Practicum Observation

Trip Start Apr 14, 2006
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Trip End Jul 2008


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Flag of Bulgaria  ,
Tuesday, May 9, 2006

So today I was observed be the head TEFL trainer, Iskra. I had to make out a lesson plan ahead of time and give it to Iskra, and then she watched me teach 7th grade. We learned about American money and then did role plays in a 'shop,' buying food (flashcards that I have) using some money that I brought from home. I have to say Peace Corps has helped me out a lot with lesson planning; they taught us to have 3 stages: Presentation, Practice and Production. I won't bore you with the details. Anyway it's not difficult stuff, but it really makes sense and makes my lessons flow together, and makes me think of more interesting ways to challenge the kids. So after my class I met with Iskra, and I was really happy that she gave me really good feedback on my lesson, and on my classroom management. I definitely learned my classroom management from teaching in Spain. Most important is having a strong presence. I don't tolerating any whispering, don't let people answer for their friends, and I involving everyone, especially the slower students. I learned from experience that you gotta be strict (even a bitch if you have to) on day one, and then ease up with time. It doesn't work the other way around. With Iskra I also got to talk about some of my frusterations with the school here in Kocherinovo, basically that we've received mixed messages about what to teach, we're not always informed about the ability of our students, and just generally been confused. I am really hoping and expecting that my permanent site will be better. First of all, I'll have the same classes all year so I'll have a better idea of what's going on. Secondly, the counterparts are often highly motivated; I mean they have to be in order to secure a PCV for their school. That's the theory anyway, I'll see if it works out in practice.

As I was walking home today one of my 7th grade students passed me on my bike and said 'hello Ms. Zell.' It was so cute. Kids speak English to me all the time, including ones who aren't my students (mostly hello and how are you,) but this was the first time one called me by name.

And on a side note, there is a hilarious version of Deal or No Deal here in Bulgaria. I'm watching it at home as I make this entry. It's the low budget version, in a sparse studio, and has shoeboxes painted blue instead of metal briefcases. The host is really annoying (and I can't even understand what he's saying) and the guests, the girls with and shoeboxes and the people in the audience just look like they walked in off the street. I didn't think that show could get any worse. It's amazing.

OK I wasn't watching Deal or No Deal for a minute and when I looked up the host is now measuring the girls' breasts with a measuring tape. I don't know why, and Dessi says she doesn't know either. I don't know whats going on.

This might be a good time to mention that in many ways this is not the stereotypical peace corps experience. Yes my family has a TV - they even have a DVD player. On the other hand at 7:30 or so every night herds of sheep and goats come down our street on their way back from grazing. You'll remember from my last entry that 2 of them belong to Baba Fima. She also has a pig. Bulgaria is a really interesting country - it's changing so fast, so you get the new right next to the old. Cell phones are everywhere, but so are horse and carts being used as the primary mode of transportation. And my practicum is really showing me the need for TEFL volunteers here - there is such a high demand and little supply. So basically I think I'm really lucky that I get to live in such a different place, but still have modern conveniences like internet every couple weeks (and probably all the time at my permanent site,) and hot water - our water hasn't been turned off yet, knock on wood.
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