Ecole Pratique (September 8, 2006)

Today was the last day of Practice School. Over the three weeks, I taught two different sessions. The first was a one week period where each volunteer had two classes a day for one hour. The second period covered the remaining two weeks and classes each were two hours long. During this period, only one class was taught a day so I alternated the class I taught every day. A few observations:
· Teaching in French is a good challenge (especially when some of the kids don’t speak French). I have learned a lot of math specific vocabulary but still find myself talking in huge circles to explain things.
· Lesson planning in French takes much more time.
· Lesson planning by hand is even more time consuming.
· Classrooms without electricity. If it is dark outside due to a storm almost no one can see their paper.
· Kids are kids. Some want to be there and learn, others find school a relaxing alternative to working in the fields.
· Students have been trained to all rise when the teacher walks into the room. This annoys me to no end. Respect or a power stamp? I ended up getting to class before the students to avoid this.
· Open windows along the side of the class are good places for spectators to hang out (or for other students to check on their friends).
· Students are not used to giving their opinion or critically thinking about why they are learning a topic. The teacher is seen as the sage on the stage.
· A photocopier would be nice on test days.

My class sizes hovered around 30, with several absences a day. Life could be a little different at site if that number doubles or triples. I am looking forward to the start of the school year. Tomorrow, there is a ceremony where the top students from every class will be recognized.