esl ::: emily's so luscious

Practicum, Day One

Tonight was the first night of my practicum. The teacher, Genia, is fairly typical from what I've seen of ESL teachers around here. She was nervous, b/c she apparently expects me to know lots more than she does. I don't feel like I know much at all right now, and it doesn't help that I don't really know what to expect. I guess next week I'll do more. Tonight I just read out the words for "body-part bingo". Genia has them working from the Side-by-Side workbooks, which are okay, but they need more communicative practice. I want to work on activities that get them out of the book. They seem to be dependent on pictures, which I'd like to get away from. They need to be more active. The facility is fairly good, but limited. I noticed at least three video cameras, and lots of A.V. equipment, but Genia says we're not allowed to touch any of it. We are allowed use of the computer, but not the internet. Basically we have a whiteboard, carpet-panel walls, one computer (sans internet), and good seating with plenty of tables. I plan to ask the MPP secretary about the video equipment - hopefully I can use that to tape myself later.
The students vary from complete novice to intermediate. Seven students in all, mostly women. One student is from Korea, which is an interesting change. One student has progressed "to level two", and spends the second half of the class working on the computer. I didn't have much of a chance to get to know any of them, but I think when Genia is more comfortable, I can interview each student and do a needs analysis.
Overall, I think this will be a good experience. Maintaining balance with Genia is the key, I think. I guess it's inevitable that I learn to play well with others, or at least try to.

posted by E.M @ 11:26 PM