Monday, October 18, 2010
Started shaping my teacher identity! :)
I feel great doing what I love, helping these students. I even like the way they refer to me, it's so respectful, they always ask "Miss could you please help me with this?" I get really exciting when I heard those words because they don't speak English and always want to speak Spanish so I tell them that if they don't ask me in English for help, then I won't help, and even though that's not true, they believed in my words. I really want to make a difference and help them and by encouraging them to speak English is a great way to help because that's the first thing they have to learn in order to do their homework. It's like starting shaping my teacher identity. They also called me "Profe" which is the short name for professor, but in Spanish because that's what they speak. Another thing that really show them that they need to respect me is the way I dress. In the Dominican culture an office attitude person, the way they dress, is really important and therefore you need to respect them.
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Very good point about dress: what is professional dress and how do you relate this to an "office" attitude?
ReplyDeleteI like the things you do to make your students speak English! I believe that it is hard to speak another language, at first. When, I came to the US I did not feel confortable speaking English, because I felt embarrased when making mistakes. One has to come out from that shyness or fear as soon as possible, otherwise it is going to be hard to get used to the American culture. I hope your methods to make students speak English keep helping them. I make many mistakes in English, but I try to learn from them.
ReplyDeleteI also think that calling tutors and adults as Mr. or Mrs. is great, because that encourage children to be respectful. In my school children call me Mr.X,and I like that as well.
I wanted to thank you for you comment. It's a great idea. I will try to win Pepito's confidence, perhaps in that way he will listen to me more.
I have told my students to call me Mr. Hutto as well. It is a degree of separation; it is important to acknowledge the difference between student and master. If they are going to accept the knowledge that you give them as valuable, they must first accept your value as an instructor. When I was first introduced to Harry, Iggy, Jack and Larry, I did not think to introduce myself first. When I asked Larry for his name, he gave me attitude, asking "Who are you?". I had to apologize, and then introduce myself; the error was on my part. I believe I not only saved face, but earned some respect by acknowledging the mistake, and correcting it immediately. Mistakes, especially early on, are part of the fabric of learning music. There are LOTS of them. Hopefully it is an example I can set for my students. hopefully they will emulate it.
ReplyDeleteThere is a link between music and language, even though music is not a language. Music has syntax, but not grammar. There are many similarities between learning music and learning languages. I will have a close eye on yours, Saul's, and Juan-Carlos' blogs.
Great Point Saul! I still shy away from certain specific words today because I know my accent with get particularly audible with them!
ReplyDeleteMike, Your point is excellent as well about introducing yourself first. So often we forget it. However, I am not crazy about the term "Master" somehow has some colonial connotations!
i really like how you make your children speak English to you. They will learn better this way. I also feel as though you are a role model to them and that they look up to you. Im happy that you are enjoying your expierence at your placement. Can't wait to hear more!!
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