This week class started up again at Chung-ang (CAU) and there are a number of changes that I need to remark on to explain the teaching conditions I will be facing this semester. The first is the change in the number of students per class, which has jumped up quite a bit. Second, there have been changes to the testing which will require a change in the material I focus on. Finally, I have to remark on some the changes I will make to my teaching based on my experience last quarter and the classes at SMU.
Last week we had the usual dreadful department where the faculty was informed of all the changes that were made without any input from them. For the most part, the problems faced are due to the need to cut tuition, and all cuts in tuition necessarily affect the budget, so we have to do just as much with less funding. The solution for the English instruction department seems to have been a mix of attrition and increased enrollment - a deadly mix.
The practical impact of these changes is that the class size is larger. Classes were previously capped at 25, but now they have been increased to 30. This semester there is no class larger than 28, but already I have noticed a difference , especially since I never had a class above 20 before and the class I had in the winter was only about 12 students on any given day. This presents a number of new problems and challenges.
One of the problems turns out to be spatial. There just isn't enough room for everyone in the classroom. This is true even after I send late students to empty classrooms to poach empty desks (I hope this doesn't become a major problem throughout the semester). The classroom I taught in today (all three of my classes are in the same room, back to back to back) has already taken on the appearance of a jetliner. The four rows of seats have become two as desks are now pushed together with one of the desks against the wall. And just like a jet plane there is little leg room and the aisle is just wide enough to push a drink cart down. This also makes it difficult to see everyone so I often move around a bit and even stand on my tip toes to see the students in the back.
The lack of space has been a challenge for getting everyone involved in group work. I tried to make the students do introductions today and found that they needed very structured directions to be able to meet people is the small bit of space. Although this worked, it was very cramped and I had difficulty meeting with each group. There was another issue that became obvious once they all started working - 28 kids talking at one time is loud.
Aside from the spatial problems I have a few worries about the sheer numbers that I will be reflecting on as the semester proceeds. The first is remembering names. I am horrible at it and more students equals more problems. I have had them make nameplates and I refer to them in class often, but the structure makes it difficult to see them. The second is the speaking test at midterm and finals. The test is a one-on-one test that takes about 7 minutes per student. I now have two 75 minute periods to conduct almost 200 minutes of testing. This also leads to the other issue discussed last week.
CAU is moving to a standardized test format for the spoken and written tests. These tests will be based almost entirely on the book (note: The book is Northstar and it is my personal nemesis. There is no part of it I do not hate.) so teachers must teach the entire book thoroughly. This attitude makes me sick and fills me with dread, but I have formulated a few reponses.
Based on my previous experience and the class at SMU I have thought about a couple changes I need to make to the class. The first is a greater focus on conversation and practical discussion. In this regard the book is worthless and merely an obstacle to be overcome. I'll try to include more realistc language and common usage in the lessons and exercises. I'll also shape content to useful matters - the writing assignment will be on how to write an email, something I they need to get better at and which they will probably actually do.
As a final note, I must find a way to write less here in the future...
What a nightmare! I guess the elevator attitude goes for classes- there's always room for more no matter how much pushing is involved. If you make a seating plan, you will have all of the students names on a piece of paper in front of you so you don't need the hassle of name tags. Soon, you'll have most of the names memorized too.
ReplyDeleteNightmare indeed, but not unusual. You may well be getting a better job within the year, though, so "fighting" as they say here in Konglish.
ReplyDelete1. Tried stacking the desks or sitting on them, or standing on them? All ways to make more space or see more people. Seriously... 2. You could have a lot of fun with English while getting them to take pictures of each other for you... others have talked about photos this week. 3. Northstar -- I remember it well. You could have it SO much worse in that regard. Let me show you MY book one day.
Thanks for the advice. I considered the seating chart but will do without it since I like giving them some autonomy. They seem to select based on their own interest level, so they sit is a good indicator of enthusiasm for that day. For me that information is important.
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