Favorite Subject to Teach?

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Which class are you enjoying the most? Are the learners really engaged? These questions from a dear friend made me really think. I responded something like this and then decided it would be a good blog post.

The kids are starting to engage. Historically, the culture in Namibia was for learners to be seen and not heard, especially black learners during apartheid. Part of our mission is to teach learner-centered lessons. There are national syllabi for every grade and subject which specify a learner-centered approach, development of critical thinking, no corporal punishment. However, many teachers are only used to chalk and talk with minimal interaction with learners, they teach by rote, not developing critical thinking, and use corporal punishment. I witnessed corporal punishment during training such as mild spanking but lots of intimidation with rubber hoses, etc. My school is somewhat better since we stick to the policies and have a discipline system. Some teachers use learner centered techniques, but many don’t. Anyway, the learners don’t readily talk, unless they are misbehaving, but they are coming around.

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It’s hard for me to say which class I like best. I like11th grade Math since many are very independent. I gave them the schedule and answer guide, so they work on their own or in small groups and ask for help as needed. If there’s a consistent problem, then I demonstrate it to the class. Music is my classroom management for them. I play it when they behave and turn it off otherwise. I try to be proactive in seeking those who need help but may not ask for it. I ask them to show me their work and it often leads to questions and then I can help them.

The grade 8&9 physical science classes are good too. The 8th graders need much guidance on developing study skills since they have been spoon-fed for so long. They were told explicitly what to write and put in their notebooks. I want them to do this independently, but they usually write nothing unless I say “write this down”. The 9th graders seem to enjoy having some independence with me and they especially like math riddles or logic games.

The computer studies learners want to start learning applications or writing programs. This first term is strictly theory, including the history of computing, how binary code is used, computer components, hardware and software, operating system software vs application software. They get antsy, but they are also eager to learn.

Art can be a lot of fun, but each class seems to have someone (or 2 or 3) that could care less. It’s not a promotional subject, meaning they can fail without any penalty, and the bad attitude can influence others. I try to keep it fun and explain how these things can enrich their lives, to make life more fun and enjoyable.

Classroom management and developing engaging lesson plans are the hardest things. I wish I could develop a system that would be effective all the time, with all the grades and with all the subjects. So far, it’s been one thing works with these kids today but not tomorrow or it works for the 8^th graders but not the 9^th graders. I am constantly seeking a solution that works for all which probably does not even exist. It gets exhausting and then I think I am trying too hard. I will keep working on it and by the time my 2 years of service are complete, maybe I will have it all figured out.

All for now with all my love