it is that I don't agree with the way she is doing it, and they want it to be uniform).
During my last period with them today, I felt like I was pulling teeth. They were definitely not paying attention. I asked a question directly from the book and got no response. I said the answer and repeated it twice (3 times total). I then asked the question again. I received the same blank stares. I told them the answer three times again and re-asked the question. Again nothing. I looked at them, told them "this is the answer!" and repeated the answer three more times. I asked the question one more time....I still had students who were totally lost. I went out of the room and beat my head against the wall...the students of course laughed at this, and we moved on. It seems we are all getting a little distracted as the weather gets warmer and many people are getting sick... I hope I do not catch whatever it is that is going around.
Tonight I have to finish writing the test for tomorrow. We were told that the company would have these tests for us and that we would have it by today. The test seems not to exist. I am not one who really likes to make tests, but I suppose someone has to do it. I also just found out that they do have the periodic test for book 2 (the one we just did last Thursday). We were told that we wouldn't have to redo this, but now it looks like we will. I am not very happy about this, and the students will not be either.
I suggested that we make the makeup test mandatory and use that test for the makeup. Perhaps that is what they will do. It will be interesting to see the outcome of this newest "fiasco."
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Tell ME!!!
Today went rather strangely in a couple of ways. The first thing was that I was supposed to teach the mother's class today. So, I was waiting outside of the classroom for them to come, when I remembered that one of the possibilities that had been mentioned for the future was that they could combine the mothers' classes. While no decision had been reached, I decided to ask the other teacher anyway. She told me that it was a good question, and she had no idea.
Then I saw the dean walking to the other class (he is the one who teaches it). I went and asked him. He told me that he didn't know and that we would find out as soon as class started. So, instead of waiting, I did what would normally be the next best thing: I asked the coordinator. He said that he didn't know and that we should just wait for the students to show up. Soooo, I waited. They didn't show up, so I decided that to just go to my office and work on some administrative stuff I needed to do. At least I was able to get some things completed, and I didn't have to teach a class that I really didn't want to teach.
My university students, on the other hand, gave me such problems yesterday. These problems were not so much behavioral as they were cognitive. I tried to explain what a century was to them, and they just didn't get it. I told them it was a measure of time equal to 100 years. They decided to look it up in the dictionary...same definition, same lack of understanding. Then I started going into other measures of time: decade, year, week, day, hours, seconds....Most of them eventually got it, but some were still a little unsure. I will check again to see what comes of it.
I was told that I need to use the Wright Brothers book that is produced by the company I work for in class. This book is too hard for the students, but I will do my best to simplify it as we go along. I am going to attempt to use it to introduce good reading academic reading habits. What I mean by this is mainly looking for context clues to figure out the meaning of unknown words. It really bothers me when student feel they need to look up every word as they may miss the meaning entirely. Besides, often the definition is given in the sentence...why would you look it up if they tell you right there? (unless this portion is too difficult for you to understand as well). Eventually I would like to also be able to point out key words like "next" and "after that".
After work, I spent a little time on the computer and then the person who fixes things around here asked me to come downstairs and kick the soccer ball around with him for a while. So I did. After an hour or so, the wind started really blowing, so we stopped, and one of my housemates and I went to the restaurant to eat. It came to $12 approximately, but it was a lot of food. Not too bad, all in all. Of course, I felt I could spare it as I have spent less than $50/ week living here!
Of course the cheapness of the place does come at a price. For example, I found out that while you can ship packages out of the country through couriers like Pele Post or DHL, letters are a different story. You have to ship them as packages with a minimum charge being half a kilo. I have heard that this is very expensive. So, my plans to write a couple of people or send post cards, is not going to happen! It is a strange thing not having this service, but I guess this is what comes from all of whatever is happening here.
Then I saw the dean walking to the other class (he is the one who teaches it). I went and asked him. He told me that he didn't know and that we would find out as soon as class started. So, instead of waiting, I did what would normally be the next best thing: I asked the coordinator. He said that he didn't know and that we should just wait for the students to show up. Soooo, I waited. They didn't show up, so I decided that to just go to my office and work on some administrative stuff I needed to do. At least I was able to get some things completed, and I didn't have to teach a class that I really didn't want to teach.
My university students, on the other hand, gave me such problems yesterday. These problems were not so much behavioral as they were cognitive. I tried to explain what a century was to them, and they just didn't get it. I told them it was a measure of time equal to 100 years. They decided to look it up in the dictionary...same definition, same lack of understanding. Then I started going into other measures of time: decade, year, week, day, hours, seconds....Most of them eventually got it, but some were still a little unsure. I will check again to see what comes of it.
I was told that I need to use the Wright Brothers book that is produced by the company I work for in class. This book is too hard for the students, but I will do my best to simplify it as we go along. I am going to attempt to use it to introduce good reading academic reading habits. What I mean by this is mainly looking for context clues to figure out the meaning of unknown words. It really bothers me when student feel they need to look up every word as they may miss the meaning entirely. Besides, often the definition is given in the sentence...why would you look it up if they tell you right there? (unless this portion is too difficult for you to understand as well). Eventually I would like to also be able to point out key words like "next" and "after that".
After work, I spent a little time on the computer and then the person who fixes things around here asked me to come downstairs and kick the soccer ball around with him for a while. So I did. After an hour or so, the wind started really blowing, so we stopped, and one of my housemates and I went to the restaurant to eat. It came to $12 approximately, but it was a lot of food. Not too bad, all in all. Of course, I felt I could spare it as I have spent less than $50/ week living here!
Of course the cheapness of the place does come at a price. For example, I found out that while you can ship packages out of the country through couriers like Pele Post or DHL, letters are a different story. You have to ship them as packages with a minimum charge being half a kilo. I have heard that this is very expensive. So, my plans to write a couple of people or send post cards, is not going to happen! It is a strange thing not having this service, but I guess this is what comes from all of whatever is happening here.
Monday, April 27, 2009
A horrible snafu!!
The Agricultural Engineers did start today, so they wouldn't be too far behind the Vets I suppose is the reason, though one never really knows for sure around here. They decided they could in fact integrate the groups and split them according to the test scores they received. At first they said that there was a political difference and therefore were unable to combine them.
I went to class and was told to start with the beginner book. Therein lies the problem! It seems that most of these people did some of their studying in English, and some actually lived many years abroad. The fact that they scored low on the test does not mean they don't have the knowledge. One of them wants grammar because he wants to be able to take the TOEFL Test soon, and wants to use this class to prepare for it. These students are all well educated (many with Ph.Ds). One is the head of sanitation at slaughter houses!!
Well, my lesson plan was built around the first book, and when they opened up the beginners book I had given them, I thought they were going to lynch me! They were so upset that we would insult them with this English level. I asked them to introduce themselves, and they told me their job, where they went to school, hobbies, and why they were taking the class. These were not the answers of beginners.
I had to come up with something on the spur of the moment. Unfortunately, I am not good at this sort of thing. I tried to have them talk about something they had done in the past, but only one actually did it. I spent most of the time talking about America, myself, and what I have done and where I have traveled to. I am sure they were bored out of their skulls!! One student was in the back of the room sleeping. I let him sleep because we weren't really doing a lot anyway. I ended class about 15 minutes early and told them that I didn't want to waste anymore of their time. They said they want the other book, and they want grammar (we have a book for that as well). One said she wanted science, but I told her they would have to teach me! After I finished talking, one of the students asked if I had any homework for them. I said that since we really didn't do anything, I couldn't assign homework. He wasn't too happy with this.
I quickly thought, and I told him that he could go home and write a summary of what he now knows about me. I said that since I talked most of the time, this would be a good way to see if he understood what I had said. (Part of the work we did before I just gave up, was to have them read the sentences and tell me the nouns. This was very easy for them, so I told them I wanted to hear how they sounded when they read!)
Many of the students told me they could understand what I said, they just wanted to sound like me. I guess I will have to do a lot of speaking activities as well as try and make all of this stuff seem relevant to them. We shall see how that goes.
I went to class and was told to start with the beginner book. Therein lies the problem! It seems that most of these people did some of their studying in English, and some actually lived many years abroad. The fact that they scored low on the test does not mean they don't have the knowledge. One of them wants grammar because he wants to be able to take the TOEFL Test soon, and wants to use this class to prepare for it. These students are all well educated (many with Ph.Ds). One is the head of sanitation at slaughter houses!!
Well, my lesson plan was built around the first book, and when they opened up the beginners book I had given them, I thought they were going to lynch me! They were so upset that we would insult them with this English level. I asked them to introduce themselves, and they told me their job, where they went to school, hobbies, and why they were taking the class. These were not the answers of beginners.
I had to come up with something on the spur of the moment. Unfortunately, I am not good at this sort of thing. I tried to have them talk about something they had done in the past, but only one actually did it. I spent most of the time talking about America, myself, and what I have done and where I have traveled to. I am sure they were bored out of their skulls!! One student was in the back of the room sleeping. I let him sleep because we weren't really doing a lot anyway. I ended class about 15 minutes early and told them that I didn't want to waste anymore of their time. They said they want the other book, and they want grammar (we have a book for that as well). One said she wanted science, but I told her they would have to teach me! After I finished talking, one of the students asked if I had any homework for them. I said that since we really didn't do anything, I couldn't assign homework. He wasn't too happy with this.
I quickly thought, and I told him that he could go home and write a summary of what he now knows about me. I said that since I talked most of the time, this would be a good way to see if he understood what I had said. (Part of the work we did before I just gave up, was to have them read the sentences and tell me the nouns. This was very easy for them, so I told them I wanted to hear how they sounded when they read!)
Many of the students told me they could understand what I said, they just wanted to sound like me. I guess I will have to do a lot of speaking activities as well as try and make all of this stuff seem relevant to them. We shall see how that goes.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Another proverb!
Last night, when I was hanging out with the teachers from the elementary school, I learned that one has an uncle who also wears his jacket in all kinds of weather. It seems that there is an old Arabic proverb that states something to the effect of "What keeps out the cold, keeps out the hot!" It seems that many years ago, women wore the black clothes to keep out both heat and cold; it was a cultural thing. It has sense become a religious thing, but it doesn't seem that the idea is lost....Once again I have found a proverb previously unknown to me that justifies my actions. Perhaps I have always been meant to be a person of the world. First it was a Ukrainian proverb, and now an Arabic one. I wonder what is next!
Today was an interesting day. I went over the tests that the students took on Thursday, and found a lot of mistakes and differences in markings. I am not sure it is possible to fix them, so I am going to just leave them alone. Most of them were only one or two points out of a possible 240, so it wouldn't really make that big of a difference anyway, but one, which I did change, was a 10 point miscalculation. I think we as teachers need to do a better job with our math and check each other after we do it. We also need to make sure that we are checking things exactly the same. This is not as easy to do with English as it is with Math, but it can be and should be done.
The students were really friendly and outspoken today, as well. It was great to hear them talk so much, but it wasn't always about the topic at hand...and they were starting to revert into Kurdish again! I hate when they do that because they know they are supposed to be trying to use English, and because I can't understand what is going on. But they did give me a something good to eat, so I guess that was a good thing.
Today was an interesting day. I went over the tests that the students took on Thursday, and found a lot of mistakes and differences in markings. I am not sure it is possible to fix them, so I am going to just leave them alone. Most of them were only one or two points out of a possible 240, so it wouldn't really make that big of a difference anyway, but one, which I did change, was a 10 point miscalculation. I think we as teachers need to do a better job with our math and check each other after we do it. We also need to make sure that we are checking things exactly the same. This is not as easy to do with English as it is with Math, but it can be and should be done.
The students were really friendly and outspoken today, as well. It was great to hear them talk so much, but it wasn't always about the topic at hand...and they were starting to revert into Kurdish again! I hate when they do that because they know they are supposed to be trying to use English, and because I can't understand what is going on. But they did give me a something good to eat, so I guess that was a good thing.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Another make up test day over
My students are strange. They come into the make up test, I ask if they have any questions, and there are none. I explain a few key concepts I know they have trouble with, and they ignore me and want me to pass out the test. Then they get all of those things wrong that we just went over!!! They are just way too impatient for their own good. One did score 100% though! I was very excited about that.
It was a short day yesterday, but also a long one. I was at work until 1pm, then I came home and made a salad (which has yet to be eaten), and then my housemates came home. They brought home some of the teachers from the other schools and we sat and talked. Then we went to town so one could get his hair cut. Then we had to drive to take the other teachers home. We ended up staying there for a couple of hours, so we didn't get back until midnight! This is not a great thing for getting up at 5:30am, but it was fun to hang out and talk. The conversation still had a lot of Arabic in it, but they made more of an effort to speak in English this time. I had a lot of fun.
Now it is time to go off to school again. I have to make copies of the book they have yet to send us (it is at the printers) so I have something to do in class. I am not sure why we didn't do that yesterday. I think it had something to do with us not really thinking ahead. Of course, the dean wants to copy only what we need each day so we don't waste a lot of paper. I can understand that.
It was a short day yesterday, but also a long one. I was at work until 1pm, then I came home and made a salad (which has yet to be eaten), and then my housemates came home. They brought home some of the teachers from the other schools and we sat and talked. Then we went to town so one could get his hair cut. Then we had to drive to take the other teachers home. We ended up staying there for a couple of hours, so we didn't get back until midnight! This is not a great thing for getting up at 5:30am, but it was fun to hang out and talk. The conversation still had a lot of Arabic in it, but they made more of an effort to speak in English this time. I had a lot of fun.
Now it is time to go off to school again. I have to make copies of the book they have yet to send us (it is at the printers) so I have something to do in class. I am not sure why we didn't do that yesterday. I think it had something to do with us not really thinking ahead. Of course, the dean wants to copy only what we need each day so we don't waste a lot of paper. I can understand that.
Friday, April 24, 2009
A boring day off!!
The day dragged by today. While I was awake at 5am, I was able to finally get back to sleep and stay in bed until about 10am. I woke up, got online, checked emails, and then had a wonderful "sandwich". It was banana with honey on flat bread. The flat bread was Lebanese as was the honey. The honey was produced by rather busy Lebanese bees living on the property of my housemate's father. I guess it was kind of homemade honey :) It was really potent stuff; quite tasty.
I watched a couple of movies and got some much needed rest while doing laundry as well. I have been really tired lately. I don't know if it is the weather (warm, though it doesn't feel hot, and dusty) or if it is just that I am spending too much time around people. I love people, don't get me wrong, but being with them is so draining for me. Though I don't like to be alone either, at least not in large places. It would be so much easier if I had a smaller place to live in, then it wouldn't feel so empty.
I am glad of my Fridays though. I would like to have Saturdays off as well, perhaps then there would be more to do...either that or there still wouldn't be much to do and I would notice it a lot more. Relaxation is a good thing, but I hope that my days do not start to turn into those that will require much more rest than I am able to get I enjoy it here, but I do not want to give up my sanity to work here!!
I watched a couple of movies and got some much needed rest while doing laundry as well. I have been really tired lately. I don't know if it is the weather (warm, though it doesn't feel hot, and dusty) or if it is just that I am spending too much time around people. I love people, don't get me wrong, but being with them is so draining for me. Though I don't like to be alone either, at least not in large places. It would be so much easier if I had a smaller place to live in, then it wouldn't feel so empty.
I am glad of my Fridays though. I would like to have Saturdays off as well, perhaps then there would be more to do...either that or there still wouldn't be much to do and I would notice it a lot more. Relaxation is a good thing, but I hope that my days do not start to turn into those that will require much more rest than I am able to get I enjoy it here, but I do not want to give up my sanity to work here!!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Periodic Test day
Today was a looooong day!! The students took the periodic test, which includes a dictation, and reading comprehension, a portfolio, and a language usage portion. Out of my 19 students, only one got above 60%. This is upsetting until you look at the way things were broken down. There were quite a few that scored well on the language usage. These same students would have failed miserably on this test only a month ago. They have been progressing. The problem now is reading comprehension. A few of them are not literate in their own language and are having difficulties with learning to read in English. I am not quite sure what I am going to do, but I am sure I will think of something.
On a different note...I got to school today at around 8ish. As I was walking toward my office, one of the students waved hello. I turned my head and waved to her, but I kept on walking while I did this. When I turned my head back to the foward position, I ran right into a huge cement column! It hurt so bad, and it left a little bump on my head as well. I was so embarresed; I am glad that there weren't too many people around when it happend!
The dust storms are back again. I think that I am going to try to brave the dust storm once again and go visit the other teacher (two doors down). It is better that sitting here all alone, and she said that I could come over. I have already braved it once in order to buy coconut ice cream made in Iran and Orange/Carrot juice made in Lebanon, so why not this? I guess it is all part of the fun. And if I decide not to do this, I will go to bed, as I am tired. I hope all is going well with all of you.
On a different note...I got to school today at around 8ish. As I was walking toward my office, one of the students waved hello. I turned my head and waved to her, but I kept on walking while I did this. When I turned my head back to the foward position, I ran right into a huge cement column! It hurt so bad, and it left a little bump on my head as well. I was so embarresed; I am glad that there weren't too many people around when it happend!
The dust storms are back again. I think that I am going to try to brave the dust storm once again and go visit the other teacher (two doors down). It is better that sitting here all alone, and she said that I could come over. I have already braved it once in order to buy coconut ice cream made in Iran and Orange/Carrot juice made in Lebanon, so why not this? I guess it is all part of the fun. And if I decide not to do this, I will go to bed, as I am tired. I hope all is going well with all of you.
Back at last!!
I finally have internet connection at home again! I am not certain what the problem was, but it is fixed, and I am happy! A lot of things have happened in the past couple of days, so I will try to relate them to you as much as I can remember.
First of all, the issue with my roommates was mostly addressed. I sat down with them and discussed the issues, and it was agreed that my perception was not too far off and that we needed to work on ways to make it better: they have to be more conscious of the fact I don't speak Arabic, and I have to be more adamant in actually saying something when things start "getting out of hand". Not a bad idea if I do say so myself.
On the school front, I have been teaching long hours (relatively) and am getting a little burned out and frustrated from all of weirdness that goes on. We are taking the final test over this book and have not yet received the next book we were promised. Also, we are starting a new class on Saturday and then another one on the Saturday after that. They want to focus on speaking because they are professional veterinarians and are thus highly educated. They have studied in English for their degrees (though not necessarily primarily). So, they were given an interview and a written test to assess their level...they were then split according to the results of ...........the WRITTEN TEST!!!!!!
Call me strange, but I would think that if we are going to focus on speaking, the results of the interview would have been the primary determiner. Perhaps we are going to ignore what they want and focus on the other stuff instead. Who knows.
I have to go to work now, I will write more later.
First of all, the issue with my roommates was mostly addressed. I sat down with them and discussed the issues, and it was agreed that my perception was not too far off and that we needed to work on ways to make it better: they have to be more conscious of the fact I don't speak Arabic, and I have to be more adamant in actually saying something when things start "getting out of hand". Not a bad idea if I do say so myself.
On the school front, I have been teaching long hours (relatively) and am getting a little burned out and frustrated from all of weirdness that goes on. We are taking the final test over this book and have not yet received the next book we were promised. Also, we are starting a new class on Saturday and then another one on the Saturday after that. They want to focus on speaking because they are professional veterinarians and are thus highly educated. They have studied in English for their degrees (though not necessarily primarily). So, they were given an interview and a written test to assess their level...they were then split according to the results of ...........the WRITTEN TEST!!!!!!
Call me strange, but I would think that if we are going to focus on speaking, the results of the interview would have been the primary determiner. Perhaps we are going to ignore what they want and focus on the other stuff instead. Who knows.
I have to go to work now, I will write more later.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
A Dizzy Day
(the day before)Yesterday was fraught with little trivial instances of things that have built up to a mountain of anger. I visited the other teacher in order to view the DVDs for class. There was not much that was useful, but there was one documentary on the Nile that looks promising. This was actually quite enjoyable for me.
I left and came home. Everyone was leaving to go a restaurant....everybody that is but me! I was, once again, not invited to go along. I don't mind so much being left out, or them not wanting me to go, but I don't like it when they attempt to hide these things from me. I am beginning to feel the pressure of being an outsider in my own home. All my roommates speak Arabic as their first language, and the two main ones have a connection in that they are Lebanese. The tv is constantly playing Lebanese channels, with the occasional western English movie thrown in (as long as they choose it). I feel as if I am a constant visitor as opposed to someone who actually lives here.
The dean asked today if I was planing on staying for another year after my contract runs out. I told him that I would think about it, but I needed to have a new place to live. I would prefer an apartment by myself as they have at the primary school SABIS runs, but that I would consider living with other people if they moved me and this person together into a place. I need a change! I am hoping they are able to hire another male teacher to make this a possibility. It is tough living with the same people you work with though, but at least if the person spoke English as a first language, we could go through the problems together. (I wish they would allow mixed genders to live together; then this wouldn't be such an issue, but that would be culturally unacceptable.)
Yesterday (today when I originally started writing this, before the power decided to go out), had my class do some creative writing. This is one of the things we are required to do, and I had not done it up to this time. So, I took Mishka (my little Russian bear I got in Finland from my students) and told my class a story about how Mishka and I went traveling. I asked them to then write a story about Mishka. Tell me about his family, what he likes to do, and where he has been. I asked them to make a schedule for him (for example on January 16th at 9am he was getting up, etc.) Most found this task to be EXTREMELY difficult. It seems that many of these students, despite their age, are in the concrete stage and unable to pretend that Mishka has a family, or that he may even eat or drink.
One was in tears because she felt she was unable to complete the task. I asked her why (as all of the vocabulary they need is what they have been working on in the book, which is why I did this!). Her reply was that it was difficult because "Mishka not eat; Mishka not drink. Nothing to write about!) The other difficulty I had with this assignment was that people started trying to look up Mishka. I had started out by saying that Mishka was a name. I could understand (a little) them trying to look up a name, but after the first person came up to me asking why it wasn't in the dictionary, I repeated that it was a name, and that names are not usually in the dictionary. It was the fourth or fifth time AFTER this announcement that I became a little upset with them. On a high note, however, Two of my lower level students were really able to shine here. Their English was not so good, but they were able to write quite a bit, fairly quickly. I was very impressed and quite overjoyed.
The lack of internet at home is starting to get to me. It is bad enough to not have it at the office, but to come back to the house and not have it either, leaves one feeling cut off from the world. I would probably feel this way where I understood what was going on, and where I actually had weekends, but here it is most difficult. It is all I have that I can do to relax. Occasionally I am able to read a little, but even that takes a little more concentration than I have had recently. Ahh well, maybe later.
I left and came home. Everyone was leaving to go a restaurant....everybody that is but me! I was, once again, not invited to go along. I don't mind so much being left out, or them not wanting me to go, but I don't like it when they attempt to hide these things from me. I am beginning to feel the pressure of being an outsider in my own home. All my roommates speak Arabic as their first language, and the two main ones have a connection in that they are Lebanese. The tv is constantly playing Lebanese channels, with the occasional western English movie thrown in (as long as they choose it). I feel as if I am a constant visitor as opposed to someone who actually lives here.
The dean asked today if I was planing on staying for another year after my contract runs out. I told him that I would think about it, but I needed to have a new place to live. I would prefer an apartment by myself as they have at the primary school SABIS runs, but that I would consider living with other people if they moved me and this person together into a place. I need a change! I am hoping they are able to hire another male teacher to make this a possibility. It is tough living with the same people you work with though, but at least if the person spoke English as a first language, we could go through the problems together. (I wish they would allow mixed genders to live together; then this wouldn't be such an issue, but that would be culturally unacceptable.)
Yesterday (today when I originally started writing this, before the power decided to go out), had my class do some creative writing. This is one of the things we are required to do, and I had not done it up to this time. So, I took Mishka (my little Russian bear I got in Finland from my students) and told my class a story about how Mishka and I went traveling. I asked them to then write a story about Mishka. Tell me about his family, what he likes to do, and where he has been. I asked them to make a schedule for him (for example on January 16th at 9am he was getting up, etc.) Most found this task to be EXTREMELY difficult. It seems that many of these students, despite their age, are in the concrete stage and unable to pretend that Mishka has a family, or that he may even eat or drink.
One was in tears because she felt she was unable to complete the task. I asked her why (as all of the vocabulary they need is what they have been working on in the book, which is why I did this!). Her reply was that it was difficult because "Mishka not eat; Mishka not drink. Nothing to write about!) The other difficulty I had with this assignment was that people started trying to look up Mishka. I had started out by saying that Mishka was a name. I could understand (a little) them trying to look up a name, but after the first person came up to me asking why it wasn't in the dictionary, I repeated that it was a name, and that names are not usually in the dictionary. It was the fourth or fifth time AFTER this announcement that I became a little upset with them. On a high note, however, Two of my lower level students were really able to shine here. Their English was not so good, but they were able to write quite a bit, fairly quickly. I was very impressed and quite overjoyed.
The lack of internet at home is starting to get to me. It is bad enough to not have it at the office, but to come back to the house and not have it either, leaves one feeling cut off from the world. I would probably feel this way where I understood what was going on, and where I actually had weekends, but here it is most difficult. It is all I have that I can do to relax. Occasionally I am able to read a little, but even that takes a little more concentration than I have had recently. Ahh well, maybe later.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Another teacher in the Fall?
It seems they have hired another teacher for the fall. She has experience teaching English, and her major is something in the math and sciences which will be VERY beneficial for us here at the university. She is due to arrive in October, so we will do without her until then.
The frustration with the students continues. It seems that they are having trouble contextualizing the information and vocabulary they learn, so I have to teach them to do so. The way I am teaching them now is not working! Hmmm....what to attempt next? I had a make-up exam today for the students. I went over the vocabulary to make sure they knew it, I did it via dialogue so they could hear it in context. I asked them for definitions; I tried what I knew to make sure that they did in fact understand the words..they did. Yet, on the test most of the students got most of these questions wrong....hmmm talk about shaking the foundations of confidence in one's teaching abilities. I think it is time to employ other teachers: the students in the class who are doing well on this section (none are doing really well on the whole, but some are getting the vocab). I have yet to use the students as teachers (and as this is how one learns most, perhaps I should have done it previously). They already sit in pairs, I may have to move them again to assure the best matching based on ability (strong-weak pair), it can probably be done with minimal effort.
Other than that, I am almost out of ideas. I know I need to teach them study skills, as most have never learned them. I think I will have to redo the who writing sentences for vocabulary words. If they are able to do this, then they should be able to put the word into the context on a test (fill in the blank). The readings should do more with what we are studying in the lessons (hopefully I won't have to write them myself), and they need to do creative writing with these things as well (perhaps a group creative writing to start, if I can get them to do it).
I feel that my teaching is not so good at the moment for another reason; I am trying to work with the teacher who is teaching the higher class. I need to stop attempting to do what she is doing (which is what the dean wants) because the students need different things. I need to work with the students more on their retention of information; she doesn't have this problem. So, I have to tell her that I am doing something and she has to either do it too, or come up with something else knowing that it is different. We shall see what happens.
Yesterday my internet was out for a long time. I hate when this whole thing starts going. At first it was because of the connection; then it was because of something with my computer. Luckily it was fixed. Anyway, nothing new really to report. The rain has cleared away most of the 'dust', so I am happy with that, but it is still a little difficult to breath...
The frustration with the students continues. It seems that they are having trouble contextualizing the information and vocabulary they learn, so I have to teach them to do so. The way I am teaching them now is not working! Hmmm....what to attempt next? I had a make-up exam today for the students. I went over the vocabulary to make sure they knew it, I did it via dialogue so they could hear it in context. I asked them for definitions; I tried what I knew to make sure that they did in fact understand the words..they did. Yet, on the test most of the students got most of these questions wrong....hmmm talk about shaking the foundations of confidence in one's teaching abilities. I think it is time to employ other teachers: the students in the class who are doing well on this section (none are doing really well on the whole, but some are getting the vocab). I have yet to use the students as teachers (and as this is how one learns most, perhaps I should have done it previously). They already sit in pairs, I may have to move them again to assure the best matching based on ability (strong-weak pair), it can probably be done with minimal effort.
Other than that, I am almost out of ideas. I know I need to teach them study skills, as most have never learned them. I think I will have to redo the who writing sentences for vocabulary words. If they are able to do this, then they should be able to put the word into the context on a test (fill in the blank). The readings should do more with what we are studying in the lessons (hopefully I won't have to write them myself), and they need to do creative writing with these things as well (perhaps a group creative writing to start, if I can get them to do it).
I feel that my teaching is not so good at the moment for another reason; I am trying to work with the teacher who is teaching the higher class. I need to stop attempting to do what she is doing (which is what the dean wants) because the students need different things. I need to work with the students more on their retention of information; she doesn't have this problem. So, I have to tell her that I am doing something and she has to either do it too, or come up with something else knowing that it is different. We shall see what happens.
Yesterday my internet was out for a long time. I hate when this whole thing starts going. At first it was because of the connection; then it was because of something with my computer. Luckily it was fixed. Anyway, nothing new really to report. The rain has cleared away most of the 'dust', so I am happy with that, but it is still a little difficult to breath...
Thursday, April 16, 2009
They never cease to amaze me!
Thursday is test day. I am so sick of writing them, giving them, or hearing about them. If I never hear about tests ever again, I will be a happy person. Oh well, I guess I will learn to live with it. I am getting a bit concerned with my lower class; they don't seem to be getting it at all! I am not sure if they are not taking it seriously, if there is something wrong with the way I am teaching, or what. I haven't finished with all of them yet, but the ones I have corrected don't look all that promising :(
On a slightly happier not, for the dictation, I had an interesting surprise misunderstanding of what I said. The phrase was "He sold me a swordfish." What I got was "He sold me asorted fish." The fact that he knew the word was surprising, though the spelling was off. Maybe he didn't actually know the word, and it was just a coincidence. Either way, it made me happy.
While my test only took one class, during their reading period time, they had to take another diagnostic test; this one a math test. It was mostly Algebra, geometry type questions asking about angles and such (maybe an Algebra II math course in high school). They were allowed to use dictionaries for this, and they were given an hour to do 20 questions. Some of them took the full hour!
I am not sure what this test is meant to measure. It really doesn't measure there math ability as it is in a foreign language; it doesn't really measure their English ability as they are able to use dictionaries. I proctored the test for the higher level class, and two of them left after 10 - 15 minutes. One said "I guess we are not that clever in mathematics." One who took the whole hour was a combination of frustrated and victorious. Every time he figured out what the question was and then answered it, he would silently celebrate. After he turned his test in, I learned that he was top math student at his high school, but that was all in Kurdish!
When I think about it, it does make sense to give the test this way. We have to know what level we have to start teaching at in English. There is a combination of teaching skills and teaching language specific to the field, and we are going to have to do both this summer.
It looks like there are also more students coming in soon. These ones are from the Ministry of Agriculture. I have been told that these students are fairly advanced educationally (Ph.D many of them), and they are looking mainly for conversational English as their English ability otherwise is not too bad. It may be interesting to teach them, though I am not certain how that is going to work. We have two teachers and the dean who will also teach; this is really not enough. Hopefully more teachers will be on their way soon; we need them!
On a slightly happier not, for the dictation, I had an interesting surprise misunderstanding of what I said. The phrase was "He sold me a swordfish." What I got was "He sold me asorted fish." The fact that he knew the word was surprising, though the spelling was off. Maybe he didn't actually know the word, and it was just a coincidence. Either way, it made me happy.
While my test only took one class, during their reading period time, they had to take another diagnostic test; this one a math test. It was mostly Algebra, geometry type questions asking about angles and such (maybe an Algebra II math course in high school). They were allowed to use dictionaries for this, and they were given an hour to do 20 questions. Some of them took the full hour!
I am not sure what this test is meant to measure. It really doesn't measure there math ability as it is in a foreign language; it doesn't really measure their English ability as they are able to use dictionaries. I proctored the test for the higher level class, and two of them left after 10 - 15 minutes. One said "I guess we are not that clever in mathematics." One who took the whole hour was a combination of frustrated and victorious. Every time he figured out what the question was and then answered it, he would silently celebrate. After he turned his test in, I learned that he was top math student at his high school, but that was all in Kurdish!
When I think about it, it does make sense to give the test this way. We have to know what level we have to start teaching at in English. There is a combination of teaching skills and teaching language specific to the field, and we are going to have to do both this summer.
It looks like there are also more students coming in soon. These ones are from the Ministry of Agriculture. I have been told that these students are fairly advanced educationally (Ph.D many of them), and they are looking mainly for conversational English as their English ability otherwise is not too bad. It may be interesting to teach them, though I am not certain how that is going to work. We have two teachers and the dean who will also teach; this is really not enough. Hopefully more teachers will be on their way soon; we need them!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Dusty, dry, and windy!!
This morning it was raining. This was not to last long, however. Just after arriving at work, it had stopped raining and the wind was blowing. The power kept going off and the sun was drying everything out. This weather is wreaking havoc on my lips, and many of my students are getting sick as well.
Speaking of my students, which I find it hard to imagine not mentioning on a day like today, they are improving, slowly though it may be. I was looking at the dictation of one of my lowest level students. The phrase was supposed to be was "A few days later...." This student wrote "Af you das layter...." I was ecstatic to see this; it means that he is connecting sounds to letters even if they are necessarily the right ones. A few....Af you...this works for me!
The rest of the day went similar. I helped to make the test for them tomorrow, went over lessons, corrected grammar sheets, etc. Ahh the life of a teacher. I think we are supposed to give them dictation tomorrow as well, but I am not sure what we will decide. We are testing them on whether the sound of the end of the word is /t/, /d/, or /ed/ after you add -ed (Ex. kissed, enjoyed, wanted). I also tried to help with the preparation of something else but quickly became frustrated as it was on the other person's computer, and they kept control over that.
All in all, I am thoroughly enjoying my time here. The opportunity to teach these students and shape this university is really one that I am treasuring. I wish I didn't have to work as much, and that I could travel a little more, but I think in the long run, this will be a really good boost for me both personally and professionally.
Speaking of my students, which I find it hard to imagine not mentioning on a day like today, they are improving, slowly though it may be. I was looking at the dictation of one of my lowest level students. The phrase was supposed to be was "A few days later...." This student wrote "Af you das layter...." I was ecstatic to see this; it means that he is connecting sounds to letters even if they are necessarily the right ones. A few....Af you...this works for me!
The rest of the day went similar. I helped to make the test for them tomorrow, went over lessons, corrected grammar sheets, etc. Ahh the life of a teacher. I think we are supposed to give them dictation tomorrow as well, but I am not sure what we will decide. We are testing them on whether the sound of the end of the word is /t/, /d/, or /ed/ after you add -ed (Ex. kissed, enjoyed, wanted). I also tried to help with the preparation of something else but quickly became frustrated as it was on the other person's computer, and they kept control over that.
All in all, I am thoroughly enjoying my time here. The opportunity to teach these students and shape this university is really one that I am treasuring. I wish I didn't have to work as much, and that I could travel a little more, but I think in the long run, this will be a really good boost for me both personally and professionally.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Truth or Consequences?!
Today was a day that made me think! It started off like any other day where I taught my classes with little difficulty. On the way to my second class, however, one of my students said that I was "one of a kind; one of the kindest and most special people he knew." I told him that he couldn't trust me and that I was a very bad person. He didn't seem to believe me :)
And that was not it! To follow this up, another one of my students agreed with him. She then added that she always smiles when she sees me. (A little bit of a spooky statement if you think about it, but a huge compliment nonetheless.) I couldn't help but beam with pride. Whatever I am doing, I must be doing something right!
Then I had to teach the mothers this afternoon, and there was a new student. She did not have a book, and her English was about what the others was (almost nothing). I attempted to include her in the process anyway...we reviewed the numbers as we were correcting their spelling of them. I would write the tens place number and ask the new student what that number was...then I would write the ones place digit and ask her what that number was. Since she knew up to 10, this was no problem for her. I would then ask the class what the whole number was, and she was able to hear the number read as it should be (ex. 6..six 7....seven Class: 67...sixty-seven). She seemed to appreciate it, and I was able to connect the six sixty idea.
After that, I went to relax for half an hour before my last class. This class was sooooo frustrating today!! I gave them dictation, and they would constantly interrupt. I finally told them that they couldn't listen if they were talking. They didn't get the idea, so I didn't repeat the last two sentences as I had the rest. I told them that since they were able to talk, they must not need to hear the sentences again. They were not happy with this. Then I retold them that they need to be quiet during dictations because they are not able to listen very well, and they need the practice. I also told them that I would no longer compete with their talking; I will not teach if they insist on talking. They actually quieted down for a while. When they became noisy again, I just sat on the desk and waited for them to quiet down..and they did!!
I think they are getting the idea, but we shall see if it continues to work. I hope it does, because I really want them to start taking control of themselves. Many of the students seem very immature by Western standards, and this is causing difficulty in the school and with the teachers. The school is set up differently than these students are used to, so we need to work them into this system. How well this is going to work remains to be seen.
Then I had a chat with the dean. He told them today that if they got below 60% they MUST come to Saturday school. While I have no problem with this, I asked what would happen to the student if they did not show up. What would be the consequence? The dean said that nothing would happen; he does not want to be a police officer, but wants the students to be able to make decisions that are good for themselves. I agree, but I feel that if you tell a student they MUST do something, then their should be consequences for not doing it. His reply was "what can we do? How would you punish them?" Of course, I could not answer this question because I wouldn't...I would tell them that it is highly recommended that they go, but to leave the decision up to them. In this way they have the responsibility. The dean questions if they are able to make this type of decision responsibly (I question this as well).
We went around like this for a couple of minutes, when he said that if a student chose not to show up, then they should be sent to talk to him (the dean). I said that I felt that this was a good consequence for it. He, unfortunately, was unable or unwilling to see this as what I was talking about when I said consequence and launched into the circular argument we had just been having!! I tried to get out of it by explaining that what he had suggested was a great idea that covered what I was talking about, but it didn't work....so we continued our rather heated discusion for another 10 minutes...then it was over and forgotten. I love that about him: we fight and argue our points, and when it is over, it is over. There are no grudges, there are no hard feelings, and we are still friends (or at least friendly...depending on how you see your relationship to begin with). I must say that I disagree with him on a number of issues, but it hasn't gotten in the way of us working together.
Also today, I was helping the other teacher to correct creative writing the lower level students had done. She read out some of their mistakes, as did I. I laughed at some of them, and she said that it wasn't funny, "it was horrible!" I felt the need to correct her. I said that the mistakes that they are making are normal and common. I have seen them many times when I was doing my practice teaching in Hawaii. When I read them, I laugh because I see their learning through them, or because they coppied and I have to laugh at their attempts to 'get one over on us'. " She said that she never wrote like that when she learned her second language. I am not sure I believe her, but she also learned younger and was taught much differently. She had more of a background to bring to it. I told her that these things make a difference. I hope she really starts to understand that she can't expect them to run before they can crawl.
And that was not it! To follow this up, another one of my students agreed with him. She then added that she always smiles when she sees me. (A little bit of a spooky statement if you think about it, but a huge compliment nonetheless.) I couldn't help but beam with pride. Whatever I am doing, I must be doing something right!
Then I had to teach the mothers this afternoon, and there was a new student. She did not have a book, and her English was about what the others was (almost nothing). I attempted to include her in the process anyway...we reviewed the numbers as we were correcting their spelling of them. I would write the tens place number and ask the new student what that number was...then I would write the ones place digit and ask her what that number was. Since she knew up to 10, this was no problem for her. I would then ask the class what the whole number was, and she was able to hear the number read as it should be (ex. 6..six 7....seven Class: 67...sixty-seven). She seemed to appreciate it, and I was able to connect the six sixty idea.
After that, I went to relax for half an hour before my last class. This class was sooooo frustrating today!! I gave them dictation, and they would constantly interrupt. I finally told them that they couldn't listen if they were talking. They didn't get the idea, so I didn't repeat the last two sentences as I had the rest. I told them that since they were able to talk, they must not need to hear the sentences again. They were not happy with this. Then I retold them that they need to be quiet during dictations because they are not able to listen very well, and they need the practice. I also told them that I would no longer compete with their talking; I will not teach if they insist on talking. They actually quieted down for a while. When they became noisy again, I just sat on the desk and waited for them to quiet down..and they did!!
I think they are getting the idea, but we shall see if it continues to work. I hope it does, because I really want them to start taking control of themselves. Many of the students seem very immature by Western standards, and this is causing difficulty in the school and with the teachers. The school is set up differently than these students are used to, so we need to work them into this system. How well this is going to work remains to be seen.
Then I had a chat with the dean. He told them today that if they got below 60% they MUST come to Saturday school. While I have no problem with this, I asked what would happen to the student if they did not show up. What would be the consequence? The dean said that nothing would happen; he does not want to be a police officer, but wants the students to be able to make decisions that are good for themselves. I agree, but I feel that if you tell a student they MUST do something, then their should be consequences for not doing it. His reply was "what can we do? How would you punish them?" Of course, I could not answer this question because I wouldn't...I would tell them that it is highly recommended that they go, but to leave the decision up to them. In this way they have the responsibility. The dean questions if they are able to make this type of decision responsibly (I question this as well).
We went around like this for a couple of minutes, when he said that if a student chose not to show up, then they should be sent to talk to him (the dean). I said that I felt that this was a good consequence for it. He, unfortunately, was unable or unwilling to see this as what I was talking about when I said consequence and launched into the circular argument we had just been having!! I tried to get out of it by explaining that what he had suggested was a great idea that covered what I was talking about, but it didn't work....so we continued our rather heated discusion for another 10 minutes...then it was over and forgotten. I love that about him: we fight and argue our points, and when it is over, it is over. There are no grudges, there are no hard feelings, and we are still friends (or at least friendly...depending on how you see your relationship to begin with). I must say that I disagree with him on a number of issues, but it hasn't gotten in the way of us working together.
Also today, I was helping the other teacher to correct creative writing the lower level students had done. She read out some of their mistakes, as did I. I laughed at some of them, and she said that it wasn't funny, "it was horrible!" I felt the need to correct her. I said that the mistakes that they are making are normal and common. I have seen them many times when I was doing my practice teaching in Hawaii. When I read them, I laugh because I see their learning through them, or because they coppied and I have to laugh at their attempts to 'get one over on us'. " She said that she never wrote like that when she learned her second language. I am not sure I believe her, but she also learned younger and was taught much differently. She had more of a background to bring to it. I told her that these things make a difference. I hope she really starts to understand that she can't expect them to run before they can crawl.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Back to school!!
It was back to school again. It seems odd to have the first day off and still have the first day be a Monday. I guess I am not a flexible as I need to be, but it is coming slowly :P
After the power outages of last night, or more like the war between light and darkness was battled, I found myself staring at my alarm clock: 3:30am. There was no way I was going to get up at that time, so I stared at the numbers watching time slip by as slowly as thoughts seem to be making their way through this molasses soaked brain of mine these days. It had the desired effect: I received two and a half more hours of sleep.
Upon awaking again at 6am, I took my daily shower. I then attempted to go through my routine of checking my email, except there was once again no internet. So, I figured that I would skip that portion and go straight to my cup of rather bad instant coffee (I bought my own, so no more sweet 3-in-1 stuff for me). Unfortunately, there was no water in the water cooler/heater and the gas for the stove had been taken away and the replacement had yet to be installed...the coffee was not happening!!
I got to school, and spent the first full class going over the test. It seems that they know the information, they are just having a problem putting it into context. They are just not good at taking tests! After learning this, and taking the hour to do it, I found out that we are going to take all of those who scored below 60% and reteach them on Saturday. This idea of reteaching them and giving them another test to give them the possibility of raising their grade is a good one.. I have to be there anyway, I may as well be doing something to benefit the students...I just wish they would tell me these things before I spend my class time doing the same exact thing!!
My second class period, I went over collocations. Not as bad of a task as I thought, but not overly easy either. I think they get the idea, but I would not want to test them on it at the moment. The third class period (the same group as my first) we went over the next lesson, and I handed them out the passage that I will do as dictation. Tomorrow I also have to figure out what to do with them for creative writing. I think I will do something with the dictation passage (it is a simplified version of the Boy Who Cried Wolf).
During the break from 11:30am - 1:00pm, I was supposed to teach a mothers' class. At least I thought I was supposed to. Nobody showed up today. As it turns out, Easter Monday is a holiday around here, a fact that no one felt they should inform me about. So, I was waiting for my students to show up, and they never did...they were not even expected too!! When am I going to learn that I will not be told anything, especially if I need to know it. Somehow this part never gets any easier.
After school I usually attempt to get away from the people I work with for a while, but today I guess I did just the opposite. First I went with the other teacher to buy sunglasses at the duty free shop. It was closed. We did, however, stop off at the sweet shop and get saffron cotton candy from Iran. It was quite good, though I still am unable to describe the taste. Then, as my internet was still out, I went over to the dean's house where we talked about school and had dinner and talked about school some more. It was 10pm before I left there! I could have stayed longer, and he would have let me, but I felt his wife was wanting to get to bed, so I decided to leave (I didn't realize how late it was until after I was leaving).
Luckily the internet was finally back up, so I was able to check my emails as such. Hopefully tomorrow will be a good day as well.
After the power outages of last night, or more like the war between light and darkness was battled, I found myself staring at my alarm clock: 3:30am. There was no way I was going to get up at that time, so I stared at the numbers watching time slip by as slowly as thoughts seem to be making their way through this molasses soaked brain of mine these days. It had the desired effect: I received two and a half more hours of sleep.
Upon awaking again at 6am, I took my daily shower. I then attempted to go through my routine of checking my email, except there was once again no internet. So, I figured that I would skip that portion and go straight to my cup of rather bad instant coffee (I bought my own, so no more sweet 3-in-1 stuff for me). Unfortunately, there was no water in the water cooler/heater and the gas for the stove had been taken away and the replacement had yet to be installed...the coffee was not happening!!
I got to school, and spent the first full class going over the test. It seems that they know the information, they are just having a problem putting it into context. They are just not good at taking tests! After learning this, and taking the hour to do it, I found out that we are going to take all of those who scored below 60% and reteach them on Saturday. This idea of reteaching them and giving them another test to give them the possibility of raising their grade is a good one.. I have to be there anyway, I may as well be doing something to benefit the students...I just wish they would tell me these things before I spend my class time doing the same exact thing!!
My second class period, I went over collocations. Not as bad of a task as I thought, but not overly easy either. I think they get the idea, but I would not want to test them on it at the moment. The third class period (the same group as my first) we went over the next lesson, and I handed them out the passage that I will do as dictation. Tomorrow I also have to figure out what to do with them for creative writing. I think I will do something with the dictation passage (it is a simplified version of the Boy Who Cried Wolf).
During the break from 11:30am - 1:00pm, I was supposed to teach a mothers' class. At least I thought I was supposed to. Nobody showed up today. As it turns out, Easter Monday is a holiday around here, a fact that no one felt they should inform me about. So, I was waiting for my students to show up, and they never did...they were not even expected too!! When am I going to learn that I will not be told anything, especially if I need to know it. Somehow this part never gets any easier.
After school I usually attempt to get away from the people I work with for a while, but today I guess I did just the opposite. First I went with the other teacher to buy sunglasses at the duty free shop. It was closed. We did, however, stop off at the sweet shop and get saffron cotton candy from Iran. It was quite good, though I still am unable to describe the taste. Then, as my internet was still out, I went over to the dean's house where we talked about school and had dinner and talked about school some more. It was 10pm before I left there! I could have stayed longer, and he would have let me, but I felt his wife was wanting to get to bed, so I decided to leave (I didn't realize how late it was until after I was leaving).
Luckily the internet was finally back up, so I was able to check my emails as such. Hopefully tomorrow will be a good day as well.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
A lazy day
There was no work today, so I tried to just sit around and do nothing. Of course this didn't work so well. I got up early, watched a couple of movies, sent my housemates off to wherever they went, and then took a nap. This lasted for an hour at which time I went down to visit the Bangladeshi man who works for SABIS doing maintenance and odd jobs around their properties. He lives in a camper outside the apartment, but seems to be doing quite well; especially now that his brother is here living with him.
Then I looked at the students' tests again. I recorded their scores, got something to eat, and put in one of the DVDs of Disney movies that I bought the other day. I have been also thinking a lot lately, but everything just seems to just disappear. I had many questions and know that they will return, but I can't work on answering them until then, and for that I am a little disappointed.
Then I looked at the students' tests again. I recorded their scores, got something to eat, and put in one of the DVDs of Disney movies that I bought the other day. I have been also thinking a lot lately, but everything just seems to just disappear. I had many questions and know that they will return, but I can't work on answering them until then, and for that I am a little disappointed.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Another night of confusion
I am once again in the process of winding down from a night at the SABIS primary school. Of course since all of the people I was there with are from Lebanon, they all speak Arabic. So, once again I have to sit around and wonder what is going on. At least this time they were good enough to every now and then tell me what they were talking about.
While this has been a problem for me lately, I didn't really mind it tonight. When I first got there, one of the teachers talked with me for awhile in English, and then some time during the course of the evening, there was a short discussion in English. I didn't feel quite as ignored as I have previously.
Before going there (I went without my residency card, by the way...I was feeling a little rebellious, I guess), we stopped off at a sweet shop where I had some ice-cream and they each had a kenafe (sp) in addition. I wasn't going to get anything, but they wouldn't leave me alone about it...I guess they just like to have everyone eating and no one being left out...it seems a little ironic to me.
For now wanting to go out tonight, I think it went quite well. I had a decent time, and everyone else felt good about it too, I think. Who knows, maybe I will grow used to all of this...though I would like to start experiencing more Kurdish culture as opposed to Lebanese :)
While this has been a problem for me lately, I didn't really mind it tonight. When I first got there, one of the teachers talked with me for awhile in English, and then some time during the course of the evening, there was a short discussion in English. I didn't feel quite as ignored as I have previously.
Before going there (I went without my residency card, by the way...I was feeling a little rebellious, I guess), we stopped off at a sweet shop where I had some ice-cream and they each had a kenafe (sp) in addition. I wasn't going to get anything, but they wouldn't leave me alone about it...I guess they just like to have everyone eating and no one being left out...it seems a little ironic to me.
For now wanting to go out tonight, I think it went quite well. I had a decent time, and everyone else felt good about it too, I think. Who knows, maybe I will grow used to all of this...though I would like to start experiencing more Kurdish culture as opposed to Lebanese :)
A Night on the Town
Last night my housemates, some teachers from the other SABIS schools, and I went out to a local restaurant. It was another time that they waited until the last minute to ask if I wanted to join them...I had no idea they were going out, and they seem to have no idea how much stress it is for me to not know what is going on until the last minute...They also seem to think that I should know what is going on because they have all talked about it. Of course, they don't take into consideration that all their planning happens in Arabic, and I don't speak Arabic.
The restaurant was alright, though it was a little too fancy for my taste. I would never go there by myself. It was expensive by these standards ($13 for a hamburger may be a little expensive by most standards). There was live music, so that was nice. Of course, I once again felt rather left out as all of the conversation was in either Kurdish or Arabic, neither of which do I yet understand. Maybe one of these days I will have some idea.
We were there for three hours and then we came home. I was very tired, so I went to bed. This morning, just as they were getting ready to leave, they asked me if I wanted to go to the other teachers' house. I was just about to get ready, but then I decided that I didn't want to go. I wasn't ready to go off again at the last minute to sit in a place that I knew I wouldn't understand what was going on and probably wouldn't have a good time. So, I stayed home and did nothing all day. I am glad I didn't go because they were gone for much of the day, and this way I was able to rest.
Who knows what is to become of the rest of the day, but I am sure that I don't want to go anywhere. Tomorrow is another day off, and I am sure they are going to want to be doing things again. I wish I knew what I was going to do, or what they were going to ask me to do. I suppose I will find out soon enough.
The restaurant was alright, though it was a little too fancy for my taste. I would never go there by myself. It was expensive by these standards ($13 for a hamburger may be a little expensive by most standards). There was live music, so that was nice. Of course, I once again felt rather left out as all of the conversation was in either Kurdish or Arabic, neither of which do I yet understand. Maybe one of these days I will have some idea.
We were there for three hours and then we came home. I was very tired, so I went to bed. This morning, just as they were getting ready to leave, they asked me if I wanted to go to the other teachers' house. I was just about to get ready, but then I decided that I didn't want to go. I wasn't ready to go off again at the last minute to sit in a place that I knew I wouldn't understand what was going on and probably wouldn't have a good time. So, I stayed home and did nothing all day. I am glad I didn't go because they were gone for much of the day, and this way I was able to rest.
Who knows what is to become of the rest of the day, but I am sure that I don't want to go anywhere. Tomorrow is another day off, and I am sure they are going to want to be doing things again. I wish I knew what I was going to do, or what they were going to ask me to do. I suppose I will find out soon enough.
Friday, April 10, 2009
The Picnic from Hell!!
7:30am or so in the morning my housemate knocks on my door. I am awake so this doesn't bother me, but still...it is a little annoying. He asks me if I have received my Residency Card. Fortunately, the previous night I had, so I proudly replied in the affirmative. He said he and my other housemate were going on a picnic and that I could come since I had my RC. They would be leaving in half an hour!
This does not leave me a lot of time to get ready, so I sign off from chattng, jump into the shower, and hurry up with everything I need to do before we go. And then, I wait. And I wait. And I wait some more. At around 10am other people show up who are also going. There are many things to pack, so I help where I can. We finally get on the road at around 11:30pm. We then have to make another stop to pick up 4 other people. This stop takes a few minutes as well. We are finally on our way again at around 12:30pm. Then we drive and drive and drive.
As I have not eaten since the little snack I had for breakfast, I am feeling pretty low and getting quit cranky. I am ready to just go home and forget the whole thing! We finally make it to the approximate area we are going, and no one can decide on the perfect spot. We need somewhere fairly secluded because they bought alcohol and the women who were there were going to drink it, and they did not want the possibility of being hassled because of it. One was wearing a skirt, and that could cause a problem as well.
They also wanted to try to get near the water or a tree or something. Of course, since we started so late, all these good spots were taken. We eventually did find one that was very nice and quite secluded, though we could see another large family over the way dancing and having a good time.
I wanted to help, but they had everything under control, and had their specific way of doing things, so I stood and watced for a little while feeling like an idiot, and then I went to the other side of the vehicle and just sat and relaxed. I really felt like crying and had little energy...this is a sure sign of my needing to eat (I should have eaten much before this actually). Of course this bit of antisocialness lead to other problems. But after a while, I was able to join them again and be fairly happy.
We ate fatoush, hummus, dolme (of course), fruit (including apples and watermelon), and chocolate cake for dessert! We ate rather quickly, and most of it was brought home because there was lightening in the distance and then it actually started raining.
As we left we visited the ruins of an old fortress of somekind and a 700 year old grave yard. It was quite nice, so I was not too disappointed in this. We finally arrived back home around 7pm. The people stayed much longer than i would have liked. They played cards and smoked shisha for hours. I kept leaving because the smoke hurt my eyes. Then I just went to bed to avoid it all.
This morning I just wanted to sleep in, and I managed to do so until 7:30am. I woke up and decided I would stay in bed all day because I could. This didn't work out so well though. My housemates decided that today we would all have brunch together! So up I got at 11:30am and had croissants, a bread with some sort of unitifiable spice that I topped with a Lebanese yogurt, tomatoes, cucumbers, and tea.
It was quite delicious, and I didn't regret getting out of bed for it....
This does not leave me a lot of time to get ready, so I sign off from chattng, jump into the shower, and hurry up with everything I need to do before we go. And then, I wait. And I wait. And I wait some more. At around 10am other people show up who are also going. There are many things to pack, so I help where I can. We finally get on the road at around 11:30pm. We then have to make another stop to pick up 4 other people. This stop takes a few minutes as well. We are finally on our way again at around 12:30pm. Then we drive and drive and drive.
As I have not eaten since the little snack I had for breakfast, I am feeling pretty low and getting quit cranky. I am ready to just go home and forget the whole thing! We finally make it to the approximate area we are going, and no one can decide on the perfect spot. We need somewhere fairly secluded because they bought alcohol and the women who were there were going to drink it, and they did not want the possibility of being hassled because of it. One was wearing a skirt, and that could cause a problem as well.
They also wanted to try to get near the water or a tree or something. Of course, since we started so late, all these good spots were taken. We eventually did find one that was very nice and quite secluded, though we could see another large family over the way dancing and having a good time.
I wanted to help, but they had everything under control, and had their specific way of doing things, so I stood and watced for a little while feeling like an idiot, and then I went to the other side of the vehicle and just sat and relaxed. I really felt like crying and had little energy...this is a sure sign of my needing to eat (I should have eaten much before this actually). Of course this bit of antisocialness lead to other problems. But after a while, I was able to join them again and be fairly happy.
We ate fatoush, hummus, dolme (of course), fruit (including apples and watermelon), and chocolate cake for dessert! We ate rather quickly, and most of it was brought home because there was lightening in the distance and then it actually started raining.
As we left we visited the ruins of an old fortress of somekind and a 700 year old grave yard. It was quite nice, so I was not too disappointed in this. We finally arrived back home around 7pm. The people stayed much longer than i would have liked. They played cards and smoked shisha for hours. I kept leaving because the smoke hurt my eyes. Then I just went to bed to avoid it all.
This morning I just wanted to sleep in, and I managed to do so until 7:30am. I woke up and decided I would stay in bed all day because I could. This didn't work out so well though. My housemates decided that today we would all have brunch together! So up I got at 11:30am and had croissants, a bread with some sort of unitifiable spice that I topped with a Lebanese yogurt, tomatoes, cucumbers, and tea.
It was quite delicious, and I didn't regret getting out of bed for it....
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Residnecy Card and picnic
Well, I have my residency card now. Even though the half hour it was going to take for him to bring it to me turned into three hours, I did finally receive it. This was a very good thing because this morning, my housemates informed me that they were going on a picnic and because I finally had my residency card, I would be able to go. They told me we would be leaving in half and hour. It is now an hour and a half - two hours later and we are still here getting ready. I am not sure about how they count time, but it surely isn't by the same clock I use.
Fortunately, I have been using this time wisely. I have finished correcting my students' tests. One was above 60% and one other was above 50%; I have to reteach this stuff as they just didn't get it, and there really isn't anyway to move on if they don't have this to build on.
I hope to be leaving any moment now, so I will be going now.
Fortunately, I have been using this time wisely. I have finished correcting my students' tests. One was above 60% and one other was above 50%; I have to reteach this stuff as they just didn't get it, and there really isn't anyway to move on if they don't have this to build on.
I hope to be leaving any moment now, so I will be going now.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Being illegal sucks!!!!!!
I discovered what it was that was the big secret. I am not sure if they were not going to tell me or what; they seem to make a big secret out of everything. One even asked to go through my passport before explaining what was going on. I don't know how they expected to keep things a secret from me while having everyone bring all the food and such over here before they left!!
It turns out that they are all going to Cheauafait (not sure of the spelling) to meet with the teachers from that SABIS school. They have been here on occasion, and it would be cool to meet up with them again. Unfortunately, I will not be able to partake in the festivities tonight because the person who was supposed to bring me my residency card didn't give it to me today. My housemate called him and he will be here in about an hour, but that is too late for me to go. As of right now, if I went with them, I would have to wait at the checkpoint and may even be arrested. Have I said that I hate being illegal!! This person is high on my list right now, but not on my good list!!
It turns out that they are all going to Cheauafait (not sure of the spelling) to meet with the teachers from that SABIS school. They have been here on occasion, and it would be cool to meet up with them again. Unfortunately, I will not be able to partake in the festivities tonight because the person who was supposed to bring me my residency card didn't give it to me today. My housemate called him and he will be here in about an hour, but that is too late for me to go. As of right now, if I went with them, I would have to wait at the checkpoint and may even be arrested. Have I said that I hate being illegal!! This person is high on my list right now, but not on my good list!!
A very, very LOOOONG Day
The day started with the requisite weekly test. This was, as usual, a very grueling process. They either don't read the instructions or else they don't understand them. They all have questions about what they are supposed to do, even when the directions are quite simple. One time, in fact, all I had to do was to underline the instructions, and he knew what he had to do. This is very frustrating, and I am uncertain if I am going to be able to answer questions at all from now on. I caught two of them cheating, so I had to take their tests away. I hate doing that, but I guess I have to in order to be fair to everyone. If the students would cheat outright without trying to hide it, I wouldn't be so upset about it, but they are trying to be sneaky about it, so I know they know it is wrong, and that makes me very angry and frustrated!
Then we had the second class, which went quite well. During the break, I had students actually come to my office to talk with me!! A couple of them wanted to see their test grades, and then a couple of them just wanted to sit and talk. As class time approached, many of them wanted to get their picture taken with me. As today was a special day, the official opening of the college, most were dressed in the traditional Kurdish clothes. So, I stood around getting my picture taken.
Class lasted about 10
minutes and the dean came and told me that my class was needed as a backdrop for the Minister of Education to cut the ribbon. After the ribbon cutting, we split and the Minister and all the other dignitaries went to the other class while I returned to my own to get them seated so I could start teaching again. We worked on a worksheet to help them in using a dictionary. They didn't finish, but I didn't expect them to. They are having a difficult time understanding what they are supposed to look up or what information they can even find in a dictionary. They have no concept of using guide words, and I am not certain they understand alphabetical order. I really have to work with them on this a bit more.
Anyway, I was working with them when all of the people came in. (I refused to fake teach them, but I was actually writing something on the board, so the timing was great.) The Minister introduced himself to me, shook my hand, and asked me about my impression of the Kurdish traditional clothing. It is so colorful and quite beautiful, so I told him that. He then asked me about their English level. I told him that they were working hard and improving little by little. "When they first came here, they didn't know any English. Now, they are speaking a little. They are good students." It made me a little nervous that the TV camera was there in my class, but I guess that is what I get for teaching at a college that is just opening!!
After that, I let them leave and walk to the cafeteria. When they got there, I let my students go. There we got to listen to four or five speeches with only two in English; it was SOOOO boring!! I had to stop a couple of the students I was sitting next to from talking. I told them that there would be a test over the dean's speech. I don't think they believed me, though I think that had to do with my being obvious about it being a joke. They did quiet down though, so it worked. After the the speeches came refreshments!! Food is good in whatever language. We had sandwiches, bread circles topped with meat, or crab, or olives, etc. We also had cookies and some type of pastry, and drinks.
The music was playing, so my students dragged me into their line for dancing!! They really love to dance. It isn't a tough dance by any means, but it does take a little concentration when you are learning. It was so much fun being out there with everyone. I danced for much too long, but I didn't mind. My students thought it was wonderful that I was out there with them, and they were laughing at me, of course. I felt like I was making a fool of myself, but I really didn't mind (and that is a very different feeling for me).
After the dancing, during which many pictures were taken, it was time for us all to go and get an official picture. All the students and teachers and administrators, and government officials together as a group. I will hopefully get a copy of some of these pictures so I can show one or two of
them to you. Then the big guys left, and there was more picture taking. And then I went back to work. Well, I did after I realized that I still had to work. I had already shut down my computer and grabbed my backpack because I misread the time. It was a little embarrassing. I decided to correct my students' tests...not a good idea.
Now I am online chatting with a friend from China while wondering what it is that my housemates are up to tonight. They have invited all these people to a party, but didn't tell me about it.They are unloading things here, so I wonder if the party is here....I guess I will find out soon enough. Though I asked and they are being deliberately cryptic. We shall see.
Then we had the second class, which went quite well. During the break, I had students actually come to my office to talk with me!! A couple of them wanted to see their test grades, and then a couple of them just wanted to sit and talk. As class time approached, many of them wanted to get their picture taken with me. As today was a special day, the official opening of the college, most were dressed in the traditional Kurdish clothes. So, I stood around getting my picture taken.
Class lasted about 10
minutes and the dean came and told me that my class was needed as a backdrop for the Minister of Education to cut the ribbon. After the ribbon cutting, we split and the Minister and all the other dignitaries went to the other class while I returned to my own to get them seated so I could start teaching again. We worked on a worksheet to help them in using a dictionary. They didn't finish, but I didn't expect them to. They are having a difficult time understanding what they are supposed to look up or what information they can even find in a dictionary. They have no concept of using guide words, and I am not certain they understand alphabetical order. I really have to work with them on this a bit more.Anyway, I was working with them when all of the people came in. (I refused to fake teach them, but I was actually writing something on the board, so the timing was great.) The Minister introduced himself to me, shook my hand, and asked me about my impression of the Kurdish traditional clothing. It is so colorful and quite beautiful, so I told him that. He then asked me about their English level. I told him that they were working hard and improving little by little. "When they first came here, they didn't know any English. Now, they are speaking a little. They are good students." It made me a little nervous that the TV camera was there in my class, but I guess that is what I get for teaching at a college that is just opening!!
After that, I let them leave and walk to the cafeteria. When they got there, I let my students go. There we got to listen to four or five speeches with only two in English; it was SOOOO boring!! I had to stop a couple of the students I was sitting next to from talking. I told them that there would be a test over the dean's speech. I don't think they believed me, though I think that had to do with my being obvious about it being a joke. They did quiet down though, so it worked. After the the speeches came refreshments!! Food is good in whatever language. We had sandwiches, bread circles topped with meat, or crab, or olives, etc. We also had cookies and some type of pastry, and drinks.
The music was playing, so my students dragged me into their line for dancing!! They really love to dance. It isn't a tough dance by any means, but it does take a little concentration when you are learning. It was so much fun being out there with everyone. I danced for much too long, but I didn't mind. My students thought it was wonderful that I was out there with them, and they were laughing at me, of course. I felt like I was making a fool of myself, but I really didn't mind (and that is a very different feeling for me).
After the dancing, during which many pictures were taken, it was time for us all to go and get an official picture. All the students and teachers and administrators, and government officials together as a group. I will hopefully get a copy of some of these pictures so I can show one or two of
them to you. Then the big guys left, and there was more picture taking. And then I went back to work. Well, I did after I realized that I still had to work. I had already shut down my computer and grabbed my backpack because I misread the time. It was a little embarrassing. I decided to correct my students' tests...not a good idea.
Now I am online chatting with a friend from China while wondering what it is that my housemates are up to tonight. They have invited all these people to a party, but didn't tell me about it.They are unloading things here, so I wonder if the party is here....I guess I will find out soon enough. Though I asked and they are being deliberately cryptic. We shall see.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
The defeat of socks!!!
One may think I have better things to think about than socks, but I contend that when one is trying to be comfortable in new surroundings, socks without holes is a step in the right direction. Unfortunately, my socks have decided not to be very cooperative. It seems that the black ones are a little temperamental and like to get holes after just one wearing, while the other ones, bought at the same time, and part of the same pack in one instance, are much better behaved. I wonder what the problem really is.
I have written the test, which is not what is wanted, but it is done I say!! None of the students want the test. One of them said she would be sick tomorrow. The senses of humor of my students is fabulous, though I don't always understand it. There is supposedly a picnic on Saturday that I hope to go to, but I need more information first. Tomorrow afternoon is the official opening of the college, so we shall see how that goes. The dean and the president of SABIS had a meeting, and it seems that all of the problems we have been having with everything was mostly miscommunication. It seems that the president is in agreement with the dean on most things. It is definitely a good thing to hear.
I was late getting home today, even though I was outside my apartment at the same time as usual. I had to visit the dean's wife and drop off some dolma (vegetables stuffed with rice and meat) that was given to the dean by the driver. The dean's wife decided that I was required to have some, so I was fortunate enough to have too much to eat. Yay for colorful food!
After eating one of my housmates and I went shopping. I bought sheets, something to take to work to eat, and some "real" instant coffee that I can have so I don't have to suffer with the sweetness of the 3-in-1 stuff. The taxi driver was not very friendly. First he agreed to take us back from the mall for 5,000 IQD (you should be able to do it for 3,000), and then when we arrived, he wanted 6,000 IQD!!! I was a little upset, but I didn't have to deal with it. I am sure there is more to say, but I am merely an amature and have no right to say it... :P
I have written the test, which is not what is wanted, but it is done I say!! None of the students want the test. One of them said she would be sick tomorrow. The senses of humor of my students is fabulous, though I don't always understand it. There is supposedly a picnic on Saturday that I hope to go to, but I need more information first. Tomorrow afternoon is the official opening of the college, so we shall see how that goes. The dean and the president of SABIS had a meeting, and it seems that all of the problems we have been having with everything was mostly miscommunication. It seems that the president is in agreement with the dean on most things. It is definitely a good thing to hear.
I was late getting home today, even though I was outside my apartment at the same time as usual. I had to visit the dean's wife and drop off some dolma (vegetables stuffed with rice and meat) that was given to the dean by the driver. The dean's wife decided that I was required to have some, so I was fortunate enough to have too much to eat. Yay for colorful food!
After eating one of my housmates and I went shopping. I bought sheets, something to take to work to eat, and some "real" instant coffee that I can have so I don't have to suffer with the sweetness of the 3-in-1 stuff. The taxi driver was not very friendly. First he agreed to take us back from the mall for 5,000 IQD (you should be able to do it for 3,000), and then when we arrived, he wanted 6,000 IQD!!! I was a little upset, but I didn't have to deal with it. I am sure there is more to say, but I am merely an amature and have no right to say it... :P
Monday, April 6, 2009
A "sweet" day
Today started out to be much the same as all other work days. We went over our lesson on restaurants and such and in the afternoon we decided to talk about Wilbur and Orville Wright. Unfortunately, I also used this as a time to try to teach them to use the dictionaries; I had no idea that it would be so difficult. I think I need to find some exercises for them to do to get them really used to it.
The real treat, however, came around lunch time. One of the students lives in a small village in the mountains that is famous for sweet things. Among these is a fruit roll-up type snack made from pomegranate, some unidentified sweet gel type snacks that are coated in nuts of various kinds, and a small jar of what may or may not be sour cherries (with the consistency almost that of pie filling). Each of the teachers got these in a bag that looks like something you would use for Christmas time (blue with trees covered in snow, etc.) I am very thankful for these gifts, but they are sooooo sweet!!!
Of course today was also a strange day in that the power was off for around 1 - 2 hours. This was only in the main building though, so I was able to use the computer in my office which just today had the internet fixed on it. I wasn't really able to prepare for any lessons that needed things to be printed though :(
Wednesday is the test, but none of the students want to take it, and I really don't blame them. For one, we are all tested out, and for another, this is the day of the official opening ceremony of the college (which is chartered as a university...so we are on our way to that). Of course this means that I have to make the test too, with the input and help of my coworker. We are trying to come up with enough questions to cover everything...we are only going over two lessons this week instead of the usual 3 because it is a short week. We will probably do the same next week as well.
My students seem to have great senses of humor, and the ones that talk to me outside of class are fantastic. There is one who tells me that I am always hungry and that I need to eat. Such a worrier that one (though she is correct in her assessment). It is great to talk with them outside of class and give them advise on learning languages and how I am a bad student. Of course they never believe me, but I tell them anyway.
The real treat, however, came around lunch time. One of the students lives in a small village in the mountains that is famous for sweet things. Among these is a fruit roll-up type snack made from pomegranate, some unidentified sweet gel type snacks that are coated in nuts of various kinds, and a small jar of what may or may not be sour cherries (with the consistency almost that of pie filling). Each of the teachers got these in a bag that looks like something you would use for Christmas time (blue with trees covered in snow, etc.) I am very thankful for these gifts, but they are sooooo sweet!!!
Of course today was also a strange day in that the power was off for around 1 - 2 hours. This was only in the main building though, so I was able to use the computer in my office which just today had the internet fixed on it. I wasn't really able to prepare for any lessons that needed things to be printed though :(
Wednesday is the test, but none of the students want to take it, and I really don't blame them. For one, we are all tested out, and for another, this is the day of the official opening ceremony of the college (which is chartered as a university...so we are on our way to that). Of course this means that I have to make the test too, with the input and help of my coworker. We are trying to come up with enough questions to cover everything...we are only going over two lessons this week instead of the usual 3 because it is a short week. We will probably do the same next week as well.
My students seem to have great senses of humor, and the ones that talk to me outside of class are fantastic. There is one who tells me that I am always hungry and that I need to eat. Such a worrier that one (though she is correct in her assessment). It is great to talk with them outside of class and give them advise on learning languages and how I am a bad student. Of course they never believe me, but I tell them anyway.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Unnecessary anger?
Yesterday I went out to eat after having gone to the Citadel. While at the restaurant, the topic of Disney movies came up. One of the people stated she had a problem with "The Lion King." I asked her why, and she said that she thought that it taught kids the wrong message; it teaches that you are born to a certain station, and you can't get out of it no matter what happens. She continued on to say that Scar should have stayed King.
This was extremely problematic to me. First of all, I don't agree that the message she is afraid is coming across is actually the one that is. In addition to that, she seems to be missing the point that in a Monarchy one IS born to the position of being king; that is the fact of it and changing it in the story to make someone happy would be really distorting reality and be a disservice to people everywhere. Of course, this is just ignoring the fact that it is merely a remake of "Hamlet" and while one can make various changes, to depart completely from the story would make it no longer what they were trying for.
While I take the above arguments seriously, what really worried me was her support of Scar for king. IF she actually believes that Scar should be king, then the message she is sending is that one can do anything they want, up to and including murder, to get what they want. Power is the goal and if you are strong or have a good following, you can get it. It doesn't matter if you do a good job as leader either, as long as you are able to get what you yourself needs.
This is the philosophy of most bullies and two-bit dictators around the world. All of the leaders of the coups would be supported by her philosophy. Dictators such as Saddam Husein would be supported. One would think that her Kurdish roots would object strenuously to such a thing. I hope that she either doesn't realize what she said she believes and, more importantly, that she doesn't pass it along to the children that she is teaching!
I wonder if one can truly spot fundamental difference between themselves and others by talking about Disney films. I know that it has caused me to really question whether this is someone I would like to know or not (though there is more to add in deciding this).
This was extremely problematic to me. First of all, I don't agree that the message she is afraid is coming across is actually the one that is. In addition to that, she seems to be missing the point that in a Monarchy one IS born to the position of being king; that is the fact of it and changing it in the story to make someone happy would be really distorting reality and be a disservice to people everywhere. Of course, this is just ignoring the fact that it is merely a remake of "Hamlet" and while one can make various changes, to depart completely from the story would make it no longer what they were trying for.
While I take the above arguments seriously, what really worried me was her support of Scar for king. IF she actually believes that Scar should be king, then the message she is sending is that one can do anything they want, up to and including murder, to get what they want. Power is the goal and if you are strong or have a good following, you can get it. It doesn't matter if you do a good job as leader either, as long as you are able to get what you yourself needs.
This is the philosophy of most bullies and two-bit dictators around the world. All of the leaders of the coups would be supported by her philosophy. Dictators such as Saddam Husein would be supported. One would think that her Kurdish roots would object strenuously to such a thing. I hope that she either doesn't realize what she said she believes and, more importantly, that she doesn't pass it along to the children that she is teaching!
I wonder if one can truly spot fundamental difference between themselves and others by talking about Disney films. I know that it has caused me to really question whether this is someone I would like to know or not (though there is more to add in deciding this).
Tests, tests, and more tests!!
The horror of tests were upon me and my classes today. I have never been so sick of tests I didn't have to take in my life. I hated not being allowed to answer their questions while knowing that if the format wasn't confusing, they would have had no problem. So many of the students will get horrible grades on these two tests even though they know most of the information. I feel as if I have failed them by not preparing them for these tests. But what is one to do? I know that I will warn them next time about the idea of group multiple choice questions. They didn't understand that only one bubble was to be filled in...here is an example:
1. Choose the letter that matches.....(blah, blah, blah). (This was with time on an analog clock and the answers were digital)
1. O 2. T 3. C 4. P
A: 1. C 2. T 3. O 4. P
B: 1. O 2.T 3. P 4. C
C: 1. O 2.T 3. C 4. P
D 1. O 2.P 3. C 4. T
Of course the answer is C, but some of the students had multiple answers for each number, and still others counted each of the answers as a separate number. Unfortunately, there will be no leniency in correcting because these are bubble sheets corrected by computer (with no example given, by the way). The other problem I see is that they had a section of family tree questions. One of the answers was second cousin and one was mother in law. They didn't study those concepts; they were not in the book from which this test is supposedly drawn! What are these people thinking?
The tests lasted for two of our three class periods. The third one, I went over the test that they took last Thursday! I don't have any idea how I am supposed to get all of the lessons in for this week. Actually, I am pretty sure I can't, so I won't really even try.
Well, that is plenty from the teaching front for now. I was supposed to go shopping today, but my housemate never came home, so I think he went without me. I am hoping that if he did, that he lets me know how much I owe him. I hate eating the food here right now because I didn't pay for it. I offered to do so, but they didn't want my money because I was new and couldn't really pay for it. Well I can pay for it now, and I would like to do so!!
1. Choose the letter that matches.....(blah, blah, blah). (This was with time on an analog clock and the answers were digital)
1. O 2. T 3. C 4. P
A: 1. C 2. T 3. O 4. P
B: 1. O 2.T 3. P 4. C
C: 1. O 2.T 3. C 4. P
D 1. O 2.P 3. C 4. T
Of course the answer is C, but some of the students had multiple answers for each number, and still others counted each of the answers as a separate number. Unfortunately, there will be no leniency in correcting because these are bubble sheets corrected by computer (with no example given, by the way). The other problem I see is that they had a section of family tree questions. One of the answers was second cousin and one was mother in law. They didn't study those concepts; they were not in the book from which this test is supposedly drawn! What are these people thinking?
The tests lasted for two of our three class periods. The third one, I went over the test that they took last Thursday! I don't have any idea how I am supposed to get all of the lessons in for this week. Actually, I am pretty sure I can't, so I won't really even try.
Well, that is plenty from the teaching front for now. I was supposed to go shopping today, but my housemate never came home, so I think he went without me. I am hoping that if he did, that he lets me know how much I owe him. I hate eating the food here right now because I didn't pay for it. I offered to do so, but they didn't want my money because I was new and couldn't really pay for it. Well I can pay for it now, and I would like to do so!!
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Another very long day!!
I have discovered why I wanted to right in the blog everyday: when I skip a day, it is so hard to get back into writing it, and there is double things to cover, though I don't always remember what those things are. As it is, I will attempt to cover what happened today and yesterday.
Yesterday was Friday, my day off!! I tried to sleep late, but was unable to do so. So, I went to the book fair with the dean, the dean's wife, one of my housemates, and a teacher from the SABIS PPP school. While there, I met one of my students. This fair was extremely large. It contained more medical books than I would have thought possible, a large number of English language books. These books included both graded readers and lit books for native speakers. They even had a book by Campaign which taught English for the military...It was great!!
I walked around for what seemed like forever. There were so many colorfully colored covers to see. I could read a few of them and found they were the Koran. This got me to wondering if they would have a Bible that I could get. I haven't been able to locate mine, and so I don't have it with me. I found one place that my student said was a Christian bookstore. I asked her if she had an English Bible, and as she didn't, she was kind enough to take me to another booth (the International Bible Society) that she believed would. So now, for 3,000 Iraqi Dinnars ($2.59), I received a Bible in both Arabic and English! I have to remember that the front is the back, so when I go from Mathew to Revelations I flip toward the left....It is not as confusing as I thought it would be.
Along with the Bible, I also bought a computer program to learn Arabic. They had one that cost $100 and was four levels, but I didn't want to spend that much money. Unfortunately, I have not been able to get the program to work just yet. I was too busy at work today to do so. Hopefully that will not be the cast tomorrow.
Today seemed just as long. After having a meeting with the dean and convincing him not to change the students again, we loaded CDs from all the dictionaries that we purchaced onto the computers so the students can use them. Then right after arriving home, the other teacher and I went to the bazarre and went shopping. I found the video shop and bought a collection of 169 cartoon movies (they said Disney, but they also included things like Tom and Jerry), a small collection of 007, and Microsoft Office. It came to about $25. Then we moved on and I found a flash drive for $8, and then we went to the Citadel.
The Citadel was built many, many years ago...approximately in the year 4000 BCE, at least that is what I was told. This area has a great history! They are trying to restore it, which is a worthy task. Inside they also have a textile museum. It was small, but quite nice. The other teacher had a camera, so i may be able to get the pics from her on my new flash drive. Then we went for dinner, and came home...It sounds rather uneventful, but the bazzar is full of stores selling worthless things, good things, raw meat in the same section as baby clothes. There seemed to be very little order to it all. I bought two pieces of what turned out to be gum, though it tasted terrible! It was quite fun to be the guniea pig for these experiments!
Now it is almost late, and I am tired. I don't think I will be going to bed too soon though, as when I got home there were visitors: the same teachers from the other school that I met previously at their place. I guess it all makes sense, though they are constantly teaching Arabic, so I can't understand what is going on. Ahhh well, I guess I can get used to this.
Yesterday was Friday, my day off!! I tried to sleep late, but was unable to do so. So, I went to the book fair with the dean, the dean's wife, one of my housemates, and a teacher from the SABIS PPP school. While there, I met one of my students. This fair was extremely large. It contained more medical books than I would have thought possible, a large number of English language books. These books included both graded readers and lit books for native speakers. They even had a book by Campaign which taught English for the military...It was great!!
I walked around for what seemed like forever. There were so many colorfully colored covers to see. I could read a few of them and found they were the Koran. This got me to wondering if they would have a Bible that I could get. I haven't been able to locate mine, and so I don't have it with me. I found one place that my student said was a Christian bookstore. I asked her if she had an English Bible, and as she didn't, she was kind enough to take me to another booth (the International Bible Society) that she believed would. So now, for 3,000 Iraqi Dinnars ($2.59), I received a Bible in both Arabic and English! I have to remember that the front is the back, so when I go from Mathew to Revelations I flip toward the left....It is not as confusing as I thought it would be.
Along with the Bible, I also bought a computer program to learn Arabic. They had one that cost $100 and was four levels, but I didn't want to spend that much money. Unfortunately, I have not been able to get the program to work just yet. I was too busy at work today to do so. Hopefully that will not be the cast tomorrow.
Today seemed just as long. After having a meeting with the dean and convincing him not to change the students again, we loaded CDs from all the dictionaries that we purchaced onto the computers so the students can use them. Then right after arriving home, the other teacher and I went to the bazarre and went shopping. I found the video shop and bought a collection of 169 cartoon movies (they said Disney, but they also included things like Tom and Jerry), a small collection of 007, and Microsoft Office. It came to about $25. Then we moved on and I found a flash drive for $8, and then we went to the Citadel.
The Citadel was built many, many years ago...approximately in the year 4000 BCE, at least that is what I was told. This area has a great history! They are trying to restore it, which is a worthy task. Inside they also have a textile museum. It was small, but quite nice. The other teacher had a camera, so i may be able to get the pics from her on my new flash drive. Then we went for dinner, and came home...It sounds rather uneventful, but the bazzar is full of stores selling worthless things, good things, raw meat in the same section as baby clothes. There seemed to be very little order to it all. I bought two pieces of what turned out to be gum, though it tasted terrible! It was quite fun to be the guniea pig for these experiments!
Now it is almost late, and I am tired. I don't think I will be going to bed too soon though, as when I got home there were visitors: the same teachers from the other school that I met previously at their place. I guess it all makes sense, though they are constantly teaching Arabic, so I can't understand what is going on. Ahhh well, I guess I can get used to this.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Frustration and fascination
I guess I should start with the fascination. Yesterday on the way to school, I noticed a bus in the other lane. On the front of the bus, written in Korean, were the words "Seoul Women's University". I later learned that the building that SABIS is using for their PPP (Private Public Partnership) school was provided by the Korean government. Apparently there is also a Korean run university here as well. At least that is what someone said; I have no idea if this is actually true or not.
Last night was also a night for pinata making. The primary school that SABIS runs is having their fun day on Saturday. The teachers decided that it would be a good idea to have a pinata, so they came over to my apartment to make them (one of my housemates is a primary school teacher). Of course this meant that I had to get involved, because I just can't keep my nose out of other peoples' business. I guess I am just too nosey for my own good!
Either way it was a fun time. I am not sure if they are going to turn out or not, but we will see. Unfortunately, I won't be able to watch the kids enjoying the fruits of my labor.
Though tomorrow I may be going to a book fair that Oxford University Press is putting on in the town center. The dean has already arranged to go out there and has invited us teachers to go along on this outing. I am going to take him up on it because I think it could be beneficial. I do have my money now too, so I may even buy some materials so I won't be totally without if I decide to take private students somewhere in the future.
I also found out today that I may finally be getting my residency card on Sunday. It is a good thing too because my visa ran out on the 27th: 5 days ago! I can't afford to be picked up by the police or getting stopped at a checkpoint. I just hope there won't be any on the way to the book fair!
Tomorrow is going to be rather stressful. Today at the end of the day, I was called into the dean's office to discuss the test we are going to be giving the students tomorrow. The other teacher and I have decided to give the same basic test but on her version she would include more detailed questions on antonyms and spelling, and on my version the students would be doing a dictation.
The dean did not like this idea because "we can't test them on different things, because before they enter into the college program they all have to get at least 60% on the same test. It will not be a different test then." This is a rather rediculous statement in my mind. I told him that they are at different levels, reguardless of whether we want to admit it or not. If we are going to give them the most benefit of the class, we need to give them comprehensible input. We need to teach to their level. If the first class needs 5 minutes and the 2nd needs 20 minutes to get the same information, you are able to do more with the first class. Since we cannot move forward in the book, this means they get the opportunity to do outside things. In order to make it seem worthwhile to the students (they haven't quite got the intrinsic value of education yet), my coworked feels that we should test on this extra info as well....and this is what the dean is objecting to. In addition, he stated that we need to be giving the same dictation if we do dictation for the test...this is also crazy!
We are supposed to be doing a skills based program in which we are trying to get the students to reach a certain level. If we can get the students to learn to listen and right what they hear by using small words and sentences, this is what we should do. It is obvious that the students who have had more exposure to the English language are going to be able to accomplish this skill with more difficult words because they actually know the words. I do not want the students so focused on what it words could mean that they are unable to actually write things down, nor do I want them punished by putting things on the test that we didn't cover in my class that they did in the other. I really have to stand up for this. I hope to be able to talk with him in greater detail either tomorrow or on Saturday. Perhaps I will also be able to talk with the president of SABIS when he comes on April 8th. Somehow I doubt it, but I will still keep it in mind.
Last night was also a night for pinata making. The primary school that SABIS runs is having their fun day on Saturday. The teachers decided that it would be a good idea to have a pinata, so they came over to my apartment to make them (one of my housemates is a primary school teacher). Of course this meant that I had to get involved, because I just can't keep my nose out of other peoples' business. I guess I am just too nosey for my own good!
Either way it was a fun time. I am not sure if they are going to turn out or not, but we will see. Unfortunately, I won't be able to watch the kids enjoying the fruits of my labor.
Though tomorrow I may be going to a book fair that Oxford University Press is putting on in the town center. The dean has already arranged to go out there and has invited us teachers to go along on this outing. I am going to take him up on it because I think it could be beneficial. I do have my money now too, so I may even buy some materials so I won't be totally without if I decide to take private students somewhere in the future.
I also found out today that I may finally be getting my residency card on Sunday. It is a good thing too because my visa ran out on the 27th: 5 days ago! I can't afford to be picked up by the police or getting stopped at a checkpoint. I just hope there won't be any on the way to the book fair!
Tomorrow is going to be rather stressful. Today at the end of the day, I was called into the dean's office to discuss the test we are going to be giving the students tomorrow. The other teacher and I have decided to give the same basic test but on her version she would include more detailed questions on antonyms and spelling, and on my version the students would be doing a dictation.
The dean did not like this idea because "we can't test them on different things, because before they enter into the college program they all have to get at least 60% on the same test. It will not be a different test then." This is a rather rediculous statement in my mind. I told him that they are at different levels, reguardless of whether we want to admit it or not. If we are going to give them the most benefit of the class, we need to give them comprehensible input. We need to teach to their level. If the first class needs 5 minutes and the 2nd needs 20 minutes to get the same information, you are able to do more with the first class. Since we cannot move forward in the book, this means they get the opportunity to do outside things. In order to make it seem worthwhile to the students (they haven't quite got the intrinsic value of education yet), my coworked feels that we should test on this extra info as well....and this is what the dean is objecting to. In addition, he stated that we need to be giving the same dictation if we do dictation for the test...this is also crazy!
We are supposed to be doing a skills based program in which we are trying to get the students to reach a certain level. If we can get the students to learn to listen and right what they hear by using small words and sentences, this is what we should do. It is obvious that the students who have had more exposure to the English language are going to be able to accomplish this skill with more difficult words because they actually know the words. I do not want the students so focused on what it words could mean that they are unable to actually write things down, nor do I want them punished by putting things on the test that we didn't cover in my class that they did in the other. I really have to stand up for this. I hope to be able to talk with him in greater detail either tomorrow or on Saturday. Perhaps I will also be able to talk with the president of SABIS when he comes on April 8th. Somehow I doubt it, but I will still keep it in mind.
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