Being an English teacher actually is not my big dream. It just happened that I studied my undergraduate program majoring in English Education and graduated some months ago. Actually I have ever had a teaching practice during my internship program. I also had my undergraduate thesis research related with teaching stuffs, so I think I can overcome my nervous :D
Yet, in fact, I started to work as an English teacher some weeks ago, teaching 7th graders and I still couldn't handle them -_-
I think I was teaching some little monsters. :D
~First day.. I asked them to introduce themselves using English in front of the class, but some of them just avoiding me.. some were hiding inside the cupboard, behind the table or behind the doors, while some others made a mess jumping here and there.. -_-
~Second day.. Only one third of the students in class were listening to my explanations. Some boys tricked me just to skip the class and had a chat with their friends. Some others were in class and did the tasks I gave to them. It was only 15 simple questions, but it needs a whole hour for them to finish it all.
~Third day.. It was actually not an active day since some of the students were practicing in city's contest to celebrate Indonesian Independence Day. When the students are asked whether they want to have a class or not, some of the students said cheerfully, "yes, we want to have a class since it's English class!" and I said for myself "Really? I don't even think any of them would love my class" :D
Well,, this day was worse. No one listening to me, especially boys. Those boys were only talking to their friends without even care to my explanation. They made a mess again!! >< Yet, I know, I may not get angry. Thanks God I didn't have my PMS at that time,, If I have it, I would have swallowed them one by one like a giant monster :D Hahhaaa.. However, at least when I gave them the task this time, they could do it well and became "a bit" quiet :D
Next Thursday and Friday, I will have to teach them again,, Well, I don't know what will happen next. I think I should learn more on how to be a good teacher, how to handle the students, and how to share each other's knowledge and experience related with English language.
Comments
@Evangelina : You do really have a long comment :D but thanks, your comment motivates me that all of the experts once are a newbie too.. but I'm sure that there will be a long path for me to be an expert one. Actually, I want do that to my students too so that they can feel responsible towards their own learning, yet it seems impossible since the time given for english lesson here is quite a short time,, :(
@Beethoven : Well, maybe the females one cound end up being a cute angels, but I don't think so with the boys :D
@Mr. Jeffrey : Well,, thank you for your advice. Actually, I want to do it like what you said since the very beginning of my teaching, but here is the problem, in my region at least, if I sent out the students, they say it'll be a bad reputation for the school if there many students outside the class during learning hours, and bad reputation for school can affect many aspects, such as school's donation, parents' trust and many things else, so I should keep the students IN class whatever happen.. :(
@Alice E: Thanks, I'm going to have fun activites, like games soon for them! :) I hope it can attract their attention :)
@Setareh: I also have the same experience like you. When I was in Junior High, I really don't like English. I even often got "zero" score in my assignments or exams :D Yet, in Senior High a teacher really inspires me and since at that time, I really love English until now ^_^ However, as I remembered, my classmate friends didn't behave like a little monster like what my students do, so I think it's easier for her to teach us at that time. :/
@Blessing : Thanks, Blessing.. I will and I must ! :)
@Lady Anne : Thanks for reminding me Lady Anne, I almost forgot that I can use picture paper for my class,, we don't have facilities like LCD or speaker here, so somehow it makes me upset in teaching the class too since printing paper is a bit costly, but I will try it!! ^_^ Thank you so much :)
Kids of that age are normally active and rowdy.
You can begin your lesson by catching first their attention. A short song, a chant, etc. to liven up the class. Make your presentation catchy by providing visual aids. They will surely lend you their ears if your lesson is accompanied with pictures. They will actively participate in your class if you incorporate games and competitions, too. Of course, all activities must be related to your lesson.
Last, show interest in them and they will show their interest in you, too. A child centered class is always a class to be looked forward to by the pupils.
Enjoy your profession Nur Aida. It is worth your perspiration if one day you see your pupils in their best form in the future.
Hi Nur Aida, I agree with Sir Jeffrey that class management is the most important thing in teaching. Once you have your class under control you can teach anything. Management has a lot to do with routines you set up for your class. They should be aware what's in it for them for every class hour. Routines also mean involving them in the planning of your objectives so they know that they are part of this goal. When students feel part of something they take it more personally and they participate well because it is theirs. Ask them for suggestions on their take on the what the vision or goal of the class would be for the whole semester. Never underestimate the power of fun. Choose fun games to start off your lesson and reinforce the lesson with competition-like activities because students like to win so they would do their best to get involve in the lesson in the hopes of winning. Divide them into teams and have them name their own team. Hope you find this useful and always be happy in class! :)
@ann : emm,, I am preparing a game for them later.. :) Thanks for your advice, Ann.. Your comment makes me relieved ^_^
Then, I'll try to be a lovely teacher for them :) :D A teacher that they love and will never forget of :D I hope I can do that!
@Miskhaih : Well,, I did cry too in my heart Miskhaih :( It feels like what I do for them is kind of useless when they do not pay attention to me. Yet, I will try my best! Thanks ! ^_^
It will be alright. Follow ann's advises and be patient. I have seen male teachers with tears in their eyes while found unable to draw the attention of the students. Keep trying.
I would like to give you my advice. I think to be a teacher that student love is better than one they dislike. You should put some game in your teaching. Everybody like games. A good teacher is the person who can attract their kids. (that is really very hard). Or you can try let them hear an easy english song or something like that.
Love them with all your heart. My cousin told me in the past she was also in your situation. And she chose to be a lovely teacher. She was sweet with the most naughty student. Than she succeeded. I think she is a good teacher.
Be patient and please try. It is always very hard to be a teacher. Good luck!
@Elen : Thank you for wishing me luck,, I need it so bad to face these monster ^_^ :D
@Nimzaf : bright future.. that's still long way to go I guess.. but I also hope for it, thanks :)
@Dewi : Thanks Dewi for for wishing me, too.. ^_^
@Evangelina : Actually I am still confused about how to react in front of them. If I become an ordinary teacher, just explain things and give them task, they won't listen to me and just make a noise; If I shout loud, they'll be of course "quiet" but i know nothing good comes from shouting; If I become a nice and cool teacher, and being close with them, they won't consider me as a teacher, but only like their sister or even their friends -_-
So, can you give me any suggestion? :(
I wish you all the best , Nur Aida :)
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