Comments on: mind your voice

By: Kevin

Kevin — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:28:52 +0000

Andrew,
You don’t know me, but I’m a patient at your father’s practice. I’ve been in education for 22 years, the last 15 as a principal after starting out as an english and special ed teacher. I have only one comment about your teaching and it’s a compliment. Your penchant for self-reflection is the one great trait for a teacher to have. Teaching is, at times anyway, a dance between the class and the leader with the curriculum providing the music. Every class is different, and sometimes the curriculum is questionable or ill-suited to the needs or at least the perceived needs of the students or the teacher. Since stopping is not an option, an ability to empathize and adapt as needed is, in my opinion, the key to maximizing learning (on the part of both students and the teacher). Those are traits you possess just based on your writing. Trust your instincts and listen to your students. They will teach you what you need to know.

By: Emily

Emily — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 04:48:27 +0000

You know me, I’m just PEACHY.

I’m beginning a mostly pointless 5th year of school- this is the last year a 5th year is required, so I am having FUN. Hopefully anyways.

No in school time yet, I find out my placement either next week or October, communication around here is terrible so maybe they won’t tell me until November, who knows?

Mildly bitter? Nooooo, not me.

Besides schooly things I AM ducky. I’m living in a LOVELY part of town this year, the beach is about 3 blocks away, so my sanity is safe

By: Andrew Pouw

Andrew Pouw — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 03:58:02 +0000

@ Erik: Yes, the other American teachers are getting ogled and giggled about, but I have a feeling that it is less native than my experience – by which I mean, the little girls and little boys will chase after them on the steps of school in curiosity, but they will keep their distance as they are a little intimidated by their exotic appeal. In my case, girls shout out of windows “I love you!” so I think it’s a bit different (strangely). Maybe it’s because I’m Chinese, but I don’t know.

@ Emmo: I have been waiting for your wisdom! I will quickly implement it and report back later this week. Thanks muchly. Hey, how are you doing yourself by the by?

By: Emily

Emily — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 18:54:00 +0000

Dear, sweet Pouw…

You’re doing just fine. Really.

The yelling was probably not the best idea but it seems to have gained you some respect/pop star status. It’s better to be a witch (or in your case warlock) and have the class under control than to be nice and have everyone going wild. Take it from someone who is WAY too nice, I have to practice glaring in the mirror, no joke.

For when you’re speaking to the kids, sometimes being quiet is just as effective as being loud. If you can project your voice at a low volume so they have to lean in to hear, or you can always to the ol’ “if you can hear me touch your nose” whisper when they’re being too loud. They may be too old for it but they’d probably find it hilarious.

For preserving your voice, doing vocal warm ups before school is a good idea, basically singing warm ups. I can be more specific if you want. Also, apple slices and room temperature water with lemon in it can save your voice midway through the day- one of my voice coaches taught me that.

When you do use your ~~sexy~~ baritone voice, remember not to use it too often or it’ll no longer become a novelty and they’ll just go “oh he’s just using the Voice again, whatever.” You need to be mysterious, keep them guessing, and that way you’ll always have their attention. To get their attention you can use your voice, musical instruments (I use a cowbell, lol, and a fairy wand that is like a tuning fork), the classroom lights, waiting/silence, the Hairy Eyeball, a loud noise (such as slamming a book shut, I have done that, and the kids thought I was a BAMF)…

Basically think of yourself as an entertainer, who happens to be very informative.

By: Erik Posch

Erik Posch — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 06:01:45 +0000

This is my favorite entry so far.

Your annoyance with the test curriculum reminds me of how high school teachers back home complained about having to teach us for the WASL. I suppose the system could be a lot worse in China since it’s so entrenched there.

Do all the English teachers get that same kind of student fan group, or do they like you in particular because you’re Chinese?
Also, I agree that this would be a great chapter in your book.

By: t.h. pouw

t.h. pouw — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 20:35:42 +0000

Don’t be so hard on yourself. If for nothing else, this episode had rattled you enough to write this most entertaining piece for us. BTW, this would be a good chapter in the book that you will eventually put together!