Reflections

It’s been a good couple of days. Classes have been easy because we spend the entire time watching things. I think the students have earned the break and they appreciate it. When I explain what we’re going to be doing for the day, many of the classes erupt into applause, smiles, and shouts of joy because they’re so thrilled. Though it might not seem a worthwhile exercise at first, the session really is educational because I’m exposing the students to western culture and the English language. Plus, the kids need to have more fun in their lives because they can barely control themselves when they are able to do something enjoyable. 


During the movie Stardust, some individuals will read the subtitles along with the actors; shout out exciting plot points like, “Unicorn!” when a white horse with a glued-on horn appears on the screen; hide their friends’ eyes when there’s a shot of a woman’s unclothed shoulders; and grab onto their neighbor when there’s a scary part in the action. It’s almost more entertaining for me to observe the students watching the movie than it is for me to see the actual film itself. 


Before we start Stardust, I have been insisting that the students give me ten seconds of silence. If anyone in the room speaks or whispers to a friend, the time starts again. Of all six or seven groups that I’ve tried this exercise with, only one has managed to reach the goal in the first attempt. This illustrates something important that I’ve recently understood: Chinese culture is very interactive and the students need constant stimulation. I think this observation helps explain the noise levels in my classes because the kids are constantly talking about some engaging photo I’ve posted on the board, the topic we’re covering, or they’re reading the words I’ve included in my KeyNote presentation. It certainly is different from our culture and I still haven’t completely become comfortable with it. 


Below is an amusing exchange from today that occurred after two girls had chatted amongst themselves for a few seconds before approaching me; they had obviously spent the time prepping a topic to discuss because I had heard them rehearsing phrases.


Student #1: Do you know cherry blossoms?
Me: Yes, I do.
Student #1: Do you like?
Me: Yes, I think they are very beautiful.
Student #1: They Japanese symbol.
Me: Yes, there are many cherry trees in Japan.
Student #1: Have you seen the trees on campus? I don't know how many are.
Me: Yes, I see them every day.
Student #1: Do you have any information about cherry blossoms to tell us?
Me, not quite sure how to answer this question: Um. I love to eat cherries because I think they’re tasty.
Student #1: Yes, they’re very delicious and healthy for us.
Me: Yes, they are.
The summer weather I was talking about in my last post has vanished. It’s been rainy and foggy the past couple of days, though I’m not complaining because I prefer cooler temperatures.


Here are the rest of the photos I promised: