TIC

TIC stands for "This is China". I learned during my study abroad in Beijing in 2010 (2 years ago.. TIME FLIES) that there is really no explanation for anything that happens other than "This is China"!

In class on Tuesday, my teacher, Chuck, gave us a great teaching tip. He uses "TIC" (This is China) to set up 6 goals: Teamwork, Improve English, Innovation, Creativity, Critical Thinking and Confidence. These goals are an easy way to start your class for the day. For example, "Today we will be working on your confidence when responding to the question 'How are you?'". Then at the end of the lesson I would ask my students, "Do you feel more confident now to respond to the question 'How are you?'"
I love this goal idea and I will definitely be using it in all my classes!

I wish I could explain in words how amazing a teacher Chuck is. As I mentioned in my previous post, he has been teaching here for over 15 years. He is one of the most dedicated teachers I have ever known. In the past three days he has shared a ton of stories with us that have truly inspired me to become an amazing teacher. He cares about every single one of his students that he has ever had and truly teaches to make a difference in THEIR lives.

Chuck taught us how to incorporate making a movie , a tv show and even a news broadcast show with our students. It gives the students an opportunity to be creative. After filming Chuck would edit the project and then give a burned copy to each student. He said the students were blown away with what they could actually do with the English they knew.

These stories may seem silly or pointless, but to me, it is the reason I have chosen to become a teacher. To be able to watch my students grow and become amazed at what they can do by the end of the year (I hope) is going to be a remarkable feeling.

The past three days of training have been absolutely exhausting but 100% worth it. After completing my lesson plan today, I feel more confident going into my class in two weeks to teach.

I cannot wait to get to Ma'anshan, Anhui and start teaching!  

Oh my Lady Gaga

Today was my first day of training! I woke up early and had breakfast at the hotel. THEY HAD FRIED EGGS! So that was a good start to my day for sure.

The training place is about a 15 minute walk from the hotel... so easy! There are 36 "teachers" in my training class. Most of them are teaching in Beijing but they are all so nice and I love listening to all the different accents. I actually met a girl from Charleston, SC... small world!

My training teacher is English and has taught in China for over 15 years. He is incredibly knowledgeable and funny. He makes the 8 hours go by "quickly". But regardless of how funny he is, it is impossibly hard for me to sit for 8 hours with no phone or computer. Hopefully I'll be a pro by day 7!

You may be wondering why the title of my post is called "Oh my Lady Gaga". Well, after 8 hours of training today the one thing that stuck the most was that Asians don't say "oh my god" they say "Oh my Lady Gaga". Too funny.

But really.. I did learn more than just that. After one day of training I actually feel 60% more confident about teaching college students than I did yesterday.

Mom and Dad, you'll relate to this the most... I have always wondered why Asians just walk around without a purpose or stop in the middle of the sidewalk or cut in front of you or walk in front of you. Well today I found out that Asians are "Field Independent" which means they "see the forest for the trees."Meaning, they are not socially aware. Good to know. I thought they were just being rude.

I learned today that I am "Field Dependent" which means I see the "big picture." Meaning, I am socially sensitive. Makes sense.

The MOST important thing I learned today is that I am authoritative with a little laissez-fair side, which is the best kind of teacher to be!

So overall, today was a very informative, successful day. I learned a lot about myself and learned some great teaching tips.

Right now I am in the hotel restaurant eating dumplings and sticky rice (WITH NO SALT)... so not okay. I forget I need to travel with my own salt in China. Oh and I am having a glass of red wine : ).

I may be doing adult things but I most definitely still feel like a child.

One day at a time

This morning I left for Beijing for my week of training before I officially move to Ma'anshan to teach English at Anhui University of Technology.

I woke up this morning feeling lost and confused. When I landed my job in March I was SO excited and couldn't wait to start teaching. However, when today came, the day I move into the real world... I woke up feeling all out of sorts. I mean, I still feel like a child... am I REALLY ready for the real world?

My mom gave me great advice before I left: "Take it one day at a time. Today you are flying to Beijing. Tomorrow you start training." Of course I can't look at this move as one year, away from home, family, friends and normality.

Today by no means was an easy day, but I got through it! I learned that change isn't easy and the real world is a scary unknown to me. But with the support from my family, friends and God I know that even on the difficult days days I will continue to be strong.

So today I moved to Beijing for a week of training. Tomorrow I start training. I CAN DO THIS.