Thursday, July 11, 2024

A Productive Wednesday in the Life of an ESL Teacher


Morning Routine and Preparation

Today began early at 7:30 AM, ensuring I had ample time to prepare for a busy day ahead. A refreshing shower and careful outfit selection set the tone for a productive day. By 8:45 AM, I was ready and waiting for the van to take me to the university.

Administrative Tasks and ERP System Update

Upon arriving at the university, I dived straight into administrative tasks, including checking papers and completing enrollment forms for new students. A significant part of the morning was dedicated to a meeting about a new feature added to our ERP system. Despite having familiarized myself with the update, the meeting provided valuable insights. However, I noticed that some previously entered data had been removed due to the system upgrade. I promptly informed my teaching assistant, who re-entered the data efficiently, ensuring everything was back on track.

Student Interactions and Clarifications

After the meeting, I returned to my desk to continue checking papers. A Level 4 student, who had been absent, submitted her summer writing assignment. Additionally, a student I had been trying to reach for days came by. We clarified all the necessary details for the next semester's courses, resolving any lingering confusion.

Lunch Break and Colleague Interaction

The lunch break with colleagues was a pleasant interlude, providing an opportunity to relax and share a few laughs. Such moments are essential for maintaining a positive work environment and fostering good relationships among colleagues.

Afternoon Classes: Level 5 and Level 4

The afternoon was dedicated to teaching. The Level 5 reading and writing class focused on cause and effect essays. Initially, the students were a bit confused, but with guidance, they soon grasped the concept. I assigned them to download a relevant paper and prepare for writing their first draft in the next class. We also reviewed common grammatical mistakes to avoid in their writing.

In the Level 4 class, I introduced a video task, which the students found engaging and enjoyable. We began a new reading task on virtual immortality and mystical places, incorporating fascinating videos on Greek mythology and other mystical themes. The students were captivated by these topics. I assigned five weekly reading tasks to ensure consistent practice and manageable workload.

End of the Day and Personal Time

After finishing the classes, I packed up and took a rickshaw home. The day concluded with a relaxing dinner outside with a colleague, where we discussed the day’s events and shared personal interests.

Reflection

Reflecting on today, it was a day of balancing administrative responsibilities, engaging with students, and implementing effective teaching methods. Each day as an ESL teacher brings new challenges and opportunities to connect with my students and colleagues, making my role both demanding and rewarding.

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