Thursday, September 13, 2018

Week 2, Day 11, Wednesday, 12 SEPT 2018


I entered a technology laboratory, observing a grade 1 class. The teacher started the class by ringing a small bell to get their attention. Students start working on building their model house.The teacher prepared the plan and the paper and students have to cut the pieces out and paste them according to plan until it becomes a model of a house.
Personally, I think the design given was a little bit intricate, given that the shape is different from one another. The houses looks like a castle, house with small and big squares. I am of the opinion that it is good because it tests their motor skill as well as their visual intelligence, testing to what extend they can make sense of a plan and structure. This is good as this could give a snapshot of an architect to the students. Plus, during the process, they could think of what elese they could build. Hence, this is encouraging creative learning.
Today is the listening test. 3rd grade students are having listening test. The listening test is using American English and there is a short happy melody in between followed by Korean instruction.
Topic:
1.       Discussion what to write in school newsletter and deciding to interview an art teacher
2.       Discussion on which society to enter for extracurricular activity
3.       Dinner reservation
4.       Discussion on good website reference
5.       Discuss on where to buy a good speaker
6.       Short conversation of asking and answering
7.       Discussion about holiday
8.       Mother asking the son to buy grocery items
9.       Meeting a friend in Busan

During Physical Education observation, I get to learn an new game called “Foot volleyball” or “cokker”. They have to kick the ball over the net. It looks similar to takraw in Malaysia, bit Takraw’s net is higher and the ball is made out of rattan.
Then, we observed an English class. It was taught by a foreigner from the US, Mr Ryan. He was carrying out a speaking lesson:
 “What do you think about (experience)”
“it was (adjective)”
“I think A is better than B”.

Some students responded but some played around. Mr Ryan called out that boy’s name and asked him to try what is on the board. The teacher handled the situation well without shouting. Then, Mr Ryan gave an exercise on writing the sentences with answers.

I had a chat with Mr Ryan about English taught in HongCheon middle school. Foreign teachers are considered as assistant teacher and another Korean teacher need to be in the class. The function of the Korean teacher is to clarify to the students some words they do not understand, as well as making sure they could give instruction during emergency.
Foreign teachers also only teach speaking and listening while Korean teachers teach grammar, reading and writing. Hence, the classes are taught by 2 teachers.
In the evening, the principal vice principal, academic director and all faculty leaders had dinner with us. They welcomed us with warm smile and toast with joyful speech. I had to give a speech too, and I mentioned how wonderful they were who have accepted us with lots of sarang, love.

The principal said he believed we are the best teacher in Malaysia and the best teacher in Hong Cheon middle school.  From the first day, they have found for us the best rent house with  extra room,miss yenny brings us on a trip to Sutasa temple, and later, we are going to Seoul to wear Hanbook at a palace. How amazing is that! They have showered us with lots of love, and now, we felt in debt that we have to give a lot back. Hong Cheon middle school! Sarangheo!
Maybe this is a very good diplomatic way of doing things. Shower your colleages with good things, believing that they will do good things as well.


No comments:

Post a Comment