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