Teachers are powerful leaders.

In one of my earlier posts I said that I was a good teacher. I take that back. Well actually, I'd like to rephrase it. I think I have the ability to genuinely understand the heart of another person, and this makes it easier for me recognize what they're motivated by, thus teach them. But I could always be a better teacher. It's just one of those skills that can never be perfected, only strengthened. I have definitely improved as a teacher during my stay so far, and I hope to continue doing so throughout my life. Korea has put me to the test because I have to teach when I don't know the language at all. (I know a little more now, but it's still not enough to actually use during my teaching unless I'm disciplining the kids.)

So how does someone become a better teacher anyways? For one, there's spending time making a good lesson plan. If you're a teacher, I sincerely doubt that spending 20 minutes on a lesson plan will create the most effective lesson. The more time you take to plan a lesson, and create materials, the better your lesson will be. So even if you can create an amazing lesson in 20 minutes, it'll probably be even more valuable if you spent 40 minutes on it. ;)

Other than the more obvious "work harder" advice which goes for all skills, having an open mind is really important. If students are putting in the effort, don't blame them for not understanding a concept. Be flexible in your methods of teaching, and have patience. Be able to take criticism, but be confident in what works for you. All teachers are different. Don't limit your view of teaching as something that's a personal skill you take pride in, but a skill that can be utilized for the "greater good" (end purpose which is passing on knowledge). So that means, help other teachers, and share your ideas with others. What has worked? What hasn't worked? I love talking to other teachers about lesson plans honestly. 8) Teachers are powerful leaders.

Not sure if I've mentioned this yet, but in my free time I've been volunteering to teach soldiers, and it's been great! In Korea, males are required to complete 2 years of military service (usually during the university age) and they are placed in different branches. It's not uncommon to see soldiers walking around everywhere in Korea. (No worries, I usually don't see them carrying guns.) At first, I was a bit awed by this and stare at the military trucks. But now I'm completely unfazed. I've even forgotten that this isn't as common of a sight in the States. So the students I teach in particular, are placed in the police department and completing police officer duty. Since I'm doing this voluntarily, they're really flexible with my schedule, and I usually teach around 2 hours per week. Teaching adults is so different, and very fun! The games I can play are more complex and I can actually be a part of them as well. We've played games such as hot seat, alibi, taboo, charades, tongue twisters etc. I teach them about grammar, pronunciation, and help them speak English more "naturally". It mostly serves as a conversation class, and sometimes it feels like I'm just hanging out with my friends.

I honestly don't know who I like teaching better at this point. Kids, or adults. On one hand, I can teach the kids a variety of material and have tons of fun with them. And on the other hand, adults don't need disciplining. They're in class because they want to be. That makes a huge difference.

Well I have to go plan my Halloween lessons for tomorrow now. :) We're going to have some spOoOoky fun! Hopefully, I feel motivated enough to write here more often. I've realized that I can't document every part of my journey, so you'll have to settle for my momentary thoughts.

I hope that you're having a happy week!
Love,
Anisha