Job Discussion Forums

ChicagoCubMike · Joined: 28 Mar 2004 Posts: 30 Location: Chicago, IL

My lesson planning is the easy part. My anxiety is the hard part. Chanting to myself over and over, "You're gonna do fine, you're gonna do fine, you're gonna do fine." Tomorrow afternoon is my first session ever in front of an ESL class. I'll be teaching Levels 2 and 3 in a combined class (they switch off doing lessons and quizzes in a computer lab over the course of 2 hours). Oh, AND...altogether they number (this could be Beijing but it's really Chicago) 50 students: 32 Level 2; 18 Level 3.

If anyone can remember back to their first day, what am I in for? I'm expecting the worst nerves but the best experience. Is that about right? Any words of encouragement (or some quicky airmailed Zoloft) greatly appreciated!

Irish · Joined: 13 Jan 2003 Posts: 371

Guest · Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2004 3:30 am Post subject:

I was a basket case for my first few lessons back last August.

Remember that kids can SMELL FEAR - the same way a dog can - to try and appear confident even if it is the last thing you are feeling.

Good luck!

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

Good luck! I agree with Rhonda. Put on a happy face and chances are they'll be on your side. Is it their first day of classes as well? If so, they might be too worried about their own nerves to notice yours!

I feel jittery at the beginning of every new term here, even if all of my students are the same. We have five terms per year (and four classes per term)--that's a lot of jitters! They pass quickly, though.

d

nolefan · Joined: 14 Jan 2004 Posts: 1458 Location: on the run

forget about a lesson plan for your first day!
Why don't you do the classic introduction? tell the kids a few things about you and let them ask a few question. This is goes a long way into establishing a good communication between you and them for the rest of the semester!

Shaman · Joined: 06 Apr 2003 Posts: 446 Location: Hammertown

struelle · Joined: 16 May 2003 Posts: 2372 Location: Shanghai

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

I'd have activities where they talk to to each other and try to get to know each other (if they are new to the class too). Otherwise, have them ask you questions. Maybe split them into groups where they come up with questions for you. Don't answer all the questions if they are too personal. Embarassed

It's good for them to know when to draw the line with people they don't know very well. Besides it should take time before they know everything about you.

I also agree that as long as you are trying, that is all they ask for. No one likes a jaded teacher.

Eijse · Joined: 17 Dec 2003 Posts: 119 Location: Yemen (Aden)

ChicagoCubMike · Joined: 28 Mar 2004 Posts: 30 Location: Chicago, IL

Thanks everyone for the tips and support. I start later today; I'm gonna use a basic "introductions" type of lesson plan and keep it light, with the real subject matter starting tomorrow (the classes are intensive 4-days-a-week with the same students).

Today I actually sat in on a morning session of one of the classes that I'll be teaching in a few hours. That helped a lot. The students (mostly late teens and twenty-somethings) were very affable. But what got me was the instructor did about everything I ever learned you shouldn't do to get through to a class (eliciting nothing, translating all the time, putting the weakest students embarassingly on the spot, using a funny voice ALL THE TIME that obviously amused him but kept the students totally in the dark about what he was saying, etc.). I know I'm better prepared than that; it took all I had not to jump in. So I guess I'm raring to go and show my chops now. I'll report back when I'm done tonight. Well, maybe an after-class beer first(!)

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

There's no better way to boost your confidence than to observe a colleague who doesn't have a clue how to teach. Better yet, you will be teaching that class later on.

ChicagoCubMike · Joined: 28 Mar 2004 Posts: 30 Location: Chicago, IL

Actually, as it turned out I think I taught a class of his former students. I'm now back from my first day and it went really well. It was exhusting, but I only realized it after the two hours were over. During, it was a real adrenaline rush. The students had fun, and talked. A lot. In English. I used the "snowball" introductions idea (with paired interviews, then the interviews mixed up around the class by the students having a 30-second crumpled up snowball fight with them)--they loved it! After that, they were all mine Smile

My nerves evaporated after the first 5 minutes and I realized I really was leading the class. I also realized I'm hooked. It was exactly what I hoped it would be.

But back to the former students. My Level 2 students speak willingly and easily. My Level 3 students, well it was like pulling teeth. I don't think they're used to being given a chance to (much less expected to) do most of the speaking in class. All I could think was that they must have had the teacher whose class I observed in the morning when they were in Level 2.

Not that tomorrow won't be a disaster. But the nerves are definitely gone. Thanks everyone for all the comments, they really helped!!

Irish · Joined: 13 Jan 2003 Posts: 371

Congratulations on your success, Mike! Not that it was ever in doubt. Those students must've been very happy to have you after that other guy. There's nothing quite like being taught by somebody who clearly loves what they're doing. The level 3 folks will come around soon enough once they've gotten used to you and understand what's expected.

Gotta run -- just wanted to say thanks for letting us know how it went down and wish you luck with the rest of the term.