Mechanical engineering
Teaching Mechanical engineering in the 1st Technical Vocational School of Chania, I really can't help mentioning how difficult this can be for English teachers.
There is an enormous amount of new knowledge that a teacher has not only to acquire but also to be able to pass on to his/her students. The problem is that even you manage to find out what all these words and notions mean, then you have to learn how all this information functions in our native language. For example, even if I come up with the translation of Soldering, Brazing and Arc Welding, then it is necessary that I understand in which cases each method of joining metals is used. Forget me not, I had never been taught such theory or better say practice, in University. The point is that an English teacher in a vocational school has to devote too many hours looking up information on the web or consulting other colleagues, in order to be able to teach the subject effectively. Otherwise, he/she will just play the role of a glossary, a live dictionary.
Last but not least, I would like to mention that it would be really helpful to have a correct teacher's guide or at least be allowed to join the class in laboratory lessons too, so as to acquire a more detailed picture of what we have to teach. It seems that everything is done so as we never get bored, isn't it?
What happens in February?
I have been wondering if I am the only one feeling so bored after Christmas....Through a small survey I did at school during the previous week, I was really happy to find out that I am not...Really happy did I just say? Well, happy because it is not a personal misfunction but really unhappy for the whole climate around me...
I really cannot understand what is going on. Not a single student - not to mention my colleagues - seems to be in a good mood! Heavy steps along the corridors or up the stairs, "melting" on desks, lazy raising of hands, eyes looking at you but by no way watching you! The same goes for teachers as well! It may not be so intense but I can feel it around me...Sighs of relief when they hear the bell ringing, inability to solve minor behavioural problems in class, nerves breaking down quite easily...
I shall make one wish for the near future; let's hope that St. Valentine's which is approaching, together with the first signs of spring will let a breeze of rejuvenation blow in our schools. Let's not allow the "exhaust fumes" of the financial crisis, our personal problems, the fear of Big Bosses' plans, our pessimism and disappointment drown the most wonderful feeling in the world: being a teacher...Let's help it blossom together with the first rose buds...It will be our secret!
Welcome
Welcome to this new website about teaching English to Greek students in public schools. The purpose of this site is to share information, new ideas, useful links and whatever may seem interesting to me as far as the work we do in Greek public schools is concerned. It is addressed to teachers, students or anyone looking up information on teaching English. Hope you will enjoy...