Thoughts on a Year of Teaching John
Naiker
A NTC Production
I am sitting on the grass just outside what will be my
classroom next year. The scorching heat of the afternoon has past and a welcome
coolness blows by on a gentle breeze. I can hear the far off hum of some piece
of electric machinery. Over the hum, birds colour the air with their concerto
of song.
The question: Well there’s more than one, but as I have
learned, more than one question can confuse a student so I’ll pick just one: What advice do you have for a new teacher at
lebone; experiences, reflections, discoveries, stories...
Dear New Teacher,
Would you be disappointed if I told you I have nothing for
you? Would you feel lost if I said I have no words of wisdom? No simple
techniques? No enlightening abstractions?
- At year end, I feel more unsure of what is right and what is wrong than ever before.
- Calling out or hands strictly in the air?
- Focused, attentive silence or a productive buzz?
- Friendly and jovial or strict and uncompromising?
- Planned meticulously or a good night’s sleep and some improve?
- Technical and analytical or emotional and heartfelt?
- Serious or Funny?
A balance must surely be the answer but if one year has
taught me anything it is that there is no way to learn to tightrope walk from a
chair.
What I do know is that the balancing act of teaching doesn’t
last 7.30 to 4.30, Monday to Friday. It extends into your every waking moment.
So, I watch the ants crawl past my feet. I realise it’s time
to leave for our final New Teachers Cafe meeting of the year. “Written rather
late?” you may question. Yip, I was doing other things J
Sincerely,
John Naiker
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