In the summers of 2008, 2009 and 2010 our teacher training project has given us opportunities to work with about 500 English teachers in Ningxia and Sichuan. These teachers are now teaching upwards of 75,000 students in their classes every day. We want to encourage and help teachers become skilled and comfortable in applying methodologies in their classrooms.
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Monday, May 3, 2010
Topics/Ideas
What are your ideas for topics that we should add to this blog?
What do you think of doing a variety of ice breaker activities for the "getting to know the American teachers" rotation? I've located some and could send you the website.
In the past we have used the "standard" STP culture scripts in our cultural activities, the same wedding, Christmas, etc. I raised a question regarding a modification. Since our goal is teacher development, should we use presentations that they could use and adapt for their schools? I like that, but it means venturing out of the box a bit. The easy way is to use what we have done in the past. The culture stuff that i used throughout the STP's assumes that the students are learners. It may be a subtle shift,but I am intrigued with the notion of helping our students/teachers learn how to teach selected topics from our culture, involving their students in meaningful activities. With the big shift away from the EE to Chinese texts, we have not put extra effort into doing new things with culture.
Gifts for officials/leaders- Let's each bring two things representative if our home location in North America. Keep them light and inexpensive. I like colorful coffee table books picked up at bargain book stores.
I tried to get some gold $1.00 presidential coins a few weeks ago, but could only get my hands on Millard Fillmore and James Tyler. Afraid they are not household names, even in America. I'll try again.
For our students little things mean a lot, thing like coins, stamps. John might chime in here with some ideas of useful teaching aids.
I'm also saving coins, don't have enough of each kind yet for two classes but can fill in at the bank with what I need. I'll also bring postcards of this area
Amen for "getting outside the box" for culture programs. It was and is one the the more onerous things we do. Let's think of ways we can make this more meaningful and learner-centered for our students. Isn't that what it's all about anyway?
Am putting this here since it doesn't fit anywhere else. This is a little detail but I would like to know-will we be using good old fashioned :-) chalk boards in the classrooms? Also, will we have any access to a photocopy machine and paper for handouts? What's the norm there?
The question about luggage is a good one. Put aside the international 50 pound allowance. We will be making three trips within China: one of about 1100 miles and two of about 500-600 miles. In addition we will drive many hours to get to our teaching spots. Domestic luggage is limited to 44± pounds. I am going to travel light! It isn't fun wrestling with a ton of baggage. Even more important is what we teach by shedding our "stuff." Can we demonstrate that we are not materialistic westerners? Besides there are high $/¥ charges for overweight bags.
All of the classrooms should have chalkboards. In Hanyuan (Sichuan) we were able to get photocopies as needed. Expect the same in Ningxia.
The textbooks have audio components that are on CD's or cassettes. We will have them transferred to iPods for convenience. Each of us will have an iPod to use in our teaching.
Since we are going to two places, what kind of and how many gifts should we bring for the officials?
ReplyDeleteWhat do you think of doing a variety of ice breaker activities for the "getting to know the American teachers" rotation? I've located some and could send you the website.
ReplyDeleteWhen we make presentations such as the cultural lessons, what do we use - hard copy photos, videos, DVDs, etc?
ReplyDeleteI'm still trying to figure out this system and made the anonymous comment above!
ReplyDeleteglad you brought up gifts, Jack. that's on my mind, too. So far I've got 2 boxes of Aplets and Cotlets, product of Washington state.
ReplyDeleteIn the past we have used the "standard" STP culture scripts in our cultural activities, the same wedding, Christmas, etc. I raised a question regarding a modification. Since our goal is teacher development, should we use presentations that they could use and adapt for their schools? I like that, but it means venturing out of the box a bit. The easy way is to use what we have done in the past. The culture stuff that i used throughout the STP's assumes that the students are learners. It may be a subtle shift,but I am intrigued with the notion of helping our students/teachers learn how to teach selected topics from our culture, involving their students in meaningful activities. With the big shift away from the EE to Chinese texts, we have not put extra effort into doing new things with culture.
ReplyDeleteGifts for officials/leaders- Let's each bring two things representative if our home location in North America. Keep them light and inexpensive. I like colorful coffee table books picked up at bargain book stores.
ReplyDeleteI tried to get some gold $1.00 presidential coins a few weeks ago, but could only get my hands on Millard Fillmore and James Tyler. Afraid they are not household names, even in America. I'll try again.
For our students little things mean a lot, thing like coins, stamps. John might chime in here with some ideas of useful teaching aids.
I'm also saving coins, don't have enough of each kind yet for two classes but can fill in at the bank with what I need.
ReplyDeleteI'll also bring postcards of this area
Amen for "getting outside the box" for culture programs. It was and is one the the more onerous things we do. Let's think of ways we can make this more meaningful and learner-centered for our students. Isn't that what it's all about anyway?
ReplyDeleteDave,
ReplyDeleteWould you review the baggage number and weight limits? We'll be flying between locations within China, correct?
Thanks
Am putting this here since it doesn't fit anywhere else.
ReplyDeleteThis is a little detail but I would like to know-will we be using good old fashioned :-) chalk boards in the classrooms?
Also, will we have any access to a photocopy machine and paper for handouts?
What's the norm there?
The question about luggage is a good one. Put aside the international 50 pound allowance. We will be making three trips within China: one of about 1100 miles and two of about 500-600 miles. In addition we will drive many hours to get to our teaching spots. Domestic luggage is limited to 44± pounds. I am going to travel light! It isn't fun wrestling with a ton of baggage. Even more important is what we teach by shedding our "stuff." Can we demonstrate that we are not materialistic westerners? Besides there are high $/¥ charges for overweight bags.
ReplyDeleteAll of the classrooms should have chalkboards. In Hanyuan (Sichuan) we were able to get photocopies as needed. Expect the same in Ningxia.
ReplyDeleteThe textbooks have audio components that are on CD's or cassettes. We will have them transferred to iPods for convenience. Each of us will have an iPod to use in our teaching.
Dave, about the iPODs, last year we had a problem with low volume. Any suggestions?
ReplyDelete