So, last Saturday (December 8) was our (Nimmy M., Naila K., Alaa K.) last session!
Our students have been asking if they were getting any closer to the end of the program. Since we never really told them the answer, they were really surprised when we started the class by telling them they're graduating. Some kept asking if it was really our last meeting, and some even mistook the term graduation as final exam and kept panicking. I could see smiles on their faces when we told them they're finally getting their certificates (also dinner), one of them even made it obvious that he was overjoyed. Not too long after that though, when we asked if they were really that happy, many started telling us that they weren't. They said that they were sad because they really liked learning with us, and that the classes have been really useful for them and they didn't wish to stop. Some even asked why it had to end here. We had to assure them that the program will still continue and there are still chances for us to study together again. They're all wonderful students with high excitement to learn and we're really proud of them! (They even always come on Saturdays at 9AM when our class is supposed to start at 9.30!)
Our students have been asking if they were getting any closer to the end of the program. Since we never really told them the answer, they were really surprised when we started the class by telling them they're graduating. Some kept asking if it was really our last meeting, and some even mistook the term graduation as final exam and kept panicking. I could see smiles on their faces when we told them they're finally getting their certificates (also dinner), one of them even made it obvious that he was overjoyed. Not too long after that though, when we asked if they were really that happy, many started telling us that they weren't. They said that they were sad because they really liked learning with us, and that the classes have been really useful for them and they didn't wish to stop. Some even asked why it had to end here. We had to assure them that the program will still continue and there are still chances for us to study together again. They're all wonderful students with high excitement to learn and we're really proud of them! (They even always come on Saturdays at 9AM when our class is supposed to start at 9.30!)
These guys are never scared to make mistakes. They ask and answer every single time no matter right or wrong. We all should learn more from them.
Their focus is amazing, too! (Some can't resist the temptation of cameras, though)
After class, we talked for a while about how this program went on for them. We asked them if it helped, if it made them more confident in talking in English (which I know it did, seeing how much louder and engaged they were in class compared to our first sessions). They said 7 weeks were too short for them and they wanted the program to go on for a bit longer. They also said that they'll definitely come back if the program is on next semester.It was a good experience for them and the same for us. We told them they were such a pleasure to teach and they told us they will miss us. Aww :'(
We ended the day by once again practicing singing Waving Flag, and also...
Alaa brought us donuts! (Thank you Alaa!)
They said they wanted pictures of everyone having donuts together. They wouldn't let us be in the picture without having one.
The last bit was really emotional for me. We had a hard time convincing them that it was not our last chance to meet and that we'll be there on their graduation. They kept asking for pictures, record videos, tell us that they had such a great time learning with us, some of them even still asked if it was really our last class! It took a while until they finally agreed to stop and walk out the class, after hundreds of "Thank you!", "Have a great week!", "We'll see you on Wednesday!"
I have to agree with them though. It has been a long, but really memorable 7 weeks. I think I'll miss having to get up in the morning every Saturday to teach.
It is very difficult to really convey the true experience of teaching. Ever since I was a kid I’ve always loved teaching and this love grew with me as I grew older. Whenever any teacher in my middle and high school asked for volunteers to explain any point, or even a whole lesson, I was always one of the first volunteers. In many times, I was the one chosen to teach the class.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first entered Carnegie Mellon University Qatar and attended the first classes, I thought I would never be able to teach again because the class atmosphere was totally different than in high schools; it was a bit more serious. Nevertheless, as the days past, the Student Majlis organized a club fair where I was introduced to the Language Bridges program. When I read the club’s name from far away, I first thought that it was a reading or writing club where the club members are only “learners.” However, when I came closer, I overheard Mashail Al-misned talking to a student about teaching basic English to migrant workers. Immediately, without any hesitation, I told my friend Shafiya, who was with me at that time and also joined the club, that I want to and I am going to join that club. With complete excitement, I signed my name, and finally became a member of what I believe is one of the best clubs at CMUQ.
I eagerly waited to meet my students, and just start teaching!! And that was the case in every week since the program had begun. Shafiya and Mona, my group members and I chose to teach on Tuesdays. Although we would usually have a calculus or business exam the following day, we never missed any class. I believe that is because we enjoyed what were doing, though it required some effort from our side, especially after a long school day. Planning and preparing lessons, printing classwork and homework, correcting students’ homework, and standing in front and talking to the class was all the effort we had to make, and it was completely worth it. Not forgetting to mention, IT WAS A COMPLETELY FUN EXPERIENCE. As much as we wanted the student to learn, we wanted them to have fun as well, because it is said that when there is fun, learning is present and students enjoy coming to class.
To make our class enjoyable, we played some music, and even used them as one of our teaching tools, showed some videos, talked about personal life stories, and threw some jokes every now and then. Moreover, we tried to keep the students engaged by asking them questions and rewarding them with chocolate bars for whoever gives a right answer… and a wrong one as well.
At last, When there is fun to be had and “food to be eaten” :P, surely, there are nice memories to be made. The Language Bridges program is one of the very best memories I made in my first semester at CMUQ. I am really happy that I was given the opportunity to teach and do something I love, and give back to society at the same time Moreover, Teaching the Migrant workers was the best teaching experience I ever had, because the Language bridges’ students wanted, enjoyed, and loved to learn anything about English. They never wanted the class to end, unlike my middle and high school classmates who just couldn’t wait for the bell to ring and go meet with their friends.
I totally recommend all the CMUQ student to join the club, and not miss the great experience of teaching.
P.s. I didn't know where to post this and this is the only place I found where I can post anything!!