Waking up to an alarm was much easier this morning for the two 50-something year old TEFL students. Both feeling it won’t take long for them to get into a routine for their TEFL training, late night assignments included.
Their 2nd day was very interesting. Most of the lesson was conducted in “Italian”. Kathryn (instructor) only spoke Italian proving to the class that by modeling out, using body language, expression and an organized lesson plan, that one could keep all students engaged and get them to follow instruction even though there was no understanding of the language in which the lesson was being taught.
From the warm up, to the actual lesson using Italian words of expression, to all the relating activities and games, (all in Italian), yet keeping everyone completely engaged and actively participating in the lesson. It was very informative and a real confident booster to see how well you can teach a class even if the entire class has no idea what you are saying.
All the students left the class today knowing various Italian words of expression and also various other words that were used repetitively throughout the lesson.
Students were given assignments in preparation for tomorrow’s lesson which is on Thailand culture.
Richard and Mandy’s assignment tonight, the Thailand “wai”. The “wai” is Thailand’s warmest greeting gesture. It is one of the most, if not the most beautiful way of acknowledging a person. Done well and gracefully, the one being “waied to” cannot help but feel that certain warmness from the person “wai-ing”. The “wai” is used for several reasons. To express a hearty “welcome” or “hello”, to recognize someone of a higher standing or status or as a sign of respect to an elder or a person of high authority. It is impolite not to acknowledge or return a “wai” greeting. To “wai” one puts your palms together and holds your hands close to your heart. As westerners, it is important to do the “wai” correctly and goes a long way to being respected if one does a “wai” to an elder or a person of higher status. Westerners must however not “wai” to a person first, who is occupationally inferior to themselves. For example, never “wai” first to a waiter, taxi driver, tailor, vendor or domestic workers and hotel cleaners even if the person is older than you. (Not to anyone providing a service for which you are paying).
Richard and Mandy found their assignment very interesting and are looking forward to learning more about the Thailand culture tomorrow.
With the TEFL course now in full swing and with various assignments to be completed daily, blog entries might not be done on a daily basis but there will definitely be regular updates for all their readers.
The day has come to an end with a down pour of refreshing rain. Richard is fast asleep (TEFL class and completed assignment taking its toll) and Mandy now ready for a nice cup of coffee and her new book, All by Myself, ALONE by Mary Higgins Clark. (very fitting).