Each day comes bearing its own gifts. Untie the ribbons.
~Ruth Ann Schabacker

KET preparation class

I'm starting my first class in Cam Ranh today. Just like expected, I'm supposed to do a few practices in the booklet (exactly 4) without any orientation or guidance on grammar/ vocabulary focus. It's obvious that I have to come up with abundant activities.

I get the materials 2 hours before class and I run into some minor problems while preparing for it. My motorbike does not start on my way home, and there is no power at home for internet connection. The materials are simply a booklet of tests without answer keys. I preview the pages then work on my laptop to find out 2 handouts for them to warm up about Road signs and Jobs. I eat quickly to save time so that I can get back to school in time to print some documents.

Time to kick off. There is just one little boy outside the classroom, who turns out to be Ta`i after a couple of exhanges. He is a good student with good voice; he is also confident and rich in ideas for discussion. He is a bit internal and not very cooperative in class, though. For a broader view, all boys are quite quick at learning.

Twenty minutes later, I get the class started. The first exercise reveals that their level is a bit lower than expected. They dont know many of the road signs description due to some words like "maximum, slippery, limit, overtake, entry", and it gets even worse when I try to explain to them in English.

Thuy is active and confident by her look. She does not need as much attention as the little girls with long earings.

Next time I'll put them in a video clip with my cellphone and update this log. Videos should turn them out to be more excited about speaking

3 people have left comments

Bui Chi Thuan said:

Next time I will do a Vob review with my lovely tiny software. Also, I will play the song "No limit" as the learners did not know it when I mentioned in class. It could be a chance for them to learn some new words like "sky, deep, high, pride..."

Anonymous

Anonymous said:

'Oxford Essential Dictionary' has a couple of KET multiple choice question. It is interactive, and thus could be used for in-class activities. The only problem is the school does not have a projector, and the letters on my screen are too small for a group to read

Bui Chi Thuan said:

The school take the class back, saying that the student prefer the former teacher. Hmm.