If you have yet to create a picture of the strict school I work at here should be the topper. Let me just clarify up front they are NOT strict with the teachers. It is so laid back I almost have to laugh, well laid back all except for the no vacation part.
The students on the other hand do not get the same pleasure. They are confined to campus Monday – Friday and not just to campus during their free time. To prevent any possible breakouts, each evening from 7:00 – 9:20pm they are confined to their classroom. They can do what ever they like within the classroom they just have to remain there.
Then once they are released they have 20min to get back to their dorms for lock-up. And I thought a 12:00am apartment curfew was a pain, 9:40, really!?!
Any way to ease some pain I’ve brought my DVD player a few times and let them watch some films. Unfortunately the class across the hall who I also teach found out about movie nights so they want in to now. Not really quite sure off far my one DVD player can stretch. So I’ve come up with a new trick, a class will have to earn movie nights. Oh the power of being a teacher or I should say a foreign teacher with a much coveted DVD PLAYER!!! hahaha. I think I will see an increase in lets see, homework, class participation oh and what else did I mention to them, ah that’s right practice! I have made the rule that if they are going to watch a movie it must be in English with English subtitles. No CHINESE is a rule I stick to in the classroom, during or after class time.
Bond...James Bond. Casino Royale movie night.
My favorite class on the other hand already do all of the above and thus don’t really need the motivation just the treat! The first evening I put the movie up for a vote, the girls out numbering the boys 1:6, the chick-flick won by a landslide. I did learn some movies just aren’t that funny when you are trying to just understand the dialogue and not focusing on the subtle jokes, New in Town for example. I decided to give the boys a chance second round and suggested a Bond film, at least there is something in it for the girls right? (Come to find out Daniel Craig just doesn’t cut it for Asian chicks)
Let me let you in on a little hint as to why this is my favorite class. After showing a film I always have two or three students come up to me with a word they copied down asking for a definition. See, movie nights can be educational, even if it is only the slang they pick up such as ain’t and gonna.
It has become a relaxing way to spend the evening, I take journals to grade and just sit in the back. I’ve been given an open invitation to spend my evenings with them with or without the DVD player.
Nice writing style. I look forward to reading more in the future.
hey – try a cartoon. universal appeal of gags and jokes…mixed with more fundamental english. nothing too kiddie though. by the way – you’re too amazing…above and beyond as per usual. bb