Make it work!

Today was day two of teaching, and now that I've met most of the students in the "intermediate" level I feel a lot more comfortable. I've also figured out (more or less) how this school operates, and have drawn up a list of expectations they have of their teaching staff:

1. Show up on time.
2. Take attendance.
3. Stay inside the classroom with the students.
4. After class, give the attendance sheet to the secretary.

Yeah, step 3 is the tricky part. So far it seems like anything goes. At the start of class today I asked my students what they learned in their last class and got only shrugs, giggles, and bashful smiles.

Since a teacher who had had the same group yesterday told me she planned to work on phrasal verbs, I had prepared a lesson on the same topic. I've said it before and I'll say it again: I am so glad English is my first language. It must be a real bitch to learn.

Consider the simple phrasal verb "to make out." It can mean to kiss (or whatever else), to discern, or to complete a task adequately. What a messed-up language!

The non-language-based challenges are also considerable: students regularly arrive late (20-30 mins late is not unusual), sometimes leave early, and there is no evidence of homework or tests ever taking place. Each class is pretty much one standalone unit of English learning, and you have to try and hold the attention of the regular attenders whilst welcoming and incorporating latecomers.

I've tried thinking about all the foreign language classes I've taken, and what made some more effective or enjoyable than others. But they were all very structured, followed a book and a workbook, and often had the resources of an A/V language lab to help.

So what's left? I guess just the personalities, creativity, and enthusiasm that my students and I bring to class. Now there's a scary thought. This job would be a whole lot easier if I didn't give a damn whether or not anyone actually learned any new information. Alas, I am blessed (or cursed) with loving languages, and I'm determined to find a way to 'make it work'.

In fact, every time I feel like complaining or despairing I can hear Tim Gunn's voice calling out that chirpy, incontestable advice. I console myself with the fact that I'm in a room with reasonably amiable students and not a pack of snarky, drama-loving, wannabe designers. And I also don't have to stand on a runway afterwards while Nina Garcia and Michael Kors criticize my lesson plans. There is hope!