BUILDING COURAGEOUS STUDENTS

This was my the first time teaching at a government school. I was concerned how this would go.

From my previous experience, I had met some government teachers and they despised us non-government teachers because we were causing them to have fewer students in their tuition paid classes. Nevertheless, the government teachers from this village are very friendly and pleased to have us at their school.

One of the government teachers told me that his co-workers were nervous to see us as they thought we would scrutinize how they taught. But, since there are not enough teachers, one of them requested that we teach.

I started teaching Grade 8 students. They were really curious to see how the first class would be. We were the new teachers and they had heard that our classes are fun and enjoyable. After the third class, we realized that we could teach them using our methods.

I think it mainly depends on the teacher to inspire and motivate students. When their teacher is active, they become energetic too; and when their teacher is sluggish, they become slower and slower and the class gradually turns dull. Thus, it's up to the teacher to create a better learning environment.

In the fourth class, our students  were really engaged. The students practiced by writing on the board. Then they were assigned to make sentences by themselves using specific verbs and nouns. By using their thinking skills and doing things with their own hands, they remember what they've done.

Some of the higher-level students finished early so I assigned them to go around the class and check their friends’ book as temporary teachers. They were happy to help and checked each other’s books carefully.

When a teacher creates a friendly environment and a welcoming atmosphere in which students can depend on themselves and encourages them to learn from their mistakes, students become self-reliant, courageous and happy in the class.

Aung Free
NEH Local Teacher Trainee

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