Canadian teacher Bryan reckons that's it for Anna and me, and there'll be nothing we can do about it. They've decided, and we're going to have to live with the consequences. It's going to be hard, being 'favourites' of the staff, I'm not sure if it's safe for me to go to the office any more. Walking in there, I know that if Lin rushes over and says "I need to tell you something," the subtext of whatever follows will be 'you're going to have to perform for an audience - observers, cameras, teachers, whoever - very soon, with little or no preparation'.
In fact, none of the teachers at last night's meeting had been given any warning that we were expected to review each others' teaching styles and share experiences and knowledge, with a view to enriching the students' learning experience. Honestly, I'm most interested in any worksheets and ideas for games going spare.
A teacher who's been here nearly five years went first, speaking convincingly about the need to create a good rapport with the students.
During this, Lin appeared over my left shoulder, whispering " I need to ask you something. Will you give a speak?"
This was too Chinese a request to be a joke. "I've taught seven classes, Lin. Ever."
"I observe your class, you are very good. I think the other teachers will like it."
I thought that the other teachers would like to go back to their apartments, to relax after a day's work, and especially like not to have to spend two hours discussing the merits of singing The Beatles in class. But there was no way out of it. This being my five minute warning, I started writing a stream of thoughts while listening to the experienced teacher.
Student expectations. Write them. Rapport. Stay in room at break. Close the gap. Let them get closer to you. Informal interactions. Friends. Go outside. Play basketball instead of class. Play in the snow. Are you shitting me? Correct them. No, don't. Develop their fluency.
Five teachers having spoken, with some 35 years experience between them, it's my turn. I can't remember exactly what I said but starting off with some self-deprecation, an obvious gag about the student lecturing to the teachers and the honest admission that I don't think I want to be friends with my students (and don't believe they need to be friends with me) but am relying on coffee and being friendly, has won me - and Anna, who made a great speech too - some new friends... teacher friends, they're allowed.
Oh, and the British accent, that's getting us a long way too. All the way to being 'favourites' in fact, and into these situations.
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