An-American-in-Malta

Teaching ELF to French Students in Malta

 

     C' est dommage, mais this is NOT fun

 

 

There's an expression:  If a teacher you become--by your students you'll be taught.

 

So, let me tell you I have learned many things from my French young men, but this is the most important lesson:  I thank G-d I had girls, not sons.

 

In less than two weeks, here's what's happened with my French boys:

One morning, I noticed that my French student J. had been beaten to a French pulp.  He had several dents in his forehead.  So what had happened?  The night before he had been in Paceville, the big club area in Malta notorious for lots of drinking, sex and....fights. 

 

I asked him if the fight was over a woman.  He said no.  Then his friend F. said it had been over two women. (That's what we call a French lie.) 

My French Students in Malta

 

Teaching EFL in Malta

             The French Connection

 

 

Did I tell you that I'm learning French?  Not on purpose, but my French students--two young men who must pass a certain test in English to get into their university studies--insist on speaking French to each other in the class. 

 

These guys can hardly speak English, but it's amazing how French they are when they do manage a few words.  They are really struggling with this test called the TOEFL.  This past Friday at 5:30 PM I came into the classroom to find them already there and looking like they were half dead.

 

I told them I know how hard it is to come in on a Friday evening to study English for an exam.  That's because I know how hard it is to teach English on a Friday evening for an exam.  One of my guys looked at me and said, "Ah, but it is such a pleasure to see you."

 

Love that French accent.

 

Here's something very useful if you ever need to teach French males age 21 and 23.  If you ever need to get across an abstract concept in English, talk about it terms of beautiful women.  I was trying to get across the meaning of the idiom "it can't end a moment too soon for me."  I totally failed until I compared spending time with a beautiful woman versus a woman who is not so beautiful.  Voila! They immediately got what I was trying to say.

 

I don't always like talking about women in terms of looks, but when you're a teacher, you have to do what works.  And this is what works with my French guys.

First EFL Students in Malta

 

    I  Taught a Student and I Liked it.....

        (as in I Kissed a Girl and I  Liked it by Katy Perry)

 

Today I'm going to talk about the good part of things, for a change.  I had my first few classes with students--and I did like them.  And I think--I hope--I'll be a good teacher.

 

It was true--teaching in the real world was not as terrifying as teaching while being observed during the CELTA course.  Having had no real teaching experience before, I didn't even know if I would like teaching.  I'm really relieved that I do.

 

I'm teaching three different classes (I'm holding back on the complaints until the next time--but I'll give you a hint: the complaints have to do with being forced to teach three separate classes, including one in the evening--when I really only wanted to work part-time in the first place).  I've got three German students, two French and one woman in her 50s from Switzerland who speaks French and German, but is absolutely determined to learn English.

 

My first week went well; one of my favorite students is returning home to Germany this week, though.  If you're reading this, my young friend, leave me a comment so I know you got back safely to Germany.

 

I had my less than impressive moments, however--like the time I went to play the Susan Boyle video to inspire my German students.  We finally got the Utube video to come on, but something was plugged in wrong and Susan Boyle's voice came out like Alvin and the chipmunks.

 

At that point, I could see my German students questioning my American taste in celebrities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Starting to Teach EFL in Malta

 

      I have my First Fan at the School

 

I just finished my first week at the school and haven't seen--or rather taught--any students.  I've seen plenty, but they all belong to other teachers.

 

Nevertheless, I have my first fan:

Teaching English in Malta

               

                      Mondays in School

Beware: Hazardous Conditions Ahead

 

           

 

 

Here's the good news:  On Monday, I started working in the language school that hired me.   And I discovered that the toilets work very well.  And the other teachers are very helpful and friendly.  I haven't seen any students yet.  My boss (called the Director of Studies--DOS) is giving me time to plan my lessons.  And my school is close enough to my house to be able to go home for lunch.

 

Here's the bad news: On Monday, I started working in the language school that hired me.   Monday is the worst day in a language school, especially for the DOS--and anyone having to ask the DOS a question--such as a new, frightened teacher (me).

 

Why?

 

Because on Mondays--every Monday--there is a slew of new, desperate language students who cram the office of the DOS, trying to find out who their teacher is, where their classroom is, why their teacher has been changed from the week before, if they can switch to a higher level, if they get their teacher fired, things like that.

 

So when I went in on Monday and stood like a puppy dog, waiting among the students for my moment with the DOS, I had a moment of absolute clarity:  don't talk to the DOS on Mondays.  And how did I come to this conclusion?  Was it a thought that just magically entered my mind?

 

Not exactly.  It helped that my DOS said to me, "I'm sorry. I don't have time for you this morning."   It doesn't matter that it was my first day as a "teacher."  I broke a rule which I won't break again:  I tried to talk to the DOS on a Monday.

 

Listen, I learn quickly.  And the proof is that today, Tuesday, my DOS asked how I was doing and if I needed any help.  I thanked her and said that, actually, I did need some help with something.

 

And she said, I'm sorry, but I don't have time to talk to you this morning. But that's OK.  I should have known better.  After all, it's Tuesday--the day after Monday.  And you don't talk to your DOS on Monday.