我今天在高中学有一节课. (Today I had a lesson at the high school). Well, it wasn't a lesson as such, but more some activities based on international education week. The experience was wonderful though - I finally had a class that did in fact pay attention for once! The difference between the high school and the middle school could be measured in light years, and that's just for the amount of attention the students have. It's also good to finally know that it's not my teaching, but rowdy students causing the majority of my difficulties with my usual students.

As the high school students have a higher level of English than the middle school students, I made the majority of the lesson a discussion over four questions: why is education important? Why is learning a second language important? Is it better to give poorer countries money or education? and finally, is it better to learn about only your own country, or the whole world?

I think the last two questions would be hard to answer even for a native English speaker, but they gave a really good go at answering - plus they were really enthusiastic. I was impressed. Really impressed.

I've asked Rosie to observe some of my lessons at some point, A. to find out what I can improve on, and B. to prove how rowdy my students can be, and get suggestions on how to improve that. I am starting to get a little annoyed that my attempts at teaching are being thwarted just because a majority of students won't listen, so I need, desperately, to change that. Otherwise, I am wasting my student's time, where they could have a lesson with a teacher that does like to shout and will punish all of them for the slightest noise.

Personally, I find discipline very difficult. I don't believe in group discipline, as it ruins the attitude of good students who do nothing wrong. Yet, when a majority of a class always talks but never individuals alone, group discipline is the only option. Therefore, my classes go mainly unpunished except for the occasional angry (as I can manage at least) complaint the class is too loud and needs to stop talking.

Hmm, enough about classes that don't pay attention. Today after the activities at the high school, marcus and I went to one of our regular places to eat - Akan's. We talk to Akan a little every time we go there, but usually we struggle with what he asks us. So I was particularly surprised when I heard him talking to another customer about how good my Chinese was. I disagree, but that's ok I guess. It's nice to be praised! Apparently, from what he was saying to the other customer in Chinese, I have very good pronunciation! Good to know, when Chinese has the 声调 (tones) to deal with. Even if my middle school students don't get anywhere enough (admittedly because they won't listen) out of my teaching, at least I can be safe in the knowledge that i'm learning quickly over here.

But I'm here to teach English and that's what I plan to do. Armies of talkative students can slow me down with that, but I have an oblligation to be their teacher and help them with their English, even if they don't want me there as much as I want to be teaching them.

And on that, i'll leave the blog until tomorrow - into the last third of the blogging month!