[It has been exactly one year since the end of my two month experience in Hiroshima, Japan.]
Original intention: write a long reflection on how it changed me (typical and standard)
New intention: write a quick checklist on how I applied new techniques and knowledge
When I returned to the states, I had two days to get ready for my first teaching position. Thankfully, with the help of excellent administration, staff, and colleagues, I was able to jump into teaching English enrichment, two 7th grade beginner strings courses, and two 8th grade second year string orchestras. I learned a LOT. Please be aware that the following statements were based on observations, experiences, and applications from two specific locations. This does NOT apply to all Japanese schools nor does it apply to all Indiana schools.
Every teaching situation is different. Every teacher and student is different.
And no. Not all East Asian countries have better/smarter kids, students are the same everywhere.
Hiroshima experience
- junior high school
- 7th, 8th, and 9th grade
- sub-urban
- charter school
- total students 260
Indiana experience
- middle school
- 7th and 8th grade
- metropolitan
- total students little over 600
Applications: what I learned from my Japanese Student Teaching Experience
1. Energy Radar: I was more tolerant of natural excitement and freely gave out jumping jacks and push ups in orchestra. Sometimes, they really can't control their energy during the awkward body changing stages. :/
2. Question and Answer: Calling on a student unexpectedly depends on how often it occurs. Daily routine? They'll stay on guard. Once a week? They could hate you depending on their preparation.
3. Community Understanding: Some students live an hour away from school or have family obligations. That could change a multitude of classroom or program expectations (or require specific adjustments).
4. Student Leadership: After watching my Japanese students take over announcements, write objectives, and give daily homework reminders, I wanted to try it in the US. My orchestra students enjoyed the little roles they played in the classroom such as: manager, inventory, handy-man, set up crew, advertisement committee, librarians, personal assistant, and so forth.
5. Assignments and Assessments: Give homework/projects with care and consideration of home expectations. In Japan, most students have cram school when school ends (around 6pm). Going through a quiz, test, and/or rubric is comforting for some students.
6. Common Ground: After trying every club in the Japanese charter school, I noticed how quickly the students will relate and bond through extra-curricular activities. I was glad that I went to the games and meets of my Indiana students. They were so excited that someone cheered for them.
7. Electronics Usage: I need to jump on this. I like technology but sometimes I am unable to keep up. I lack the access to some items, however, I realized I need to be able to relate with students through technology.
8. Personal Interests: What I really liked about my assigned teachers in Japan was that they used some personal information as "examples". One of the English teachers would always joke about his wife loving him to teach subject and object. I tried using my dog and I as an example during orchestra and it worked like magic.
9. Clarity of Speech: Again, my assigned teachers were so direct about the 'who, when, where, what, why, and how'. I then did my best to give instructions for my orch kids. Example: Violas(who), during the previous run(when), at measure 52(where), it was too soft(what), please increase your sound(what), you have a new theme(why), more bow, pressure, and speed (how).
10. Clarity of Intention: A great teacher once said that students should know the goal of their work. I discovered that sharing the concert objectives and discussing the concert programs were not only motivating, but allowed the students to have a sense of ownership.
Of course I learned a lot more than just ten concepts. I will post other 'teaching moments' should they arise.
A teacher can complain all they want about the previous school.
A teacher can be upset about the previous school.
A teacher can focus on the negative events about the previous school.
A teacher can try to forget about the previous school.
---but---
Successful teachers that I've met did the following....
remember the challenges and reflect on the procedures and outcomes
remember upsetting moments but rejoice in the lesson learned
remember disappointing occasions and seek new advice and useful resources
never forget the previous school because he/she understands it is a part of educational growth.
:)
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
St. Bamboo Forest '|''||'|'|''
掃除する (so u ji su ru): To clean
Every day after lunch, the students have about 20 minutes free time. After that, it's time to clean!
Students from all three grades are assigned a specific group (by color). I have been assigned to the Green group. On the days where we do not have to clean, we either meet outside to play "figure 8 jump-rope" or play volleyball/dodgeball in the gym. However, we pretty much clean four times a week because there are four floors in the school. Every day is a different place.
Cleaning tasks are assigned by the students themselves. The oldest students assign specific places for everyone in the group. The places are the classrooms, hallway, restrooms, staff rooms, and meeting rooms.
This requirement allows the students from all three grades to get to know one another. Thus, building a great sense of team work and school spirit. At the end of cleaning, the small groups will meet to debrief the cleaning session. I have personally enjoyed cleaning with the students because I get to know more about them outside of the English class.
I was told that many Japanese schools have this same requirement. This kind of explains how the people in Japan are often very clean or like to be clean. It's become a habit for many of these students at a young age.
Every day after lunch, the students have about 20 minutes free time. After that, it's time to clean!
Students from all three grades are assigned a specific group (by color). I have been assigned to the Green group. On the days where we do not have to clean, we either meet outside to play "figure 8 jump-rope" or play volleyball/dodgeball in the gym. However, we pretty much clean four times a week because there are four floors in the school. Every day is a different place.
Cleaning tasks are assigned by the students themselves. The oldest students assign specific places for everyone in the group. The places are the classrooms, hallway, restrooms, staff rooms, and meeting rooms.
This requirement allows the students from all three grades to get to know one another. Thus, building a great sense of team work and school spirit. At the end of cleaning, the small groups will meet to debrief the cleaning session. I have personally enjoyed cleaning with the students because I get to know more about them outside of the English class.
I was told that many Japanese schools have this same requirement. This kind of explains how the people in Japan are often very clean or like to be clean. It's become a habit for many of these students at a young age.
Cleaning the classroom... 1) push all the desks to the back of the room
2) students with brooms with push all the dust to the back of the room
3) the 'wipers' get down and clean the floor with a towel by hand
4) 'wipers' rinse towels and push all the desks to the front of the room; students with brooms will start brushing all the dust in one spot
5) putting all the dirt into the pan
6) final 'wipers' for the back of the room
7) all students will put the desks back to where they were
I have gotten to know many of my students through cleaning. I often cheer for them in the hallway.
Or I run along side hurrying them....
Or I walk by with a smile and wave :)
But.
There's this one student.
I found out the direct translation of his Japanese name in kanji...into English...
is...
Saint Bamboo Forest.
I love this kid.... such a good sport.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Does everyone in America eat hamburgers???
No. They don't.
Two weeks ago, I had to interview 160 students (40 students per class period) so they can practice their conversation ability. For the third year students, I had to ask "Have you ever been to any foreign countries?" "If not, where would you like to go?"
* Students who responded they want to go to 'America' (USA), had some interesting reasons.
----they want to eat hamburgers and hot dogs
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have been in Hiroshima for about 6 weeks now. My Japanese is decently fluent enough to carry on a conversation beyond introductions. After talking to many teachers, families, students, and new friends, I have discovered that many people have this image of U.S. that is ,,, well, untrue.
I often have to stop and rephrase "In America, I blah blah blah blah" to "SOME people in US blah blah blah blah, but I like to blah blah blah blah." Who knows? I may be the only US citizen some people will ever encounter. If I have to eliminate one stereotype at a time, I'll do it. This also goes for the untrue believes of Hong Kong. One of my host moms were shocked that we eat rice in Hong Kong.
^ If I say, "my practice teaching school had about 3500 students." Then the person will think "Oh wow, American schools have many students!"
^ During meals, I have to tell my host mothers that "don't worry! I will eat anything!" Not everyone in the US dislike seafood, tea, or seaweed.
^ And no, not every US college student works hard for five years and doesn't have a tv...
I've had to thoroughly describe and discuss about the U.S. and Hong Kong to many people. General topics include: education, government, food, weather, religion, "freedom", alcohol, media, fashion, and the arts. All the topics discussed will take about ten more posts, therefore, I'll wait. Plus, I hate generalizing. To avoid any mistakes, I want to reflect on these confusions, gather more information, ask more people, and take time to reorganize my thoughts.
Upon arriving Hiroshima, many people asked me about their assumptions of Japan. I myself too had some influenced assumptions based on people I've met or books/articles I've read.
At this point, I feel like it is safe to say: it is impossible to make a true and honest assumption on a town/city/state/country until he/she has stayed there for a significant amount of time with deep cultural understanding of values and believes; one should not make any assumptions at all based on a second-hand experience because it will always be different based on the person, place, and situation.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Finally, my 'must' share. :)
I keep meeting people who have high respect for teachers and the arts.
Today, my third host mother said this to me before I moved to my next homestay....
"Ingy, you must work hard and become a great music teacher. I think music and education, are very important to people."
Let's just say, I cried instantly.
It meant more than she could ever imagine.
Two weeks ago, I had to interview 160 students (40 students per class period) so they can practice their conversation ability. For the third year students, I had to ask "Have you ever been to any foreign countries?" "If not, where would you like to go?"
* Students who responded they want to go to 'America' (USA), had some interesting reasons.
----they want to eat hamburgers and hot dogs
Kid. You. Not.
Many of the students want to try 'BIG hamburgers'. Once I told them that it is not healthy to eat those burgers, they told me they didn't care. I was appalled. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have been in Hiroshima for about 6 weeks now. My Japanese is decently fluent enough to carry on a conversation beyond introductions. After talking to many teachers, families, students, and new friends, I have discovered that many people have this image of U.S. that is ,,, well, untrue.
I often have to stop and rephrase "In America, I blah blah blah blah" to "SOME people in US blah blah blah blah, but I like to blah blah blah blah." Who knows? I may be the only US citizen some people will ever encounter. If I have to eliminate one stereotype at a time, I'll do it. This also goes for the untrue believes of Hong Kong. One of my host moms were shocked that we eat rice in Hong Kong.
^ If I say, "my practice teaching school had about 3500 students." Then the person will think "Oh wow, American schools have many students!"
^ During meals, I have to tell my host mothers that "don't worry! I will eat anything!" Not everyone in the US dislike seafood, tea, or seaweed.
^ And no, not every US college student works hard for five years and doesn't have a tv...
I've had to thoroughly describe and discuss about the U.S. and Hong Kong to many people. General topics include: education, government, food, weather, religion, "freedom", alcohol, media, fashion, and the arts. All the topics discussed will take about ten more posts, therefore, I'll wait. Plus, I hate generalizing. To avoid any mistakes, I want to reflect on these confusions, gather more information, ask more people, and take time to reorganize my thoughts.
Upon arriving Hiroshima, many people asked me about their assumptions of Japan. I myself too had some influenced assumptions based on people I've met or books/articles I've read.
At this point, I feel like it is safe to say: it is impossible to make a true and honest assumption on a town/city/state/country until he/she has stayed there for a significant amount of time with deep cultural understanding of values and believes; one should not make any assumptions at all based on a second-hand experience because it will always be different based on the person, place, and situation.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Finally, my 'must' share. :)
I keep meeting people who have high respect for teachers and the arts.
Today, my third host mother said this to me before I moved to my next homestay....
"Ingy, you must work hard and become a great music teacher. I think music and education, are very important to people."
Let's just say, I cried instantly.
It meant more than she could ever imagine.
My host mom's awesome cooking. I don't know half of what I ate, but it was GREAT!
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