Hiiiii You've probably guessed by the lack of entries it has "been that kind of week". This course is insane! I was warned about how intense it is during the interview, but my goodness. It would be one thing to come home after being at school for nine hours (plus an hour each way) and not have to do more thinking, but there is at least three more hours of work to do - lesson plans, reflections, assignments (by there being FOUR it actually means 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b blah blah). I know I will pass so I am not stressed about that, but having to teach and then get feedback about it is incredibly tough, especially because you are teaching in front of peers, and we do group feedback. Yesterday someone got really chewed out in front of all of us and I think he might switch to taking the course part-time. I realize I have it best of everyone - I am so fresh out of college I am used to doing a lot of academic work and being stressed, but 4 others are 29 and 30 and are not as used to it.
Anyway, I have taught 4 times and they weren't a complete flop, but could always use room for improvement. I think my lesson yesterday was the most fun because students got to "write an email" to a friend in America, describing Istanbul. It was actually real life and not just me throwing stupid pieces of paper at them with activities to do. I didn't quite carry it out as my tutor would have liked; I reviewed the there is/are/isn't/aren't form with them and I like/don't like and they were supposed to use it in the letter but I didn't really reinforce that because I think they should write the letter in whatever form they want...Oh well. I am trying to get more used to "grading my language" (keeping my vocabulary at a level appropriate for elementary learners) and clear, concise, and slow instructions. One student came up to me and asked if I wanted to be a teacher, because he noticed how much work I put into pictures, the email template etc. I think it is things like that that keep teachers going - getting those small compliments from students that mean so much.
I have turned into one of those people that start teaching and all they talk and think about is teaching. I dream about lesson plans, I wake up and think about activities. Matt and I often walk to the metro and alllll we do is complain and gossip about students, tutors, the course, our plans, where we want to work. Ooh man I am becoming "one of those people". On a more positive note, I was looking around for jobs and the CELTA (the certificate I will get if I pass) is highly favored and I know I will find a job easily, it's just a matter of me being picky. I am glad I am taking the course because it has boosted my confidence and put me in front of the classroom - something you can only learn by doing it.
It hadn't rained for a couple days but of course now that it is the weekend it is rainy, cold, and windy. It's worth it thought - spring is so lovely here.
Ok if you made it this far through my entry, thank you for listening to me vent. Ah Sinan just brought me some tea, what a guy. I will write sometime later!
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