Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Friday, July 4, 2008
The Last Post
As the trumpet plays its soulful song and the sun sets, it is true to say I have completed my contract in South America.
(1) So what did I learn. (2) What did I teach. (3) What would I do differently. (4) Is Colombia as bad as its portrayed!
(1) I learned that I need to ensure I am not over estimating the students ability level. The projects I did this year were good, and challenged the students both at grade 6 and 8 but the time scale for the main projects took too long to work through due to the fact the kids were adapting to such a steep learning curve. I also learned that if you don't understand the start of any lesson or in my case conversation you find it very difficult to associate ideas and follow the rest of the conversation or lesson. This probably applies to a lot of the pupils who are disinterested in classes through out the world. Somewhere in their education they have missed those first few introductory words and as such can no no longer associate the ideas and information they are being given no matter how simple we as teachers think we are making it.
(2) I would like to think that I taught the kids in my classes the ways to approach researching and then analysing information, presenting it and thinking about it. About how to solve problems and that the first idea is not always the best idea, and how to work as part of a team working together to produce a result. I did not teach any kids how to saw a piece of wood as a skill but I did encourage the students to be adaptive and creative and to question their ideas and improve them.
(3) One thing I found frustrating this year was the lack of decent equipment and materials, in truth we had a very basic set up which limits the ability to encourage depth of creativity. Had I known how limited we would be this last year I would have pushed for more materials and equipment at the start. Technology departments can be run on minimal materials but you need to plan for that from the start and organise projects to meet the facilities available from an early stage not live on possible promises or hopes that dont then appear. Year two should increase the budget to ensure you can build on the first years start point. Cutting the budget should be a definite no no.
(4) I have lived and walked the northern part of Bogota, classed as one of the 5 most dangerous cities in the world for the last 11 months. It has been an outstanding experience. It has opened my eyes to the vastness of the gap between those who have money and those who don't. It has shown me how warm and friendly all Colombians I met are, from the lady who cleaned my classroom and the local burger stall lady up to the director of administration at the school. everyone has been so nice and supportive and full of advice about where to go and where not to go. In truth Bogota is a big city but is no different from London, Cairo, Madrid or Paris, as long as you apply common sense street awareness. The pollution in Bogota is bad though, there is no obvious control on emissions as such the air can at times have a very noticeable oily taste and its not unusual to see residents using face masks as they walk about. Although there were times I felt it was quite bad most of the time it was bearable.. just. I guess the big question is would I go back if an opportunity arose and the answer is an unequivical yes. The standard of living is less the weather is pleasant and the life style is much more relaxed. I did not get to see the many things I thought I wanted to before going out but I did see many things I hadn't thought I would and it does leave me an excuse to return one day should the opportunity and funds allow for it.
I would like to thank everyone that supported and helped me during my time in Colombia, especially Dave the Aussie Maths Teacher who is a straight up honest guy and one person I hope to meet again - Thanks Dave, not forgetting Chris and Camilo who are also great guys good luck in your new jobs guys. But very special thanks go to 4 ladies who kept me safe, organised and ensured I didn't struggle. Thank you Gloria and Martha, two Colombian primary teachers and Valerie an English primary teacher who all went out of their way to ensure I felt settled and comfortable in Bogota and who will always stay very close friends.
Finally thanks need to go to Diana my colleague and fellow technology teacher in Bogota who kept me smiling at work and was always able to solve any problems I had with Colombian Red Tape, without doubt Diana made my Colombia adventure possible and I cannot think how it would have been without her support both in and out of the work experience. Diana if you ever need anything and its in my power to provide it you know you will get it. Thank you.
This is the end of the Colombian Blog.
In August I will be starting a new Blog on a weekly basis called "A Man in Amman - Technology Teacher 2008-2009" I hope those who have enjoyed my ramblings will drop in on the new blog to see what differences there are between teaching in Colombia and teaching in Jordan.
So for the final time Chao Mis Amigos Hasta Pronto.... Steve
(1) So what did I learn. (2) What did I teach. (3) What would I do differently. (4) Is Colombia as bad as its portrayed!
(1) I learned that I need to ensure I am not over estimating the students ability level. The projects I did this year were good, and challenged the students both at grade 6 and 8 but the time scale for the main projects took too long to work through due to the fact the kids were adapting to such a steep learning curve. I also learned that if you don't understand the start of any lesson or in my case conversation you find it very difficult to associate ideas and follow the rest of the conversation or lesson. This probably applies to a lot of the pupils who are disinterested in classes through out the world. Somewhere in their education they have missed those first few introductory words and as such can no no longer associate the ideas and information they are being given no matter how simple we as teachers think we are making it.
(2) I would like to think that I taught the kids in my classes the ways to approach researching and then analysing information, presenting it and thinking about it. About how to solve problems and that the first idea is not always the best idea, and how to work as part of a team working together to produce a result. I did not teach any kids how to saw a piece of wood as a skill but I did encourage the students to be adaptive and creative and to question their ideas and improve them.
(3) One thing I found frustrating this year was the lack of decent equipment and materials, in truth we had a very basic set up which limits the ability to encourage depth of creativity. Had I known how limited we would be this last year I would have pushed for more materials and equipment at the start. Technology departments can be run on minimal materials but you need to plan for that from the start and organise projects to meet the facilities available from an early stage not live on possible promises or hopes that dont then appear. Year two should increase the budget to ensure you can build on the first years start point. Cutting the budget should be a definite no no.
(4) I have lived and walked the northern part of Bogota, classed as one of the 5 most dangerous cities in the world for the last 11 months. It has been an outstanding experience. It has opened my eyes to the vastness of the gap between those who have money and those who don't. It has shown me how warm and friendly all Colombians I met are, from the lady who cleaned my classroom and the local burger stall lady up to the director of administration at the school. everyone has been so nice and supportive and full of advice about where to go and where not to go. In truth Bogota is a big city but is no different from London, Cairo, Madrid or Paris, as long as you apply common sense street awareness. The pollution in Bogota is bad though, there is no obvious control on emissions as such the air can at times have a very noticeable oily taste and its not unusual to see residents using face masks as they walk about. Although there were times I felt it was quite bad most of the time it was bearable.. just. I guess the big question is would I go back if an opportunity arose and the answer is an unequivical yes. The standard of living is less the weather is pleasant and the life style is much more relaxed. I did not get to see the many things I thought I wanted to before going out but I did see many things I hadn't thought I would and it does leave me an excuse to return one day should the opportunity and funds allow for it.
I would like to thank everyone that supported and helped me during my time in Colombia, especially Dave the Aussie Maths Teacher who is a straight up honest guy and one person I hope to meet again - Thanks Dave, not forgetting Chris and Camilo who are also great guys good luck in your new jobs guys. But very special thanks go to 4 ladies who kept me safe, organised and ensured I didn't struggle. Thank you Gloria and Martha, two Colombian primary teachers and Valerie an English primary teacher who all went out of their way to ensure I felt settled and comfortable in Bogota and who will always stay very close friends.
Finally thanks need to go to Diana my colleague and fellow technology teacher in Bogota who kept me smiling at work and was always able to solve any problems I had with Colombian Red Tape, without doubt Diana made my Colombia adventure possible and I cannot think how it would have been without her support both in and out of the work experience. Diana if you ever need anything and its in my power to provide it you know you will get it. Thank you.
This is the end of the Colombian Blog.
In August I will be starting a new Blog on a weekly basis called "A Man in Amman - Technology Teacher 2008-2009" I hope those who have enjoyed my ramblings will drop in on the new blog to see what differences there are between teaching in Colombia and teaching in Jordan.
So for the final time Chao Mis Amigos Hasta Pronto.... Steve
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Thank You
This will be my last but one post on the Colombia Blog .
I intend to take a few days to go over the experiences I have had and then try to produce a concise commentary on what I felt and experienced with regard to Colombian Education and Colombian Living and life styles.
It feels strange knowing I have left Bogota not to return but my time now is going to be very busy as I apply my thoughts and efforts to the next job in the Middle East. One which is going to be a far greater challenge due to the expectations I have for what I want to do next.
The big question is can I create the dream I have in mind, and will it work. Can I take technology lessons into the 21st century.... both in lesson projects but also with lesson teaching. I will have the equipment and I do have the skill but combining them to achieve 100% success is not going to be as simple as I like to make it sound.
More in my next post.
I intend to take a few days to go over the experiences I have had and then try to produce a concise commentary on what I felt and experienced with regard to Colombian Education and Colombian Living and life styles.
It feels strange knowing I have left Bogota not to return but my time now is going to be very busy as I apply my thoughts and efforts to the next job in the Middle East. One which is going to be a far greater challenge due to the expectations I have for what I want to do next.
The big question is can I create the dream I have in mind, and will it work. Can I take technology lessons into the 21st century.... both in lesson projects but also with lesson teaching. I will have the equipment and I do have the skill but combining them to achieve 100% success is not going to be as simple as I like to make it sound.
More in my next post.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Elvis has left the building
Well ok I have left the school... I am now no longer employed by the English School. I am sitting in my hotel room and I have a bath the size of a small swimming pool !!!!!!!
Needless to say today did not run smoothly from the start with the taxi turning up late to the school underpaying me. (albeit perhaps only by a little) more about this tomorrow.
So tonights plan is chill out have a lonnnnnnnng bath and drink a beer sit back and watch the TV.
Bye everyone....
Needless to say today did not run smoothly from the start with the taxi turning up late to the school underpaying me. (albeit perhaps only by a little) more about this tomorrow.
So tonights plan is chill out have a lonnnnnnnng bath and drink a beer sit back and watch the TV.
Bye everyone....
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Thursday -3
This is a quick update from school as I will have no Internet or TV in the flat tonight and will probably be taking serious withdrawl symptoms...
Since I hand back the flat to the school tomorrow I need to have all the personal items removed. Adilsa the school cleaner and maid who has helped me out over the last year is getting all the remaining items including the TV (she is bringing her son to carry it - poor soul - its heavy)
So when she leaves this evening the only things that will be left in flat will be what was in it when I arrived. Its kind of sad really. Seems like I have come full circle.
I am though contrary to feeling sad about the wee flat happy to be moving into the Hotel for the next 2 nights, only one small problem I gave the Hotel the address of where I stay the wrong way round meaning if they try to find me I have sent them almost 180 degrees in the opposite direction.!! Needless to say I am imposing on Diana to help contact the hotel later to ensure they have the address the RIGHT way round.
So there we have todays short update... Tonight I will be having an early night !! (Might be about 5.00 laughs) ok maybe not quite that early as I still have a few films downloaded on the laptop and my Ipod is fully charged up, and I do believe my fridge has a couple of beers left in it (No food but the beer is going to be cold)
Finally looking at the map of visitors I would just like to thank the person or persons who are logging in from the Canary Islands - Thank you for making one of my favourite areas in the world look as busy as Scotland and Colombia. Now if only I could find someone in Alaska or Russia in these last 3 days .....
Manyana Mis Amigos
Since I hand back the flat to the school tomorrow I need to have all the personal items removed. Adilsa the school cleaner and maid who has helped me out over the last year is getting all the remaining items including the TV (she is bringing her son to carry it - poor soul - its heavy)
So when she leaves this evening the only things that will be left in flat will be what was in it when I arrived. Its kind of sad really. Seems like I have come full circle.
I am though contrary to feeling sad about the wee flat happy to be moving into the Hotel for the next 2 nights, only one small problem I gave the Hotel the address of where I stay the wrong way round meaning if they try to find me I have sent them almost 180 degrees in the opposite direction.!! Needless to say I am imposing on Diana to help contact the hotel later to ensure they have the address the RIGHT way round.
So there we have todays short update... Tonight I will be having an early night !! (Might be about 5.00 laughs) ok maybe not quite that early as I still have a few films downloaded on the laptop and my Ipod is fully charged up, and I do believe my fridge has a couple of beers left in it (No food but the beer is going to be cold)
Finally looking at the map of visitors I would just like to thank the person or persons who are logging in from the Canary Islands - Thank you for making one of my favourite areas in the world look as busy as Scotland and Colombia. Now if only I could find someone in Alaska or Russia in these last 3 days .....
Manyana Mis Amigos
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Wednesday -4
Today started well I finally managed to get my timetable for Jordan through and its not too bad. (Certainly better than my timetable here has been.) 6 double periods of Design & Technology per week and 10 single periods of Computer Technology. So in total I teach 22 out of a possible 45 periods. Can't really complain too much at that. I will be teaching 2 classes in each grade at 8, 9 and 10 thats the equivalent of 3rd year 4th year and 5th year in the UK system. My colleague out in Jordan Denise will have 3 classes each of grade at 6 and 7, UK equivalent of 1st year and 2nd year.
Personally I think I have the better deal (I did the planning ) as I get to work with the more mature kids as well as being able to teach ICT across the complete middle years set up.
This afternoon was of course the "Quiz" totally in Spanish but due to Dianas on the spot translations I got the gist of most questions... we expected to come last but actually came equal 3rd a very good result and winning us 20,000 pesos each (£5). So my afternoon was good too. The only down side was that like everything in South America it takes forever to get things started which resulted in my still being in school at 4.45 !! unheard of. (worthwhile since we did come 3rd though)
I also received a 30,000 peso (£7) voucher from the social committee because I was leaving ! and a set of Hand Towels for having a birthday earlier this year. Only problem is I have no space to pack the hand towels so my classroom cleaner/ maid who is coming to get the remainder of the household items tomorrow night will now get 2 nice new hand towels too.
So Wednesday was in the great scheme of things a Good Day.
Manyana mis amigos
Personally I think I have the better deal (I did the planning ) as I get to work with the more mature kids as well as being able to teach ICT across the complete middle years set up.
This afternoon was of course the "Quiz" totally in Spanish but due to Dianas on the spot translations I got the gist of most questions... we expected to come last but actually came equal 3rd a very good result and winning us 20,000 pesos each (£5). So my afternoon was good too. The only down side was that like everything in South America it takes forever to get things started which resulted in my still being in school at 4.45 !! unheard of. (worthwhile since we did come 3rd though)
I also received a 30,000 peso (£7) voucher from the social committee because I was leaving ! and a set of Hand Towels for having a birthday earlier this year. Only problem is I have no space to pack the hand towels so my classroom cleaner/ maid who is coming to get the remainder of the household items tomorrow night will now get 2 nice new hand towels too.
So Wednesday was in the great scheme of things a Good Day.
Manyana mis amigos
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Tuesday -5
Without classes time seems to almost stand still. As such nothing exciting has happened, I haven't been anywhere or done anything particularly interesting or unusual.
I have really had enough of going into school and sitting in front of the computer or drinking coffee in the staff room.
Tomorrow is Wednesday tomorrows highlight is a Staff Quiz at 2.00 in the afternoon... I can almost guarantee the questions are going to be in Spanish, but then its not the winning thats important its the taking part and it is more exciting than what I have had the last 5 or so days. I just hope my team mates (Diana and Angelica can cope with my blank look and confused expression)
I was so bored that when I got home tonight I unpacked and repacked my cases, redistributing the weight more evenly. (For the record thats the 4th time I have done this in the last 12 days) - which is also how long my cases have been packed for.
More tomorrow after the Colombian version of Mastermind has taken place.
Chao
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