English lesson # 3

The computer problem had been solved: I had not known how to turn on the screen : -)… Today only 11 students showed up, so the lesson was quiet.

Today’s topic was on guiding. I shared some of my experiences about guiding in Egypt: what the clientele was like, what kind of excursions the tour leaders led (marathon length) and how the passive tense was used in guiding in certain destinations, e.g. in the organic oil factory.

The students read a text about being a good guide and completed two exercises. Then we studied guiding language and passive tense, and there was more exercises. Finally the students wrote a short guiding script using passive and other typical guiding structures and the speeches were read out loud.

I feel that I have developed as a teacher now that I have gained some routine. I feel more natural around the students and maintain a contact with them by asking them things that make them part of the lesson, for example, if anyone has been to Egypt and what did they do there. I believe I am learning to use my authority more without thinking what the students are thinking about me, e.g. when the students get noisy or start chatting about other topics.

I already feel confident about using Moodle and the document camera. Just 2 lessons ago I was not sure if I could get it running. I remember to lower the text or transparency so that they students can follow what is shown on the overhead projector.

I also had a nice chat with one of the students after the lesson. She has dyslexia and she was apologizing for being so slow and not completing the exercises in the given time. (I wait that at least most student are ready, depending on how much time we have available). I encouraged her for being brave and always making an effort – she is the most active student in the class. I told her of my relative who has the same background and how he improved his linguistic skills a lot in working practice abroad. Overall, it was  a good lesson.