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| Yo! |
Name: Jill Pearson
Graduated 2013 B.A. in Spanish Education from Lee University Minors: TESOL and Religion
Home: Oregon
Random fact: I learned Spanish working in a cherry orchard
with Mexican migrant workers.
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| The seminary stairway to heaven... |
Currently in: Buenos Aires, Argentina. More specifically, I
live in Almagro, a middle class neighborhood near the city center, in a
refurbished tenement-turned-seminary. One building, four stories, 20
seminarians, and 2 bathrooms. It’s pretty cozy!
Seminary?
Yep, I live on campus at a tiny Church of God seminary. I’m
taking theology/ministry classes, and teaching English to my fellow students,
most of who are from various parts of Argentina (plus a family from Peru and a
couple guys from Colombia, Chile, and Cuba). It’s sort of a work-study
arrangement- I don’t get “paid”, but I don’t have to pay tuition, either.
My class
I started with 6 students (all the first year seminarians),
and during the semester added 3 more. Officially, we meet Thursdays from 3-5- you
better believe I PACK those classes full- but since we all live together, I
find myself teaching plenty “outside” of class…basically, whenever I have a spare
moment. The kitchen, seems to be the space where the affective filter is
lowest.
Starting the semester
I created a diagnostic test of sorts for my students, and
learned that while they were familiar with explicit grammar instruction and
writing, they weren’t very skilled in conversation, which is what they were
most interested in. I also learned that I have a very diverse group in terms of
levels- from A, who has taken 7 years of classes in an English institute to R,
who took 2 weeks of English two years ago. After the diagnostic test, we sat
down together and came up with two main goals for the semester: 1) to improve
our understanding of English and be able to converse and 2) to learn about
Christianity in the English-speaking world. I built the curriculum and daily
objectives to support those two goals.
What does a “normal” class look like?
Long before class, I create a lesson plan- this takes about
6 hours, on average; I don’t have a textbook. Then, on Thursday, I print out
any materials I’ll need, and write the day’s objective and “plan” (sequence of
events) on a white board. I always start with a warm-up, normally a game or
conversation activity to lower the affective filter and “switch” gears into
English. From there, it varies. I’ve found it best to start with the most
hands-on activities (role plays, film clips), and then end class with reading,
evaluation, and a devotional thought. After class, I “grade” the class time and
myself: what worked or didn’t work? It takes discipline and honesty, but it
ensures that every class is better than the one before it, and that I improve
as a teacher.
Improvements for next semester
My new resolution is to speak more English with the students
outside of class- 1 day a week is not enough. I’d also like to incorporate more
explicit pronunciation/intonation and guided listening practice.
What’s the most challenging thing about my living/teaching
situation?
Living in community has its ups and downs- besides a
roommate (who is wonderful), I deal with 19 different personalities and cultural
assumptions and moods in and out of the “classroom”- almost exclusively in my
second language (Spanish). There is not much down time or personal space- tough
for an introvert like me! Living with my students has given me a distinct
humility as a teacher that I might not have gained anywhere else.
The most rewarding?
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| My English class/fellow students- a pretty awesome bunch! |
Going to the Obelisco last night to celebrate Argentina’s
semifinal World Cup win with the students and millions of Argentines. “This is
awesome”, remarked one (in English- I was so proud!). Then another echoed,
sarcastically: “yeah, just a little bit”. I have taught them well ;) Actually,
any time I can share tea with the students and have them comment that they
understood the lyrics to a song they heard in English or borrow my graduation
Bible to read is a pretty rewarding experience, too.
Advice?
Do as much homework as you can before you go live overseas,
and be flexible and willing to live (and teach) with less. Make time with God a
priority- it’s not easy with different demands on your life and emotions, but
it may be the only thing that will keep you sane and able to give generously to
your students. If you have a Mac, pack an extra charger. Explore your new home.
Bring peanut butter; even if you don’t like it, your students may want to try
something they’ve only seen in the movies. And…
Enjoy the adventure!
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