Today was brilliant, just in terms of bringing all classes to rapt attention, and a high degree of work and co-operation. I made some sticker reward pages, and handed out stickers for good performances. I did the same at my previous school and I guess didn't give it much thought at this school until now. A lot of teachers have told me they don't think giving a reward/incentive is useful but I believe it is. Some believe it distracts from the actual lesson, but if the kids are wondering what they are doing in your classroom, then you're done before you've started. So unless your charm is world class, I think it's running the gauntlet to be the only one in the room who is getting something (example a paycheck) for being there.
If you look at the games and stuff kids are playing with in this country - the cards and paper disks that they are always playing with, interesting stickers easily slot into that some 'collection' motive.
Almost without exception, students responded to questions, with vigor and enthusiasm. Even in my last class, two of my worst students fell over themselves to get their class assignments done.
I bought a Spiderman T-shirt in Lotte, then went to KFC for dinner. It's not something I usually do. Went for a long walk in the park after that. Came back via the huge construction site which is just behind my building. They are building a huge mall complex for a hotel and a CGV IMAX theatre. Will be great to have facilities like those, brand spanking new, on my doorstep.
One of the teachers at school suggested we collaborate on a book about 'broken English', the mistakes Koreans often make. I'm eager to get involved in something like that.
Someone else suggested that I should focus on getting involved in documentary filmmaking. Now that's something I would love to do.
The director did not emerge from wherever he is hiding today either.
The weather here continues to grow warmer and sweatier, but it is green and the sky today, blue.
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