Teach English in Chengwuxiansunsi Zhen - Heze Shi

Discipline is something I feel that is the most challenging aspect of being a teacher. At least in my own personal opinion. To be able to juggle and have an almost eagle-like eye, to be the center of all management, that is whether personal and professional is a dauting task. Even though I do not have much experience in teaching as I only taught at a cram school for half a year, mostly in classroom sizes of 10-18 and ages from 7-12 years of age, as well as teaching on and off when I was still in the states. I can soundly say that to me teaching is the hardest profession and I have much respect for those that excel and remain in this profession for years and years. Teaching does have its rewards and that is being able to motivate and shape the student’s attitude, interest, and even values besides English. Having the experience, I had of teaching in a cram school, even for a short period of time, I realize that what attitude the teacher brings into the classroom will great impact as well as set the flow of the class. Being dull and monotone is no way for students to be motivated, especially the younger ones who have so much energy to expel, they might as well stay home and sleep. It is easier to maintain a firm yet fair demeanor in the first classes to set the flow in stone, than it is to gain lost control. Rather be firm and authoritative in the beginning then gradually loosen control as you become more familiar with the students. There are many rules that one must follow, such as being consistent, doing what you say you will as one way to maintain control and being fair to all students. Of course, to a new teacher, this is easier said than done and I can attest to this having experienced unruly and very active kids. However, in amidst of all the chaos, I grew to love being able to converse with the students in English and to know about them, even the small details. It is very interesting to know how a student feels as this is where you can use that knowledge to tailor the teaching dynamic based on how the students think and learn. It truly is rewarding to see students excel at something that you were directly involved in, being able to see the kids grow through the stages throughout the teaching career, almost like a parent being proud of all their accomplishments. During my career experience, I saw how other teachers would teach and the methods and strategies they used. I realize being a rookie that there is a method to the madness. I have always been a positive person and I try to see and adapt to any and all situations that would hinder my work ethic. I started to see how the other teachers teach and how they maintain discipline in the classroom, and I took notes. After I went home, I practiced and read the notes religiously and implemented the newfound knowledge in the next class. I spoke in a more authoritative tone as I am usually soft spoken and stood in front of the class instead of pacing back and forth in order to more easily spot any unfit behavior. I originally paced back and forth as a way for me to see if everyone is paying attention, however, it seems that standing in front is more effective and creates less movement. The kids can see me in front clearly and I can see everyone clearly as I can and will miss those in the front if I walk towards the back. Instead of calling out names, I used a number system as even though it feels less personal, the number system is again another form of control as I won’t have to be concerned about calling someone’s name wrong and can get to the important part that is teaching. Due to my positivity, I tend to see the good in the bad and one quote I follow can attest to this notion, “Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit.” -Napoleon Hill For me this quote rings true to all aspect I do in my life. Of all failures, there is often a lesson to be learned and if anything, there is often always something one can take away from the situation. In conclusion, I would say that during my teaching, I learned a lot and although having 100 percent control over a class is impossible, it can be maximized and controlled to a degree as long as one is confident, does what one will say/do, consistency and respect go a long way in developing discipline. Get to know the students more and understand their thought process and create games/activities that they can relate to and learning English would become more of a fun experience instead of a chore. Although most students I taught were forced to learn English by their parents, I tried to make learning English as enjoyable as it can be. Whether I really passed or failed that aspect I am sure of one thing and that is at least I touched/encouraged and shaped some student’s attitude towards English and that in turn will no doubt be the turning point of their continued English progression.