Fourth Journal

A Case of Disappointment

In the present week I felt a little bit disappointed. Despite almost everything was going great and I was successfully achieving my goals, I had a regrettable event.  Student were supposed to bring to class a poster that they were going to use for their presentations about a certain topic. It was the same class that my practicum advisor was going to observe the way I was conducting the classes. I started the class normally, greeting students and asking them how their day was going on. Then, I asked students to start their presentations, and surprisingly many students did not bring their homework.

Even if it is not the teacher´s mistake, I felt a little bit embarrassed and I was mad at them. I immediately talk to them about it, and tell them that they have to be responsible if they want to achieve their goals not only in the education field, but in their lives. Students were embarrassed and some of them exposed their point of view. Finally, we reached the agreement of being as responsible as possible because it was beneficial for students and teachers. I felt a little bit sad since my practicum advisor was there, and she evidenced it. Even if it was not my fault, I felt embarrassed. Nevertheless, my practicum advisor made a good report based on the class observation. She pointed out that the teacher´s reaction towards the event was good and that responsibility needs to be encouraged.

Aside from the past event, I felt the classes were active. I feel that I am more secure and this is a good advantage because students can feel when the teacher is shy and insecure. It is never good to let them know that you are not sure about what you are talking because they can take advantage of it and create a rough environment against you. For this reason, it is recommendable to show self-confidence while conducting your classes at any time. Even if you do not know very much about a certain topic, you have to give your speech showing self-confidence.

Regarding the students who seemed to have drugs abuse problems, it is worrying that they did not attend to classes this week. I asked the technician instructor about them, and he told me that he already sent those students an e-mail. I will be attentive to their current situation because it would be terrible that they leave the school so early due to sad issues such us drugs consumption.

On the other hand, it seems that students are getting used to the English sounds. Last week, students told me that they did not understand in some cases when I used to speak a little bit fast. I let them know that they can ask me to speak slowly when they think it is appropriate. From the very beginning, I have tried to integrate the English language as possible. I try to talk in English at all times and as much as possible. In some cases when giving instructions, I can tell that they do not get the main idea of my speech. When I notice it, I try to use different techniques such as body language and gestures. I think it is good to elicit meaning without using the mother tongue.