Therapy

What does it take to be a teacher? Knowledge, creativity, charisma, of course. But these three attributes can only get you so far. In my brief and limited experience, I have found that teaching, in some ways, is an ever-running series of encounters that require perserverence on the part of both teacher and pupil. There are some days when I feel like I am constantly faced with a decision of whether to summon the virtues(patience especially) or succumb to the mayhem and throw a chair(or a student) out the window. And I am sure that it must be equally frustrating for the students as well, as I bark orders and speak a languge that most can hardly undersand. It is important for me to remember what it is like to learn a foreign language, especially from a teacher who can only speak that language and not my own. During orientation/training, one of our instructors came in and gave us a lesson in German, not speaking a word of English. This was humbling, but we were yet to teach any classes. I think we would appreciate it much more now, or at least I think it would remind us of what our students face every day. Also, I should always remember what it is like to be a student, to be on the other side of authority.  It has always been difficult for me to see things from others perspectives, especially in the midst of personal frustration and mental anguish. When I am not succeeding at something, I want to figure out why I am not succeeding. I hardly ever look at my actions and question my own effectiveness. This kind of attitude is a killer in my line of work. Teaching is trial and error, figuring out what works and sticking to it. How can I best explain to a group of 50 students that I want them to a)get into groups of 4, b)use 1 sheet of paper for the whole group, and c) write down 4 places, one for each student, that they want to travel to? How can I explain to my students that I want them to show me what basketball is, or shopping, or art. I can usually tell when they understand what I am asking them to do, but sometimes they will act as if they understand when they do not. Or, simply and plainly, they do not understand at all. This can be maddening, but I must think of things from their point of view, just as I am equally perplexed when Thai vendors try to make conversation that I am unfamiliar with. There's a lot of nodding, and "okays" or "kraps(thai "ok") but not much comprehension. If something is clearly not working, then try something different. This maxim applies to many things(obviously or it wouldn't be a maxim). It is not always fun cutting your losses, but if you don't realize that something's not working then things will just get worse and worse until you go insane. Patience and empathy are absolutely essential if you want to have any success as a teacher.

1 Update and Some Sad News

For those of you who do not know, I have decided to extend my stay here and teach another semester. Five Months just isn't long enough, but ten months will be more than enough, I'm thinking. I will miss all of college basketball and Christmas, and some of you as well.

On a more depressing note, one of my students, Supatcha, was killed a few days ago in a fire caused by a gas leak in her home. She was 17 years old. Many teachers and students are devastated, as Supatcha was held in the highest affection of her peers and mentors. This has been yet another cultural eye opener for me, observing the grieving process of the Thai people and their obsequies. When someone dies in Thailand, the funeral lasts anywhere from 3-5 days. Her body will be cremated tonight, the fifth and final night of observance.

Supatcha was not the only one killed in the explosion. Her mother and sister were as well, and her father was away on business. Please keep this man in your thoughts and prayers.