Job Discussion Forums

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Dunno. I was 5-11 years old, mid /60's - early '70s. Washington, DC area. There were 20 kids in my class and 6 teachers. We had stations for math, reading, science, etc. with a teacher for each station, and total freedom to spend our time as we wished. No grades, but we were constantly tested for 'levels' in the core subjects, so our report cards read stuff like "reading at year 12 level." The school was considered in the top in the country at the time, and I think the project was successful overall, but there were some reactions against the perceived freedom of schools organized this way (public schools, funded by tax dollars - it wasn't a private school) and so far as I know this approach hasn't been used in public schools in the States for a long time now.
I think in Canada it was also in use, called something like 'open plan' learning.

guangho · Joined: 16 Oct 2004 Posts: 476 Location: in transit

My first ESL teacher in Philly was an extravagantly mustachioed Mexican gentleman whose first and last class began thusly:

"Hehehe...my English not so good you see."

John Hall · Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2007 6:07 pm Post subject:

soapdodger · Joined: 19 Apr 2007 Posts: 203

If everyone who wasn't a teacher or couldn't teach was fired at once, there would be a sonic boom loud enough to be heard on Pluto as the EFL trade imploded.

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

shuize · Joined: 04 Sep 2004 Posts: 1270

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Yeah, we were pretty lucky, and got way more than our share of tax dollars, for sure. The idea does seem essentially unworkable (logistics-wise).

Khrystene · Joined: 17 Apr 2004 Posts: 271 Location: WAW, PL/SYD, AU

A teacher {cough!} who at University, made the students pray for the first 15 minutes of the class.... every class!

He was sacked. Yes, even in Poland!

He's well remembered.

JonnyB61 · Joined: 30 Oct 2006 Posts: 216 Location: Japan

I didn't see this myself but, during my time in Saudi some students showed me photos on their mobile phones of a teacher teaching a class stark, bollock naked.

It seems that he wanted to resign but his employer refused to release him or return his passport. So, our gallant hero stripped off and taught all his classes in the buff until his employer agreed to release him.

Quite quickly, I imagine.

soapdodger · Joined: 19 Apr 2007 Posts: 203

I could write a book on freaks in EFL, but two come to mind.

One guy, who had actually had a spell in mental hospital and was very kindly reemployed by the UK school he'd worked for before cracked up again. Teaching a class of mature German students Old Macdonald ( for God's sake...) and dissatisfied at their lack of enthusiasm he ended up screaming "Moo,Moo, you're a cow! Come on! Mooo!" Quite a sight.

A while ago a group of Polish students had the exciting experience of having their Australian teacher arrested before their eyes.....for murdering his landlord in London. Charming.

Aussie Chick · Joined: 17 May 2007 Posts: 104 Location: Australia

biffinbridge · Joined: 05 May 2003 Posts: 701 Location: Frank's Wild Years

I remember observing a guy in Warsaw many moons ago who held up a flash card in full view of his students proclaiming that he was 'having a nightmare'.Funnily enough he turned up at QAC many years later.

Nutmegger · Joined: 16 Jul 2007 Posts: 12 Location: NOYB

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2007 8:20 pm Post subject:

BUt let's be honest here- there are a lot of qualified, experienced teachers on this board, who I have every reason to believe are GOOD teachers....

And yet, haven't you ever come close to the edge? A little too close to the ragged edge of insanity? FLipped out a bit?

It happens...

Best,
Justin

Jetgirly · Joined: 17 Jul 2004 Posts: 741

I don't flip out at work.