Practical English Writing: An EFL Composition Course Assignment #23: Independent Writing Projects [MC]

In the Teacher's Shoes
by Julia Yai

O   R   I   G   I   N   A   L

I found a part-time job recently. Suddenly, I became a English teacher. I have six students in my class. They are about twelve years old. On the first day, when I entered the class, they all stared at me. A student said "she looks like a student." I knew that I didn't look like a teacher a bit because I am short. It felt like a nightmare to have some students taller than me. I must introduce myself to them, a group of imps. I told myself "All right, go ahead. You can do it well". I just kept teaching. Soon, they felt bored. They began to pay no attention to me. Oh, I got into trouble. Although I wore a smile, a bad feeling swarmed in my heart. At last, I finished my job in that day.
Riding my motorcycle back home, I was in a bad mood. I really hated those students. First time, I found that I have been ever such kind student. My teacher was so poor. I didn't eat or talk in my class. I didn't pay attention to my teacher, either. I realized that how great my teachers were. Since I became a teacher, I learned to respect my teacher. The most important thing is that teachers can't help us if we don't have thirst for knowledge.
Although teaching is a difficult job for me, I won't regret accepting it. I will try to overcome it. My difficulty is how to teach in an entertaining way and how to help students enjoy leaning English. Now I have learned to use some interesting things to attract their attention. Today, I taught a new word "in" I put a sheet of tissue in a slipper. Finally, they laughed loudly. I also felt happy, but I know that I should learn more about English teaching.

1. Did the school that hired you provide any kind of teacher training?

2. Have all of your previous teachers been poor?

3. Since starting your job, has your attitude towards all of your teachers change?

4. Can you think of any ways to use the word "I" less often in this essay?

5. Are there any English mistakes in this essay worth pointing out?

I found a part-time job recently as an English teacher for some twelve year olds. On the first day when I entered class they all stared at me and one student said, "she looks like a student." Being only 150 cm., perhaps I did not fit their image of a teacher. Since one student was taller than me, it took courage to introduce myself. Despite some trepidation, I kept teaching. Eventually the students felt bored and ignored me. The class became a nightmare. My smile did not conceal my anger. Somehow I managed to finish class.
Riding back home, I was in a bad mood and cursed each of the students inside. For the first time, I realized that I was once like them. My teachers were also poor. As a student, I didn't talk in class or pay attention to them, either. I came to see how difficult teaching is. Since becoming a teacher, my respect for those who undertake this task has grown. I also realize that teachers can't help us if we don't have thirst for knowledge.
Although teaching is difficult, I don't regret accepting this position and will try to overcome all difficulties. I am trying to teach in a more entertaining way so students will enjoy leaning. I have learned a few techniques to attract their attention. For example, today I taught the word "in" by putting a sheet of tissue in a slipper. The students laughed loudly and I felt happy. There is a lot to learn about being a good teacher.

- Practical English Writing Homepage -
Copyright (c) 1999, 2002 by Julia Yai and Tim Newfields. All rights reserved.
www.tnewfields.info/write/23teacher.htm
Updated 19 February 2002