In Science class with 1C (why do so many of my funny stories come from Science classes?!) we were carrying out a science experiment. Fairly simple, fairly easy to execute - provided that the kids could pay attention to the instructions and follow the procedures :) It so happened.....that we had not one, but TWO observers in the lab. Not just any observers, but mat salleh observers Christina Hunter and Brian Clark. But theyre kind of used to observers, because for some reason almost every single time Ive been observed this year, its with this class. And theyre really good at being on their best behaviour when there are people around HA! So I gave the instructions, got them to repeat it back to me, and just to double check, I asked in Malay, Ok is everyone clear on the procedure? Student T, gives me a knowing smirk, and replies, Tak, cikgu. Takpelah ulang lagi. (No, teacher. Never mind, repeat again.) I glared at him because if anyone knows the procedures it would be him. Then he backed down, Okok, faham faham. Buat je. (Ok, I understand. Lets do it.) To be fair, I think he thought maybe that would help me somehow..... *sigh* Anyway, it was really funny to see them scuttling around in their groups and have Chrissy and Brian going over to them and asking questions. As Brian described it, when he moved over to where the kids are crowding round and asked a question in English, a curious phenomenon happened. Like a shoal of fish suddenly being dispersed, the students just scattered elsewhere. Their English isnt great, I know. But part of it is the mentality they carry. When Chrissy asked them simple questions like, What is your name? or How old are you? theyd prod one another and help each other answer. So I know they can do it if they put their mind to it. The best part however, was when a few boys who were done with their task sneaked up to me and pestered me in urgent whispers about Christinas name. Tcher! Dia macam Cristiano Ronaldo kan? Nama blakang tu Ronaldo ya? (Shes like Cristiano Ronaldo right? Last name is Ronaldo?) Cikgu, cikgu! Kenapa nama dia macam Cristiano tapi dia perempuan? (Teacher, teacher! Whys her name like Cristiano but its a she?) Teacher almost fainted. ************************************************************ Education is not just about teaching. Its also about building character, providing access to whats beyond your students everyday surroundings or what they grew up in. And sometimes its about breaking down racial and religious barriers, too, in our country that can be so divided. Will you Teach For Malaysia? Application deadline for 2015 cohort closes on 15 July, 2014! #adayinthelifeofateacher #kidssaythedarndestthings #teachformalaysia #schoolvisits #footballfever
Posted on: Thu, 10 Jul 2014 13:21:00 +0000
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